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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Freight Handler 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96396  Occupational Certificate: Freight Handler 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA 
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 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  122  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
122623  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Freight Handling Practitioner  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  122  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate successfully as a Freight Handler within the transport sector. A freight handler receives, allocates, stores, picks, reconciles and dispatches freight through a storage facility. A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Demonstrates receiving of freight.
  • Demonstrates allocation of freight for storage and control of stock.
  • Prepares and ensures the picking of freight for loading/off-loading processes according to specified procedures.
  • Reconciles and dispatches freight according to the legislation.

    This qualification reflects workplace-based needs in the wider Freight Handling Industry, both now and in the future. Freight Handling is diverse in nature, therefore a fairly wide range of competencies are required by employees. The qualification aims to provide the foundational and initial skills required for an individual in the industry to handle freight successfully; be an effective team member; and to undertake those tasks required to contribute to the effective processing of freight.

    Rationale:
    The Occupational Certificate in Freight Handling provides a learning opportunity for learners who wish to pursue and advance a career in the movement of goods and ensure that freight is handled safely and in an efficient way. The qualification prepares learners for employment opportunities within the broader freight transport industry, which includes a variety of settings, such as, warehouses, factories, ports, rail and airports. Knowledge obtained will be useful within various goods handling environments. This qualification offer learners an opportunity to further their studies in a variety of specialist areas within the transport sector. Areas of specialisation include the following:
  • Containers Handling.
  • Stevedoring.
  • Bulk Operations.
  • Port Operations.
  • Airline Ground Crew.
  • Courier Services.
  • Pipeline.
  • Warehousing and Distributions.

    On-the-job experience can progressively lead to positions of more responsibility in the safe handling of goods and freight.

    This qualification will serve to promote safe and successful transportation of dangerous goods by multi-modes of transport (sea, road, air and rail) and aims to promote professionalism, work ethics and good governance within learners. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (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:
    Learners are required to have an NQF Level 2 qualification in order to be considered for admission. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 3 and 4, totalling 122 Credits made up of knowledge, practical skill, and work experience modules.

    Knowledge Modules at NQF Level 3 totalling 36 Credits:
  • 833301000-KM-01, Freight Handler Theory, NQF Level 3, Credits 33.
  • 833301000-KM-02, Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation, NQF Level 3, Credits 1.
  • 833301000-KM-03, Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics, NQF Level 3, Credits 1.
  • 833301000-KM-04, Communication Theory, NQF Level 3, Credits 1.

    Practical Skill Modules at NQF Level 3 and 4, totalling 26 Credits:
  • 833301000-PM-01, Receiving of Freight, NQF Level 3, Credits 5.
  • 833301000-PM-02, Allocating Freight for Storage, NQF Level 4, Credits 5.
  • 833301000-PM-03, Picking of Freight, NQF Level 3, Credits 5.
  • 833301000-PM-04, Reconciling of Freight, NQF Level 3, Credits 5.
  • 833301000-PM-05, Dispatching of Freight, NQF Level 3, Credits 6.

    Work Experience Modules at NQF Level 3 and 4, totalling 60 Credits:
  • 833301000-WM-01, Processes and procedures to receive freight and observe operational requirements relating to freight handling: stevedoring or warehousing or bulk cargo or courier or air freight operations, NQF Level 3, Credits 12.
  • 833301000-WM-02, The organisational freight allocation processes, systems and procedures, NQF Level 4, Credits 12.
  • 833301000-WM-03, The practices of picking freight accurately as per customer requirements, NQF Level 3, Credits 12.
  • 833301000-WM-04, Processes and procedures to reconcile freight correctly as per customer order requirements, NQF Level 3, Credits 12.
  • 833301000-WM-05, The dispatching of freight practices as per customer, legislative and organisational requirements, NQF Level 3, Credits 12. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrates receiving of freight.
    2. Demonstrates allocation of freight for storage and control of stock.
    3. Prepares and ensures the picking of freight for loading/off-loading processes according to specified procedures.
    4. Reconciles and dispatches freight according to the legislation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Freight unloaded from mode of transport as per Code of Practice.
  • Quantity and quality of received freight are checked for correctness of goods as per the delivery note.
  • The delivery note is checked for correctness of quantity and quality of the received freight.
  • Freight is received and recorded as per company policies and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Stock information is recorded and the appropriate method of storage is determined in line with company policies and procedures.
  • Freight groups are identified and placed within the defined storage area according to company policies and procedures.
  • Freight quantities and quality are managed as per quality management system requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The picking sequence is determined based on the picking instructions, organisational schedule, customer requirements and freight identified on the picking list.
  • Freight handling equipment and/or machinery is selected based on the characteristics of the freight to be picked, the storage facility and respective time constraints.
  • The different methods and protocols for picking freight are utilised during the picking process on different types and categories of freight.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Freight is reconciled and dispatched in accordance with the dispatch order, and the different legislative, regulative, customer and organisational requirements for labelling freight.
  • Freight quantities are calculated correctly in relation to picking instructions and picking lists.
  • Freight quality is determined and verified against the relevant expiry date, damages, spoilage and packing.
  • The freight that is reconciled and prepared for dispatch is recorded in terms of organisational requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide the learners on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the 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.

    The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at a registered trade test centre. The written examination will be concluded at the registered assessment centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of one working day. During both the theoretical and practical assessments, the learner must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of receiving, allocating, storage, picking, reconciling and dispatching of freight. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Freight Handling industry has globally recognised legislation, best practices, standards and training. Comparison for this qualification has been done to ensure that best practise and internationally agreed standards are met accordingly.

    Irish International Freight Association:
    The Irish International Freight Association in the United Kingdom specialises in freight handling and forwarding. They assist in deciding the best modes and methods for moving specific goods according to a specific requirement, on a worldwide scale. They also give advice regarding appropriate methods to physically transport the goods (via land, sea or air) and also provide specialist support regarding consolidation, storage, handling, packing, and distribution in different cargo types. They also provide training which covers the following:
  • General knowledge of the Industry.
  • Sea Transport.
  • Road Transport.
  • Air Transport.
  • Customs Procedures.
  • Warehousing/Logistics.
  • Transport Insurance.
  • Manual Handling Training (City and Guilds).

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the training programme offered by the Irish International Freight Association. Areas regarding management of freight are similar and they are all covered and they are managed within and in accordance with internationally agreed standards. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate in Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Airline Ground Crew, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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.