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: Industrial Water Treatment Support System Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
77163  National Certificate: Industrial Water Treatment Support System Operations 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Industrial Water Treatment 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
EWSETA - Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  128  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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
102758  Occupational Certificate: Industrial Water Plant Operator  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  262  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Learners obtaining this qualification will be recognised on a national level for performing operational activities using Industrial Water Treatment auxiliary systems and processes as well as related equipment. The qualification will ensure professionalism, proficiency and excellence in the operating of Industrial Water Treatment Systems.

The qualification will enable employers to employ operators who will be able to perform operations in a safe, sound and efficient manner. This qualification will provide for recognition of prior learning of existing operator competence throughout the industry and allows credits to be obtained in cross-functional learning fields.

A person acquiring this qualification will have skills, knowledge and behavioural competence in the following areas:
  • Solving problems in an industrial water treatment environment.
  • Communicating effectively in the workplace.
  • Understanding of the fundamentals of Industrial Water Treatment Processes and Concepts.
  • Understanding mechanical equipment related to Industrial Water Treatment Systems.
  • Possessing knowledge of organisational and regulatory requirements related to Industrial Water Treatment Support Systems.
  • Performing operations on Industrial Water Treatment Support Systems safely and efficiently.

    Rationale:

    This qualification is based on the need of the Water sector for building competencies in the workplace in Industrial Water Treatment Operations. The qualification sets national standards for field operators in Industrial related water treatment systems.

    This qualification provides the learner with accessibility to employment in the functional areas of Industrial water treatment operations. The learning pathway for industrial water treatment processes is as follows:
  • General Education and Training Certificate: Water Services.
  • National Certificate: Industrial Water Treatment Support System Operations, Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Control, Level 3.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision.
  • National Certificate: Generic Management, Level 5 with specialisation in Water Management.

    Other considerations of national interest addressed by this Qualification are:
  • Setting national standards of practice in this specific learning field.
  • Building individual capacity in this specialised profession.
  • Ensuring entry, progression and mobility into Life Long Learning in this specific learning field.
  • Addressing Industry specific employment requirements.
  • Providing an avenue of upliftment for the previously disadvantaged into this field of learning.
  • Enhancing social and economic development.
  • Registration of successful learners by the Department of Water Affairs as a "Class III" operator. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners should be competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
  • This qualification can be achieved in part or whole through recognised Recognition of Prior Learning learning processes.
  • Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal Recognition of Prior Learning processes.
  • Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal Recognition of Prior Learning processes to recognise achievement thereof.

    Access to the Qualification:

    There is open access to this qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • All the Fundamental Unit Standards totalling 36 credits are compulsory.
  • All the Core Unit Standards totalling 77 credits are compulsory.
  • Learners are required to select elective standards for learning according to their specific industry needs. These Unit Standards allow the Learner to specialise in the water treatment process specific to his/her functional area. A minimum of 15 credits is required to complete the qualification. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Solve problems in an industrial water treatment environment.

    2. Communicate effectively in the workplace.

    3. Demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of Industrial Water Treatment Processes and Concepts.

    4. Demonstrate understanding of and use mechanical equipment related to Industrial Water Treatment Systems.

    5. Demonstrate knowledge of organisational and regulatory requirements related to Industrial Water Treatment Support Systems.

    6. Perform operations in Industrial Water Treatment Support Systems.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes, as detailed in the assessment criteria for each Exit Level Outcome and within the unit standards associated with each Exit Level Outcome:

    a) Identifying and solving problems associated with malfunctioning of plant equipment in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made to meet organisational goals and objectives.
    b) Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community in order maintain good working relationship with internal and external customers in a industrial waste water processing environment.
    c) Planning, organising and managing oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively to ensure coherence with organisational schedules.
    d) Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information relating to meter readings and process control.
    e) Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation to report relevant information to supervisors.
    f) Using science and technology effectively and critically to understand the functioning of an industrial wastewater plant equipment and instrumentation showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    g) Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation by observing the importance of industrial wastewater processing plant operational principles. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Problems are identified and solved through using problem solving strategies that are appropriate to the problems at hand in real work situations.
  • Root causes problems are identified and solutions derived that are appropriate to the problems.
  • Solutions are validated in terms of the problem situation.
  • Technology is used effectively to assist in problem solving as required.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Language structure and features are applied effectively to accommodate workplace requirements.
  • Appropriate media is used to communicate in a clear and structured manner.
  • Text in written and oral communication is interpreted and acted upon.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Operating equipment is described in terms of its application in the operating system.
  • The principles of safe and effective operation of plant processes are described in terms of the safety of staff and ensuring a good quality product.
  • Differences and similarities in water treatment processes and systems are explained.
  • Chemicals used in water treatment processes are described in terms of Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Mechanical equipment is explained and identified using established literature and engineering conventions.
    >Range: Pumps and valves.
  • Mechanical equipment for industrial water treatment systems and processes is used according to standard operating procedures.
  • Problems encountered while using mechanical equipment in the process plant are described and solutions found are utilised.
    >Range: Waste water processing plants.
  • Equipment design and application theories are described in terms of the context of their application.
  • Plant processes are operated safely and effectively.
    > Range: Pumps and valves.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Regulatory requirements and workplace procedures are described and interpreted within the context of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Non-compliance with statutory requirements is described in terms of the potential impact on the micro environment, clients, staff and the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Plant operations are performed according to standard operating procedures.
  • Possible abnormal emergency conditions are identified, described and acted upon using Chemical and Engineering Principles.
  • Principles of teamwork are applied according to operational requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflective competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a learner is able to achieve all Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification.

    Applicable Critical Cross Field Outcomes must be assessed during any combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competencies. Assessment methods and tools used must determine the whole person's development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    During integrated assessment, the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Formative Assessment:

    Assessment criteria for formative assessment are described in the various unit standards. Formative assessment takes place during the process of learning and assessors should use a range of appropriate assessment methods and tools that assess competence holistically.

    These methods include but are not limited to the following: On-the-job observations, Role-play and/or simulations, Knowledge tests, exams, case studies, projects, logbooks, workbooks, Verbal report backs (presentations), Working in teams (360 degrees evaluations)and Scenario sketching Incident reports.

    Summative Assessment:

    Summative assessment is carried out at the end of each meaningful body of knowledge and skills.

    Assessors and Moderators:

    Work place assessors should develop and conduct integrated assessments by using appropriate methods and techniques. Moderation to be done according to laid down requirements. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is based on a study conducted by Industry on qualifications developed for industrial water treatment operations functioning in an industrial environment, in countries considered to be the leaders in industrial water treatment processes. Best practice is found in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

    The core and elective components have been developed taking into account the South African context, but also by looking at international best practice. On water and waste water purification international qualifications were examined to ensure that the qualification and associated unit standards are comparable in terms of qualification levels, scope and competencies covered.

    Qualifications from the following countries were examined:

    Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF):
  • NWP01 Water Industry and the Certificate Course in Water and Wastewater.

    Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SQA):
  • Monitoring the Water Environment Level 2-Code G322.
  • Operating Process Plant: Sludge Level 2-Code G31M.
  • Operating Process Plant: Sludge Level 2-Code G5HC.
  • Operating Process Plant: Water Level 2-Code G31J.
  • Operating Process Plant: Water Level 2-Code G5HE.

    New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA):
  • National Certificate in Water Treatment (Site Operator).
  • National Certificate in Wastewater Treatment (Site Operator), NQF Ref 0879.

    United Kingdom (QCA):
  • City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Water Engineering, 500/1698/2.
  • Certificate in Process Plant Operations Level 2.

    Short Courses:

    United States of America:

    The USA has no qualifications at this level but the following short courses were found offered by different institutions and organisations targeting to a large extent Water and Wastewater Operations. The content of some of the short courses have been found to compare well with the South African qualifications although the level at which the course is pitched is not known. Some courses are at an undergraduate level, which form the basis for more advanced courses.

    Alabama Rural Water Association:

    Water and Wastewater Operator Certificate Training.

    This association in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management conducts free Primary, Secondary and Advanced Water and Wastewater Operator Certificate courses. The purpose of the course is to protect the public health and welfare and prevent pollution by classifying all water and wastewater treatment plants. The programme also aims to provide certification of the competency of operation to operators who operate such plants. The duration of the course 60 hours.

    College Campus:

    The college offer a short course for operators who work in different size plants, as there is no nationally mandated certification programme for operators. The course is aimed at improving the water and wastewater plants operators skills and knowledge thus enabling the operator to pass an examination to certify that they are capable of overseeing water and wastewater plant operators. The duration of the course is not known, however the course covers the following topics that compare with some of the unit standards contained in the South African qualification at Level 2. The following topics are covered:
  • Principles of treatment processes and process control.
  • Laboratory procedures.
  • Maintenance of pumps.
  • Safety.
  • Chlorination.
  • Sedimentation.
  • Biological treatment.
  • Sludge treatment and disposal.
  • Flow measurements.
  • Collection systems.

    Virginia:

    Virginia Tech, Blackburg:

    Water and wastewater reticulation plant operator short course.

    The Virginia Tech is providing a training programme aimed at developing more qualified plant operators. The programme duration is 10 days. The programme is designed to be introductory where learners learn about water and wastewater treatment and other relevant subject matter.

    London:

    Imperial College:

    This is a certification course offered for people who work or intend to become a water or wastewater treatment plant operator. The course aims to provide basic description and understanding of unit processes used in the reticulation of water and wastewater. The duration of the course is 20 hours of lectures over 10 sessions. The course however compares favourably well with this qualification in some of the unit standards contained in the qualification although topics such as coagulation, flocc separation and sedimentation are dealt with individually whilst the qualification cover them in one unit standard. The topics covered in the course compare favourably with some of the unit standards contained in the qualifications. These are:
  • Introduction to water and wastewater treatment.
  • Coagulation.
  • Flocculation.
  • Filtration.
  • Disinfection.
  • Sedimentation.
  • Activated Sludge 1.
  • Sludge Treatment and Dewatering.
  • Biological filtration.

    In the USA the condensate polishing, demineralising of water, water cooling and effluent treatment, the USA nuclear industry standard is governed by the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission). The standard of training is ensured by accrediting all training programs to requirements as set out and evaluated by INPO. The Systematic Approach to training (SAT) is applied throughout all the US nuclear programs resulting in a structured training curriculum (task list) consisting of main objectives and specific outcomes similar to the core and electives of this qualification.

    SADC:

    Zimbabwe:

    The institute of Water and Sanitation Development in a UNDP-World Bank Programme established in 1989 with a strong emphasis on the building and promotion of urban and rural water supplies and sanitation. The Institute has sister organisations in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mozambique and South Africa. The Institute offers courses aimed at building a career in the water and sanitation sector. The only possibility relevant courses offered found were:
  • National Certificate in Water and Wastewater qualification, which is a first level towards a National Diploma in Water and Wastewater Management.
  • National Diploma in Water and Wastewater Management which is a distance learning course aimed at enhancing the capacity to manage water and wastewater for those in individuals who are either aspiring to or are already working for local authorities.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Water Supplies and Sanitation for personnel working in both urban and rural water supplies.

    Botswana:

    The Botswana Training Authority (BOTA), was inaugurated in October 2000 which is mandated to monitor and regulate Vocational Education and Training (VET) within Botswana. Unfortunately there is limited number of qualifications and the unit standards developed by BOTA hence none could currently be found relating to Industrial water qualifications.

    Tanzania:

    The Vocational Education and Training Act was enacted by the Parliament in 1994 to guide the vocational education and training (VET) system in Tanzania. The Act established the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) as an autonomous government agency charged with an overall responsibility of Coordinating, Regulating, Financing, Providing and Promoting vocational education and training. According to the Annual Conference held in Tanzania in 1998, it was stated that more than 80 percent of Tanzania's population live in rural areas. Therefore the government aims for sustainable rural water supply. Unfortunately no reference was found to any type of relevant developed qualifications or unit standards including short courses that could compare with this qualifications.

    Conclusion:

    A substantial degree of similarity was found in most of the qualifications examined. The South African qualification and its associated unit standards are generally comparable to the Scottish, Australian, New Zealand courses in terms of levels, scope and range of competencies covered. There was less similarity with the United Kingdom qualification. This was probably due to the difference in the water situation in the UK. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Industrial Water Treatment Field Operations, NQF Level 3.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • ID 60169: National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services, NQF Level 2.
  • ID 58951: National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Operations, NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered 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 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. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The assessor must be:
  • Registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Have at least a minimum of 1 year on the job relevant experience.
  • Have a similar qualification above the Level of the qualification. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    National schedule for water and waste water plant operators. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  113940  Demonstrate basic water related sampling techniques  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Core  246460  Demonstrate basic knowledge of the wastewater treatment process  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  365262  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic operating principles and concepts related to waste water treatment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  13962  Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of The Organisation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  13963  Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding Towards Occupational health and safety Regulatory Requirements  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  13961  Demonstrate Knowledge and Use of Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  246473  Demonstrate knowledge of elementary biology in the water wastewater environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  246463  Demonstrate knowledge of water cycle, water and wastewater systems and processes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  246466  Operate water and wastewater chemical dosage systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Core  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  10598  Differentiate between valve designs and application theories associated with process plants  Level 3  NQF Level 03  1 
    Core  10488  Interpret liquid transfer theories in a process plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  365261  Operate an industrial waste water processing plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  18 
    Core  12057  Demonstrate knowledge of wastewater related legislation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Fundamental  119463  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119454  Maintain and adapt oral/signed communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119460  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119456  Write/present for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  246464  Conduct sampling for water and wastewater treatment processes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  7572  Demonstrate knowledge of and produce computer spreadsheets using basic functions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  7568  Demonstrate knowledge of and produce word processing documents using basic functions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  246450  Demonstrate knowledge of the water treatment process  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  7571  Demonstrate the ability to use electronic mail software to send and receive messages  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  365260  Transport and store gas cylinders within an industrial work site  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  14102  Apply Radiation Requirements for Activities in Radiologically Controlled Zones at a Nuclear Power Plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  365259  Describe and use techniques for safe handling and usage of chlorine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  10587  Describe the working principle of compressed air systems associated with process plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 


    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.