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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Career Development Information Officer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96372  Occupational Certificate: Career Development Information Officer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - ETDP SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 05 - Education, Training and Development  Schooling 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Career Development Information Officer.
A Career Development Information Officer provides individuals and groups with information about career choices and how to access their career paths that will empower them to make informed career related decisions.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Provide career development information to individual clients so as to empower them to make informed career development decisions.
  • Provide career development information to groups so as to empower group members to make informed career development decisions.
  • Maintain administrative and networking functions to ensure efficient and effective career development information services.

    Rationale:
    As stated in the Framework for Cooperation in the provision of Career Development (Information, Advice and Guidance) Services in South Africa, dated October 2012, the development of a skilled and capable workforce to support an inclusive growth path is an accepted national priority.

    This qualification is presented in support of the framework, especially with reference to the stated need for the establishment of standards of competence for persons delivering career development related services.
    As no formal registered qualification or competency standards exist for persons delivering Career Development Information Services in South Africa, this qualification seeks to address this.
    A large number of persons will have to be trained to meet the national demand for Career Development Information Officers. The immediate demand is estimated at some 10 000 beneficiaries from government institutions such as schools, relevant government departments and educational institutions. This qualification will also serve the needs of Non-Governmental Organisations and private initiatives that provide career development information services to their clients. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.
    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 4 qualification.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory Theory/Knowledge and Practical Skills Modules:
    Theory/Knowledge Modules:
  • 242301001-KM-01, Introduction to Career Development Practice and Concepts, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 242301001-KM-02, Applied Communication Concepts, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 242301001-KM-03, National Structures, Laws and Policies, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 242301001-KM-04, Career Development Theory and Concepts, NQF Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 242301001-KM-05, Careers and Study Options, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Theory/Knowledge Modules: 52 Credits.

    Practical Skills Modules:
  • 242301001-PM-01, Provide assistance to clients to enable them to make informed career-related decisions, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 242301001-PM-02, Facilitate information sharing processes with groups that will assist with career-related decisions, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 242301001-PM-03, Maintain an efficient and effective career information service, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 32 Credits.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 242301001-WM-01, Individual career development information sharing processes, NQF Level 5, 13 Credits.
  • 242301001-WM-02, Group career development information sharing events, NQF Level 5, 13 Credits.
  • 242301001-WM-03, Maintenance of efficient and effective career information services, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 36 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Provide career development information to individual clients that will assist them to make informed career development decisions.
    2. Provide career development information to groups that will assist group members to make informed career development decisions.
    3. Maintain administrative and networking functions to ensure efficient and effective career development information services. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Career development information services are delivered in an organised manner by planning and scheduling work activities.
  • Client information is collected through various channels, is captured, and is verified for accuracy and completeness and is administered in accordance with accepted information safekeeping procedures.
  • A professional and ethical approach to career development information services and the boundaries related to the delivery of career development information services is understood and demonstrated.
  • Administration and the application of self-assessment instruments used during client information sharing sessions are understood and demonstrated.
  • The ability to source, evaluate and present information on career development options is demonstrated.
  • The ability to provide clients with the information that will assist them to make informed career development decisions is demonstrated.
  • The principles of lifelong learning are understood and their application thereof is demonstrated for the individual.
  • The roles, responsibilities and ethical boundaries of the Career Development Information Officer as related to associated codes, associations and career opportunities are understood.
  • Career development and support concepts are explained and applied.
  • Communication concepts and practices that are applied when delivering career development information services are explained.
  • Financing of learning through various sourcing options and securing of funding is explained.
  • A general awareness of national structures, laws and policies that have an impact on career development trends and national priorities is shown.
  • Knowledge of career development theories, concepts and practices is demonstrated.
  • The various aspects that have an impact on career and study options are explained.
  • Client challenges that require further assistance are recognised and acted upon through an appropriate referral system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The requirements of and ability to plan and prepare for an information sharing event that meets the requirements of the target audience and the objectives of the event are explained and demonstrated.
  • Information sharing events are attended to in accordance with specific requirements of the target audience and the objectives of the event.
  • The principles of lifelong learning are understood and the application of these principles is presented to a group.
  • Ethical and professional boundaries related to the delivery of career development information services to a group are understood and demonstrated.
  • Information sharing presentations are evaluated and adapted for delivery to meet the requirements of an information sharing event.
  • Information sharing presentations are delivered and questions raised seeking clarity on information is responded to appropriately.
  • Feedback on information sharing events is evaluated and responded to.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Administrative functions associated with the delivery of career development information sharing services are properly performed.
  • Reports are compiled and circulated according to the standards of good practice.
  • Stocks and inventories of career development information resources are controlled according to the standards of good practice.
  • The role of referral services available from career development professionals is understood and appropriate referral services are utilised.
  • The role of support services available from stakeholders that contribute to the delivery of career development information services is understood and appropriate support services are utilised.
  • A support network that will foster professional support is identified, established and utilised.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    Skills development providers will use the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting (where applicable) to guide the formative assessment of the knowledge and practical skill modules. The theoretical knowledge can also be formatively assessed in the context of application of the practical component. The formative assessment provides the basis for an internal summative assessment which is captured as a statement of results. The statement of results for the required knowledge and practical skill modules is a prerequisite for access to the external integrated summative assessment.

    External Integrated Summative assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.
    Learners will complete a knowledge assessment and a practical assessment structured as simulated activities conducted at an assessment site that is conducive for assessments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    No references that specifically relate to Career Development Information Officers have been found; and the available references commonly relate to Career Development of Guidance Practitioners. However, thee references provide a basis for comparability, as the competencies of Practitioners are closely related to those of the Career Information Officers, but with differences in the duration of the qualification. Thus one qualification was used for the international comparability purposes.

    The University of the West Indies offers a Certificate in Guidance and Counselling which is designed for persons involved in the education, growth and development of youth. It begins with an introduction to the basic tenets and principles of guidance. The specialised course of Guidance and Counselling is examined theoretically and practically. Tied in with this is an understanding of psycho-educational development. The qualification consists of the following modules:
  • Introduction to Counselling.
  • Psycho-educational Development.
  • Foundations and Administration of Guidance.
  • Career Development and Career Counselling.
  • Classroom Guidance.
  • Assessment and Appraisal.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the international qualification in terms of the module content and the purpose of the qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities:

    Horizontally:
    Higher Certificate in Community Development at NQF Level 5.

    Vertically:
    Diploma in Community and Development Studies at NQF Level 6. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
    The curriculum title and code is: Career Development Information Officer: 242301001. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.