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

Further Education and Training Certificate: Project Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
50080  Further Education and Training Certificate: Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Project Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SERVICES - Services Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Project Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  136  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
21160  National Certificate: Generic Project Management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  146  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
101869  Occupational Certificate: Project Manager  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  240  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with:
  • A foundation of basic project management knowledge and skills which can be used to build further project management related competencies.
  • Competence to be an effective project team member.
  • Competence to provide administrative support to a project manager and team members.
  • Competence to provide assistance to a project manager of medium to large projects.

    As electives specialisation in:
  • Competence to plan, execute and control small, simple projects.
    OR
  • Competence in specialised technical areas to support project management processes.

    This qualification is directed at learners working:
  • As contributing team members on a moderately complex to complex project when not a leader or;
  • As a leader in the context of a simple project/sub-project.

    A simple project/sub-project is seen to be one that involves few resources and has a limited impact on stakeholders and the environment.

    This qualification is intended for those with prior work experience or an NQF Level 3 qualification in project management or business administration or equivalent. The learners accessing this qualification will be working in or with project management teams or using a project approach to their business. These projects may be technical projects, business projects, government projects or community development projects and will cut across a range of economic sectors. This qualification is also of value to learners running their own business, as project management is an integral component of any business system.

    Qualifying learners working on a project will have the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to function more effectively and in a professional manner, add value to their job performance and enhance their ability to follow and implement policies and procedures.

    On achieving the applied competencies of the Qualification, learners may advance their career opportunities further into project administration, support services or management within an organisation, in all sectors.

    Rationale:

    The (Further Education and Training Certificate) FETC: Generic Project Management, NQF level 4 Qualification replaces the National Certificate: Generic Project Management. It caters for the current and future needs of those working on projects, in a general skills-set that is not sector-specific. The Project industry is integral in the global business environment and skilled practitioners are required to meet the demands of the industry, providing significant benefits to individuals, global corporations and the country.

    Projects are diverse in their nature, so a wide range of competencies is required to manage them and other similar systems and programmes. This qualification aims to provide the foundation or the initial skills required for an individual in an organisation to conduct projects successfully; be an effective project team member; undertake a range of project management administration or support tasks and contribute to the planning and execution of projects or sub-projects. It is designed for people working in a project environment as a team member, project administrator or leader of a small project/sub-project.

    The Qualification gives accessibility and flexibility to the unemployed and employed. The level of flexibility reflects the multiple job roles, organisational requirements and changing technological nature of the industry and also allows the individual to work towards a nationally recognised Qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this Qualification will have demonstrated competence as follows:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3 or equivalent.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3 or equivalent.

    A basic understanding of the workplace, project processes and operations and competence in National Certificate at Level 3 in Business Administration or Project Support Services or equivalent is preferable.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Learners may access this Qualification in terms of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited ETQA and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor, subject to the terms of the model decided upon by the relevant ETQA.

    Acess to the qualification:

    No restrictions, other than the learning assumed to be in place are prescribed.

    Candidates for this qualification may be working part-time or full-time in the workplace, on community or volunteer projects and have limited formal project management training / experience. They may be a team member, a team leader, in specialised support roles including Project Secretary, Project Administrator, procurement or cost support, or planner-estimator support. Learners who have completed a Bachelors degree and who wish to enter the field of project management may also access the qualification.

    Familiarity with the English language such as speaking, reading and writing skills is needed since some of the learning material is not available in any other language. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

    To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 136 credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental Component:

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.
  • Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.
  • Communication in a Second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

    It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3.

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core Component:

    The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 66 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Elective Component:

    The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 56 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 14 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On achieving this Qualification, the learner will be able to:

    1. Work with others to undertake or support the project management activities.
    2. Assist the project manager and/or project team by contributing and participating in planning, execution and control activities.
    3. Provide support to the administration of a project.

    For electives one of:

    4. Supervise a project team of a small project to deliver project objectives.
    OR
    5. Support the project environment and management activities to deliver project objectives.
    OR
    6. Describe and apply specialised technical methods, tools and techniques to a project to deliver project objectives. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Own and team member interactions and contributions to the project are described with examples.
  • Own workload and time are effectively managed in conjunction with the requirements of others in the project.
  • Successful support that is provided to others for project management activities is described with examples.

    2.
  • Contributions are made to the planning, scoping, scheduling, budgeting and risk management of the project in accordance with agreed procedures, tools and techniques.
  • Assistance is provided to the project manager and team in the execution of project management activities in accordance with project requirements and agreed procedures.
  • The control of scope, time, cost, risk and quality is described in accordance with project requirements and agreed procedures.
  • Contributions are made to the 'close-out' recommendations and/or lessons learned during the project in accordance with experiences and agreed procedures.

    3.
  • Project data is gathered, processed and recorded in accordance with project requirements and procedures.
  • Project meetings and/or workshops are organised in accordance with project requirements.
  • Different methods of communication are used and described with reasons for their use in the project.

    4.
  • Project management processes and techniques are applied to manage a small project from start to end and to supervise the team working on the project.
  • Progress is reported and status, including problems, communicated to project stakeholders

    5.
  • Support is provided to project managers / project teams in developing strategies, tactics, structures, methods and processes for project operations.
  • Project environments are checked for compliance with agreed procedures.
  • Lessons learned are consolidated and used to improve project procedures.

    6.
  • Processes, methods and techniques for the chosen technical field are described and evaluated within the project context.
  • The appropriate project tools and techniques are applied in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Development of the competencies may be through a combination of informal and formal learning, self-learning, training programmes and work-based application. Providers should conduct diagnostic and formative assessment. Formative, continuous and diagnostic assessments should also take place in the work place. The learner should be able to assess him or herself and determine readiness for a summative assessment against this Qualification.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the unit standards should be integrated.

    Assessment of Communication and Mathematical Literacy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic Project Operational contexts wherever possible.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. Groups of standards may also be assessed together.

    Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge.

    The final summative assessment for the qualification should be undertaken under the direction of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) body. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Project Management is a discipline that crosses all sectors. During the last 15 years there has been increasing advocacy for treating project management as a profession with associated self-regulation. Collaboration between professional bodies, academia, some governments (e.g. UK, Japan and China), qualification authorities and a wide range of interested parties is resulting in a growth of globally recognised best practices, standards and qualifications. The application of project management is seen to be within the management and administration/support roles in organisations. The majority of the training and qualifications offered are at NQF level 5 or above. Whilst most training is still mainly of the short course nature there is an increasing number of leading global universities offer Masters in Project Management.

    Internationally, few qualifications exist that are equivalent to the NQF Level 4. There is nothing available in the SADC or NEPAD regions. Currently those regions primarily use training at an NQF level higher than 4 and rarely use qualifications as such. If a qualification is used it is most likely to be from the UK, from the Project Management Institute or as part of a programme from a university or Donor.

    In the developing countries individuals wishing to develop project management related skills are linking with global initiatives from Donors, or to PRINCE2 from the UK government and/or to professional bodies such as Project Management Institute (PMI), Association for Project Management (APM) and International Project Management Association (IPMA). A common trend is for global companies to utilise qualifications such as from PMI, APM or the PRINCE2 set (UK) in conjunction with their own qualifications and career path. This then introduces those qualifications to a country that has no or limited local training in project management.

    In Africa development of project management capacity is, primarily, being driven by individuals and some of the large global corporates. Individuals frequently join an international professional body and then use the qualifications of that body. For example, there are 55 Chapters of PMI across the world including in the following African countries - Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria and South Africa.

    When developing this qualification in 2001 the currently available standards were referenced as well as our knowledge of developments in the project management sector. Since then a global project has been established which has support from most of the key institutions across the world including SAQA, the Services SETA and PMSA. Members of the Project Management SGB have been participating in the project, which is developing global performance standards for project management personnel. The intent is to produce models that can be used anywhere in the world to map qualifications. Currently the standards being developed by the project are at a level higher than this qualification. An output from the global project is a detailed analysis of a range of standards. This analysis has been used when developing this qualification. It is too detailed to report here but information from the project can be accessed on the website www.globalPMstandards.org.

    Several of the subject experts who contributed to this qualification are contributors to international research, literature, standards and qualifications and several also deliver training in many countries. South Africa is recognised by other countries as one of the leaders in project management standards and training.

    This NQF4 FETC qualification and set of unit standards utilises international and locally recognised best practice and standards in project management. This qualification will provide an entry point to further learning for NQF level 5 and above qualifications or for international qualifications in Project or General Management.

    Qualifications and standards that have been referenced include the following qualifications:
  • Project Management Institute (Global).
    > Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
  • Business Services Training Australia (now part of Innovation & Business Skills Australia).
    > Business Services Training Package - Project Management Competency Standards AQF Level 4. These are detailed below.

    Identifier, Australian Unit Standar Title (Innovation and Business Skills), SAQA Unit Standard Title (Core)
  • BSBPM401A; Apply scope management techniques; Contribute to project initiation, scope definition and scopechange control
  • BSBPM402A; Apply time management techniques; Develop a simple schedule to facilitate effective project execution Monitor, evaluate and communicate simple project schedules
  • BSBPM403A; Apply cost management techniques; Participate in the estimation and preparation of cost budget for a project or sub-project and monitor and control actual cost against budget
  • BSBPM404A; Apply quality management techniques; Provide assistance in implementing and assuring project work meets quality requirements
  • BSBPM405A; Apply human resources management approaches; Work as a project team member
  • BSBPM406A; Apply communication management techniques
  • BSBPM407A; Apply risk management techniques; Contribute to the management of project risk within own field of expertise
  • BSBPM408A; Apply contract and procurement techniques; Elective: Provide procurement administration support to a project
  • United Kingdom
    > The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (G4L3 25) - National occupational standards for project management (2004).
    > Information Systems Examination Board - Foundation Certificate in Information Systems project management.

    Project Management is developing as a profession and there are several bodies around the world that provide research, standards and qualifications. This set of standards and qualification have been benchmarked against a wide range of standards and qualifications. In turn this qualification and related standards is being provided to several international bodies for their comparison purposes.

    In addition, references were made to the following professional bodies, which provide qualifications or advice on learning in this area:
  • Association for Project Management (UK).
  • International Project Management Association (Europe).
  • Australian Institute for Project Management (Australia).
  • Project Management Institute (PMI®).
  • Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (Global).
  • The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (UK).

    and the following International standards have been referenced;
  • Emerging global performance standards for project management personnel (GPSPMP - Global).
  • A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK Guide), 2000 and 2004 versions, from Project Management Institute (PMI®).
  • Extensions to PMBoK® Guide for Government from PMI®.
  • Australian National Competency Standards for Project Management, 1996 and 2003.
  • Body of Knowledge from Association for Project Management, UK.
  • ISO 10006.
  • British Standard 6079.
  • IPMA Competence Baseline from International Project Management Association.
  • Project Management role delineation studies from PMI® for CAPM and PMP.
  • Project Management Competency Development Framework from PMI® 2002. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • National Certificate: Management - NQF Level 4 - NLRD 23656.
  • National Certificate: Business Administration Services - NQF Level 4 - NLRD 35928.
  • National Certificate: New Venture Creation - NQF Level 4 - NLRD 23953.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Small Business Advising (Information Support) - NQF Level 4 - NLRD 48883.
  • National Certificate: IT Systems Development - NQF Level 4 - NLRD 24294.
  • National Certificate: IT Technical Support - NQF Level 4 - NLRD 24293.
  • National Certificate: Public Administration - NQF Level 4.
  • National Certificate: Risk Management - NQF Level 4 - NLRD 24396.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Arts and Culture Administration - NQF Level 4 - NLRD 48818.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Management and Administration - NQF Level 4 - NLRD 49129.

    Vertical articulation is possible with:
  • National Certificate: Management - NQF Level 5 - NLRD 24493.
  • National Certificate: Management and Administration- NQF Level 5 - NLRD 49126.
  • National Certificate: Business Advising - NQF Level 5 - NLRD 48886.
  • National Certificate: Business Consulting Practice - NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate: Public Finance Management and Administration - NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate: Project Management - NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must register as an assessor with the relevant accredited Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant accredited ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant accredited ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant accredited ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies).
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should encompass achievement of the competence described in the Qualification.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant accredited ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant should:
  • Be declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standard as stipulated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
  • Be registered as an assessor with the relevant accredited ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant accredited ETQA.
  • Hold the National Certificate or Further Education and Training Certificate in Generic Project Management at NQF4 (NLRD 21160) or equivalent project management qualification
  • Hold a Project Management Qualification at NQF level 5 or above, or equivalent management qualification.
  • Have at least three (3) years experience working on projects, applying project processes and techniques. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 21160, "National Certificate: Generic Project Management", Level 4, 146 credits.

    Exit point for learners who do not complete the Qualification:
  • Learners will be credited with Unit Standards in which they have proved competence.
  • Learners who complete individual Unit Standards but do not complete this Qualification retain their credits. However, should the substance of the Unit Standard change, the validity of the credits towards the Qualification may be reviewed.
  • Learners who change their provider or learning site before completing the Qualification may transfer their credits to the new learning site. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  120383  Provide assistance in implementing and assuring project work meets quality requirements  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  120376  Conduct project documentation management to support project processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  120373  Contribute to project initiation, scope definition and scope change control  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Core  120374  Contribute to the management of project risk within own field of expertise  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  120384  Develop a simple schedule to facilitate effective project execution  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  120372  Explain fundamentals of project management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  120381  Implement project administration processes according to requirements  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  120387  Monitor, evaluate and communicate simple project schedules  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  120375  Participate in the estimation and preparation of cost budget for a project or sub project and monitor and control actual cost against budget  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  120382  Plan, organise and support project meetings and workshops  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  120379  Work as a project team member  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  8974  Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  8975  Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  12153  Use the writing process to compose texts required in the business environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  13912  Apply knowledge of self and team in order to develop a plan to enhance team performance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  13915  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS in a workplace, and its effects on a business sub-sector, own organisation and a specific workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  120385  Apply a range of project management tools and techniques  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  243298  Apply administrative skills and knowledge in a sport organisation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  11 
    Elective  243296  Apply values and ethics to a sport organisation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  243303  Create, improvise and organize sport activities  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  120377  Identify, suggest and implement corrective actions to improve quality of project work  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  243300  Lead a community sport activity  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  242819  Motivate and Build a Team  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  243293  Promote sport activity in a community  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  120386  Provide procurement administration support to a project  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  120380  Evaluate and improve the project team's performance  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Elective  120388  Supervise a project team of a small project to deliver project objectives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  14 
    Elective  120378  Support the project environment and activities to deliver project objectives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  14 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.