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: Locksmithing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
50541  National Certificate: Locksmithing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Security 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SAS SETA - Safety and Security SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  123  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 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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
116130  Occupational Certificate: Locksmith  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  545  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification will provide learners with access to employment opportunities within the locksmithing industry. This qualification will contribute to increasing levels of security, efficiency and effectiveness and will develop a common integrated and co-ordinated approach to this highly regulated and controlled industry. It provides learners with a formal qualification that allows for recognition, further mobility and portability. A person acquiring this qualification will be able to obtain the necessary applied competence to work in the locksmithing sector. Depending on the area of specialisation, a person acquiring this qualification will have an understanding of the general and specialised locksmithing skills and techniques.

The qualification aims at developing a competent and professional work force to provide a service to clients in a safe, secure and confidential manner. The skills, knowledge, values and understanding demonstrated in this qualification will contribute to a positive impact on social and economic transformation and upliftment within the democratic South African society.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Operate within a Locksmithing environment.
  • Implement key cutting and locksmithing practices.
  • Apply key origination and duplication practices.

    Rationale:

    The key-cutting and locksmithing industry is supported by very strict rules and therefore requires appropriately trained and competent practitioners. The National Certificate in Locksmithing at NQF Level 3 is the first step in providing the industry with an accountable and quality assured environment. It will ensure that the locksmithing industry will have in place the required standards by which it can be measured.

    This qualification aims to develop learners, promote professionalism and work ethics within the locksmithing industry, while at the same time bringing it into line with international standards. It will allow clarification of the specific roles and responsibilities of the learners and provide them with a platform when they come into the industry or platform for those who want to up-skill themselves. It will also mean that learners will receive a formal qualification in the field of locksmithing where previously no formal recognition of expertise and competence existed. Training was done by short courses offered by a range of different providers of education and training. These courses were not always recognised, as they were not against recognised standards.

    It is foreseen that the locksmithing industry will grow and assist in the economic development of the country as the competencies will easily enable learners to work within an area (rural or urban) and will promote small business enterprise. This will lead to empowering learners and creating employment possibilities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF 2.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible through the assessment of individual Unit Standards. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

    If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits towards the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    Access to the qualification

    Access to this qualification is open bearing in mind the learning assumed to be in place. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The National Certificate: Locksmithing is made up of a planned combination of learning outcomes that have a defined purpose and will provide qualifying learners with applied competence and a foundation for further learning.

    The qualification is made up of unit standards classified as Fundamental, Core and Elective.
  • Fundamental: 36 credits.
  • Core: 75 credits.
  • Elective: 12 credits (Minimum).
  • Total: 123 credits (Minimum).

    Fundamental Component
  • The 36 credits allocated for the Fundamental Unit Standards are compulsory.

    Core Component
  • 75 credits have been allocated to the Core Unit Standards. This is to ensure that the Qualification has a strong focus on Locksmithing and links closely with the title. All 75 credits in the Core component are compulsory. The Core Unit Standards offer a broad contextual understanding and will enable the learners to gain an all round picture of the Key Cutting and Locksmithing Industry.

    Elective Component
  • A minimum of 12 credits must be selected by the learner from the 88 credits available in the section 'Elective component'. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The outcomes are specified in terms of a combination of Specific and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes as defined in the different unit standards. On achieving this qualification, a learner is able to:

    1. Operate within a Locksmithing environment.
    2. Implement key cutting and locksmithing practices.
    3. Apply key origination and duplication practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Work is undertaken while adhering to legislative, ethical and health and safety requirements.
  • Locksmithing tools and machinery are used and maintained according to workshop practices.
  • Clients are dealt with according to Batho Pele principles within the locksmithing environment.
  • Administration is completed in line with record-keeping practices.

    2.
  • A variety of locks are opened and restored using locksmithing tools and machinery.
  • A variety of safes are opened and restored using locksmithing tools and machinery.

    3.
  • Keys are originated according to job specifications.
  • Keys are duplicated according to job specifications.

    Integrated assessment

    Assessment should be carried out at regular intervals as well as at the end of the periods of study and should be offered in an integrated way. It is envisaged that learners will work at more than one unit standard at a time.

    The achievement of applied competence of this qualification will be demonstrated if the learner is able to apply key cutting and lock mechanism knowledge and skills to open, replace and restore lock to their original integrity.

    Evidence is required that the candidate is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification. Integration of skills will be demonstrated through the achievement of the core operational standards.

    Assessors should note that evidence of integration could well be presented by candidates when being assessed against the individual unit standards. Thus, there should not necessarily be separate assessments for each unit standard and then further assessment for integration. Well designed assessments should make it possible to gain evidence against each unit standard while at the same time gaining evidence of integration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Locksmithing profession is an area with globally recognised best practices, standards and Qualifications. This Qualification and set of Unit Standards utilizes international and locally recognised best practice and standards. The leaders in the key cutting and locksmithing industry are the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States of America.

    The following qualifications, courses and modules were used as part of the international comparability exercise:

    New Zealand Qualifications Framework

    Standards registered on the NZQF:
  • Cut keys to code - ID 12908.
  • Make a key without a duplicate or a code - ID 12909.
  • Maintain and care for key cutting machines - ID 12910.
  • Identify and cut high security keys - ID 12911.
  • Service and repair locking devices - ID 12916.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of locksmithing ethics - ID 12925.
  • Design commercial locking systems - ID 12913.
  • Service automotive locking systems - ID 12919.
  • Install and commission safes - ID 12921.
  • Open, manipulate and repair safe locks and strong room doors - ID 12923.
  • Install and service door control devices - ID 12926.

    NMIT - Australian Qualifications Framework approved

    Certificate I in Engineering Technology (Locksmithing) National code: 2106A/C:
  • NBB 06: Machining.
  • NBB 07: Hand and Power Tools.
  • NBB 12: Engineering Drawing Interpretation.
  • NLS 01: Introduction to Locksmithing.
  • NLS 02: Lock fitting.
  • NLS 04: Lock Mechanisms 1.
  • NLS 05: Level Lock Servicing.
  • NLS 06: Lock Mechanics 2.
  • NLS 07: Locksmithing Workshop Skills 1.
  • NLS 08: Locksmithing Workshop skills 2.
  • NLS 09: Client Relations.
  • NLS 16: Master keying 1.

    Red Deer College - Canada

    Locksmithing programme:
  • LP01-2: Hand and Power Tools.
  • LP01-3: Introductory Lock and Key Theory.
  • LP02-3: Domestic Automotive.
  • LP02-5: High Security Locks and Mechanical Keyless Locks.
  • LP03-3: Doors, closers, Mortise locks, PEDs.
  • LP03-4: Advanced Master Keying.
  • LP04-3: Safes and Vaults.
  • LP04-5: Safe and Vault Locks.
  • LP04-5: Safe and Vault Entry.
  • LPOX-2: Master Keying.
  • LPOX-3: Keys and key Machines.

    ICS Canada - Trade School/Colleges

    Career Diploma in Locksmithing:
  • Key identification.
  • Lock mechanisms.
  • Residential and business security.
  • Master Keying.
  • Panic Hardware and electric locks.
  • Starting your own small business.

    Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) - United Kingdom

    General Locksmithing course:
  • Basic Locksmith Tools.
  • Basic of Master Keying.
  • Blank Identification and the basic of key cutting to Pattern.
  • Brief History of safes and locks.
  • Door and Frame Construction.
  • Health and Safety.
  • Key Machine and Workshop safety.
  • Key procedures for restricted and registered keys.
  • Key cutting to a Cabinets, Mortise and Safe Lock.
  • Mechanical and stand alone Digital locks.
  • Mortise and Rim Lock Fitting.
  • Padlocks and Locking Bars.
  • Principle of Level, Disc tumbler and Pin tumbler mechanisms and key differs.
  • Product Knowledge.
  • Specialist Door Locks, UPVc, Aluminium and Multi-point Locks.
  • Stripping and reassembling of Level Locks and Pin Tumbler Cylinders.
  • Stripping a Rim Cylinder and Cutting a key by hand.
  • Window and Ancillary Door Locks.

    Penn Foster Career School - USA - The Largest Accredited School.

    Penn Foster Professional Locksmithing program:
  • Key identification and lock mechanisms.
  • Residential locks and key making.
  • Home and business security.
  • Master Keying.
  • Panic hardware and electric locks.
  • Electronic security and starting your own small business.

    The contents of the international qualifications, courses and modules are reflected clearly in this Qualification's Exit Level Outcomes, in the related Associated Assessment Criteria and in the Unit Standards. It is evident that the international qualifications and the South African qualification have very similar contents.

    This Qualification together with its USA counterpart also focuses on introducing the learners to entrepreneurial skills thus enabling them to start and/or run their own businesses. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • National Certificate: General Security Practices - ID 22490 - NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Wholesale and Retail Practices - ID 48764 - NQF Level 3.

    Vertical progression is possible with:
  • National Certificate: Electronic Security Practices - ID 22110 - NQF Level 4.
  • National Certificate: Wholesale and Retail Operations Supervision - ID 49397 - NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Relevant qualification at NQF level 4 or higher.
  • Minimum of 2 years' experience.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  113924  Apply basic business ethics in a work environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  9964  Apply health and safety to a work area  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  114974  Apply the basic skills of customer service  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  12219  Select, use and care for engineering power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  10255  Select, use and care for power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  123586  Apply methods of opening locks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 
    Core  123591  Duplicate and cut keys  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Core  123595  Install and remove locks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  123589  Maintain a safe and tidy working environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  123593  Maintain key cutting machines  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  123588  Open and restore the security of non-categorised safes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  123587  Originate keys  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Core  13936  Outline the legal environment of a selected industry  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  123596  Perform keying and repairs of lock systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    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  119457  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  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  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  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  114959  Behave in a professional manner in a business environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  119666  Determine financial requirements of a new venture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114903  Interact with customers  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114906  Mark merchandise and maintain displays  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  119670  Produce a business plan for a new venture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  246694  Explain the requirements for becoming a security service provider  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  123590  Open a vehicle without key  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  114896  Receive stock  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  114600  Apply innovative thinking to the development of a small business  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  123585  Apply vehicle transponder technology in the locksmithing environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  123594  Install electronic locking systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  123592  Open and restore the security of a categorised safe  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 


    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.
     
    1. CITY LOCKSMITHS 
    2. LASA WESTERN CAPE 
    3. LOCKSMITHS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA 
    4. LOCKSMITHS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA FREE STATE 


    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.