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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Visual Merchandiser 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99688  Occupational Certificate: Visual Merchandiser 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - W&RSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Wholesale and Retail 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  30  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 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 Visual Merchandiser.

A Visual Merchandiser plans, develops and displays merchandise visually in order to create and maintain interest in the chosen target market and promote sales.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Develop and implement visual merchandising plans.
  • Merchandise stock visually.
  • Maintain and evaluate visual merchandising displays.

    Rationale:
    Visual Merchandising is a scarce skill in South Africa. Feedback from stakeholders of the Wholesale and Retail SETA identified Visual Merchandisers as critical to the success of any wholesale and retail business.

    A successful retailing business requires that a distinct and consistent image be created in customer's minds, permeating all product and service offerings. Visual Merchandising can help create a positive customer image of the business and its products that leads to successful sales. It not only communicates the stores image, but also reinforces the retail outlet's advertising efforts. It also encourages impulse buying and thus a role such as this requires a competent Visual Merchandiser.

    This qualification empowers learners with technical skills to improve the merchandising image of an outlet. Adequate application of the outcomes of this qualification can lead to improved economic conditions for the wholesale and retail sector. 
    		•

    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 results 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 2 with Mathematical Literacy and Communication. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 343203000-KM-01: Concepts and principles of developing visual merchandising plans, Level 3, Credits 4.
  • 343203000-KM-02: Concepts and principles of implementing visual merchandising plans/action plans, Level 3, Credits 3.
  • 343203000-KM-03: Concepts and principles of maintaining and evaluating visual merchandising displays, Level 3, Credits 2.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 9.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 343203000-PM-01: Develop and prepare an action plan for the implementation of visual merchandising plans/displays/windows, Level 3, Credits 2.
  • 343203000-PM-02: Dress the display/window, Level 3, Credits 2.
  • 343203000-PM-03: Maintain and evaluate visual merchandising displays, Level 3, Credits 2.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 6.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 343203000-WM-01: Processes and procedures for setting up visual merchandising displays, Level 3, Credits 10.
  • 343203000-WM-02: Processes and procedures for maintaining and evaluating visual merchandising displays, Level 3, Credits 5.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 15. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop visual merchandising plan/action plan.
    2. Set up and dismantle visual merchandising displays.
    3. Maintain and evaluate visual merchandising displays. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Various principles of visual Merchandising to be adhered to when developing Visual Merchandising plans are explained with examples that are appropriate to the given scenario.
  • Visual Merchandising action plans developed by the learner are in line with the promotional strategy given in the scenario.
  • Given Visual Merchandising plans are adapted to the given scenario requirements.
  • Appropriate fixtures and display carriers are chosen for the given scenario and the impact they have on enhancing Visual Merchandising is explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Display area is prepared according to organisational requirements.
  • Stock is gathered according to the Visual Merchandising display plan.
  • Props, fixtures and display carriers used are appropriate for the merchandise to be displayed.
  • Appropriate ticketing and signage is used for the display and the merchandise.
  • Display equipment from set up to dismantling is handled in a safe manner that minimises damage and maintains safety of the staff as well as customers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The importance of maintaining Visual Merchandising displays is explained in a manner that highlights principles to be adhered to when maintaining displays (such as replenishing stock on the display, what should be done to the display if stock is not available to ensure it still meets visual merchandising plan requirements).
  • A display is evaluated for compliance with the Principles of Visual Merchandising.
  • The impact of the display is evaluated taking into consideration its impact in growth of sales.
  • Where the Visual Merchandising display did not have the desired impact, solutions and recommendations given are appropriate and practical without compromising Visual Merchandising principles.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them 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 relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (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 assessment will consist of a set of written responses (paper or on-line) which will test the learner's ability to develop visual merchandising plans/action plans, setting up and maintaining visual merchandising displays. The written assessment will be conducted over a period of four hours at a QCTO accredited assessment centre. The assessment will be conducted by a registered assessor. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with equivalent qualifications and/or courses from countries that have long standing evidence of successful wholesale and retail practices, such as the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Canada, Spain, and New Zealand. An international comparability study showed that these countries have education, training and development organisations that offer learning in Visual Merchandising.

    This qualification compares favourably with qualifications registered on the United Kingdom and New Zealand Qualifications Frameworks such as:
  • Certificate in Retail Skills (Visual Merchandiser), Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 3 - National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) - UK.
  • National Certificate in Retail (Visual Merchandiser) Level 4 - New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) NQ REF 0995.
  • Certificate in Visual Merchandising and Window Dressing - Dublin.
  • Certificate in Intermediate Visual Merchandising - Barcelona.

    The comparison showed a substantial degree of similarity with regard to the following underpinning theory, practical skills and competencies which are contained in the international qualifications:
  • Roles and Mission of Visual Merchandising.
  • Fixtures and Fittings.
  • Use of Props.
  • Mannequins.
  • Window Display Cycle.
  • Store Layout and Traffic Flow.
  • Display Principles.
  • Display Techniques.

    Conclusion:
    The Occupational Certificate: Visual Merchandiser compares favourably with similar international qualifications, in terms of scope, focus, level and complexity of learning. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Sales Assistant (General) (Retail Sales Advisor), Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Automotive Sales and Support Services, Level 4 (ID 62489). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.