SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Autotronics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
22859  National Certificate: Autotronics 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  141  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0160/05  2006-11-07  2009-11-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-11-07   2013-11-07  

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
78923  National Certificate: Autotronics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  132  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners, education providers, training providers and employers with the standard and range of learning required to work effectively in the autotronics environment and meet the challenges of such an environment.

The primary skills that are recognised by this qualification include the ability to:
  • Test and repair conventional automobile ignition systems
  • Trace and repair faults on auto-electrical circuits in the automobile
  • Construct and test basic electronic circuits
  • Diagnose, test and repair automobile charging systems
  • Diagnose, test and repair automobile starting systems
  • Construct basic electro-pneumatic and electro-hydraulic circuits

    These capabilities require an understanding of electrical, electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic concepts and related hand skills. Analytical and fault finding skills play a large role in this qualification.

    Qualifying learners will also be able to relate what they are doing to scientific and technological principles and concepts. They will also be able to maintain and support the various policies and procedures related to the safety, health, environment and quality systems that govern their workplace.

    What learners achieve in this qualification will serve as a basis for further learning where they will engage further in the installation, diagnosis and repair of autotronic systems.

    Rationale for the qualification:

    The automobile is subject to ever increasing technological advances. These advances are continuously being incorporated into the electrical systems of automobiles. They represent the integration of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic and electrical systems and are managed by microelectronic control known as Computer Integrated Auto Management (CIAM) Systems. Consequently, the auto-electrical skills required to maintain such automobiles are changing to incorporate more electronic skills.

    The field of Autotronics deals with the installation, diagnosis and repair of CIAM systems. People working in the field of autotronics require specialised technical skills and knowledge and well as highly developed analytical skills to enable them to install, diagnose and repair CIAM systems.

    This is the second qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in autotronics.

    This series will reflect the skills, knowledge and understanding required to perform effectively in industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large enterprises.

    For those who have been in the work place for a long time, this qualification represents part of the RPL process that acknowledges workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training.

    For the new entrant, this qualification recognises the applied competence needed by a productive person in a structured workplace.

    This qualification forms the basis for further learning in the field of autotronics. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners entering a programme to achieve this qualification have an autotronics level 2 qualification or have the relevant experience.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification may be obtained through the process of RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and support provided to assist in the process of developing a portfolio. While this is primarily a work-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The learner must choose a minimum of 12 credits from the Elective unit standards. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to test and repair conventional ignition systems on automobiles.

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to trace and repair faults to auto-electrical circuits on automobiles.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of electrical/electronic concepts and the ability to construct and test a basic electronic circuit.

    4. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to test and repair automobile charging systems.

    5. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to test and repair conventional automobile starting systems.

    6. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to build basic electro-pneumatic and electro-hydraulic systems.

    7. Demonstrate the ability to generate and retrieve files and store information and an understanding of the logic of using different paths for retrieving files using a personal computer.

    8. Communicate with peers, customers and members of supervisory/management levels by demonstrating the ability to gather and summarise information from a range of sources and produce coherent presentations in a prescribed format.

    9. Demonstrate an understanding of options for further learning in this or a related field of learning and preparation requirements for such learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Appropriate tools, test equipment and components are identified and selected.
  • Testing and repairs are carried out without any damage.
  • Automobile ignition system is operating to specifications.
  • Safe working practices and procedures are adhered to.
  • Relevant documentation is used and completed correctly.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the conventional ignition system.

    2.
  • Appropriate tools, personal and automobile protective equipment are correctly chosen and used.
  • Appropriate hand tools and test equipment are identified and used correctly.
  • Faults are located and repaired and circuit is operating to specifications.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Relevant documentation is used and completed correctly.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to auto-electrical circuits on automobiles.

    3.
  • Components and conductors are correctly selected and fitted.
  • Tools and equipment are correctly selected and used.
  • Electronic circuit constructed functions to specifications.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the construction of electronic circuits.

    4.
  • Tools, test equipment and components are correctly selected and used.
  • Charging system components are correctly removed and fitted.
  • Automobile charging system is tested and repaired and functions to specifications.
  • Relevant documentation is used and completed correctly.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the conventional automobile charging system.

    5.
  • Tools, test equipment and components are correctly selected and used.
  • Starting system components are correctly removed and fitted.
  • Automobile starting system is tested and repaired and functions to specifications
  • Relevant documentation is used and completed correctly.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the conventional automobile starting system.

    6.
  • Tools and relevant components are correctly identified, selected and used.
  • Basic electro-pneumatic and electro-hydraulic circuits are correctly built from circuit diagram or per instruction.
  • Electro-pneumatic/hydraulic systems are functioning to specifications.
  • Safe working practices are adhered to.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to electro-pneumatic and electro-hydraulic systems.

    7.
  • Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to computer hardware and software.
  • Can generate, save and retrieve documents within a computer system.

    8.
  • Information is gathered from a range of sources and accurately summarised into a prescribed format.
  • Information is clear and accurate and presented in a timely manner in the required format to appropriate parties.
  • Relationships with peers and supervisory/management levels are established and functioning.

    9.
  • Options are explained.
  • Preparation requirements are explained.
  • Learning plan is developed.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The integrated assessment must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide must spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Observing the learner at work (both in primary activities as well as other interactions) or by relevant simulations
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding
  • Looking at records, reports and formative assessments

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes.

    The assessment process should cover both the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the activities required for autotronics. The assessment process should also establish how the critical outcomes, have been advanced by the learning process. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    As a starting point, the series of qualifications in the field of autotronics of which this qualification forms a part, was compared to other, similar outcomes-based qualifications, certifications or skills standards in Germany and New Zealand. Extensive reference was made to training materials from Germany when constructing these qualifications to ensure the relevance of the qualifications content and to benchmark with best practice worldwide. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context to another. Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately.

    Equally holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderators for the qualification should be qualified and accredited with an appropriate ETQA and have a qualification in engineering.

    To ensure the quality of the assessment process, the moderation should cover all of the following:
  • Assessor credentials
  • The assessment instrument
  • The assessment process

    Where assessment and moderation are taking place in sectors other than the MERSETA, assessment and moderation should be in terms of a memorandum of understanding negotiated with the MERS ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:

    1. Appropriate qualifications in the field of engineering- with a minimum of four years experience in the field of autotronics or related field. The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.
    2. Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory processes and practices
    3. Good interpersonal skills and ability to balance the conflicting requirements of:
  • Maintaining national standards
  • The interest of the learner
  • The need for transformation and redressing the legacies of the past
  • The cultural background and the language of the learner
    4. Registration as an assessor with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA.
    5. Any other criteria required by the MERS ETQA or any other ETQA. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 78923, which is "National Certificate: Autotronics", Level 3, 132 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12218  Construct and test basic electronic circuits  Level 2  NQF Level 02  16 
    Core  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  12224  Construct simple electro-pneumatic/hydraulic circuits  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  12222  Diagnose, test and repair conventional automobile charging systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  16 
    Core  12223  Diagnose, test and repair conventional automobile starting systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  16 
    Core  12220  Service and repair conventional automobile ignition systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  12221  Trace and repair auto-electrical circuits on automobiles  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9528  Communicate with clients  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Fundamental  9529  Compile feasibility and commissioning reports  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  7572  Demonstrate knowledge of and produce computer spreadsheets using basic functions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  12457  Develop learning strategies and techniques  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  12456  Explain and use organisational procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  9526  Manage basic business finance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  9530  Manage work time effectively  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  12455  Perform the role of a safety, health and environmental protection representative  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  7570  Produce word processing documents for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  9531  Show understanding of diversity in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  9533  Use communication skills to handle and resolve conflict in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 


    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.