Advanced Certificate in Banking Services

Purpose

This qualification in Banking Services is at NQF Level 6 and is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to operate professionally in a more senior role in an organisation that promotes banking services.

The qualification would be suitable for

• A person who has completed a Higher Certificate: Banking Services or equivalent qualification.
• An employed person wishing to enhance, develop or formalise his/her skills and knowledge with a qualification in this area.

The qualification is designed to produce persons able to work in varied functions in a banking services environment. In line with the requirements of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), the qualification is primarily vocational or industry oriented and provides a sound basis for successful learners wishing to proceed with further studies. The qualification will thus provide a basic level of higher education knowledge and ensure that the qualifying learner is able to apply such knowledge and competence in an occupation or role in the workplace.

The qualifying learner will

• Demonstrate an understanding of banking and business law and apply the applicable law in a banking services environment.
• Demonstrate an understanding of banking management.
• Apply knowledge and skill to operate professionally in a selected discipline within the banking services sector.
• Demonstrate knowledge and insight into ethics and risk management within the financial services industry.

Rationale

This qualification takes the current demands of the banking industry into account and will appeal to learners who seek employment or are employed in an organisation that promotes banking services, but who are in or are moving into a more senior environment in various banking areas. As such it builds on a Higher Certificate: Banking Services (or similar qualification) at NQF Level 5.

With a Higher Certificate and an Advanced Certificate a learner will acquire a solid foundation in banking services, and will be able to operate in a specialised field in the banking services environment. In addition, a solid foundation for further higher education studies will also have been set.

When designing this qualification, interviews were conducted with employers in the banking field in order to ensure that their needs and those of all stakeholders in the sector were taken into consideration. General research around growth strategies of banks and the skills they are looking for was also conducted.

It is assumed that the learner would be competent in Communication skills at NQF Level 5 and the theoretical knowledge and understanding accomplished at that level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may achieve this qualification through RPL; the institution's RPL policy guides this process. Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process. The learner may then be given access to the qualification and may acquire credits for the applicable modules.

Access to the Qualification

Access to this qualification is granted to applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements or the alternative routes of entry. Applicants must be in possession of a relevant Higher Certificate in Banking.

Learners who have attained the age of 23, have work experience and are competent in English may access the qualification.

This qualification comprises six modules, all at NQF Level 6, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Introduction to Ethics and Risk Management, 20 Credits.
• Business and Banking Law, 20 Credits.
• Banking 2A, 20 Credits.

Optional Modules (choose three)

• Business Management 2B, 20 Credits.
• Finance for Non-Financial Managers, 20 Credits.
• Sales 2A, 20 Credits.
• Sales 2B, 20 Credits.
• Credit 2A, 20 Credits.
• Accounting 1B, 20 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 20 Credits.
• Taxation, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of banking and business law and apply the applicable law in a banking services environment.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of banking management.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and insight into ethics and risk management within the financial services industry.
4. Apply knowledge and skill to operate professionally in a selected discipline within the banking services sector.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Identify, systematically examine, critically evaluates and solves problems in which responses display that responsible decisions have been made, using critical and creative thinking.
• Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse, organises and critically evaluates information.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Self-manage skills development from the range of experiences and learning opportunities available.
• Transfer skills and continuous learning to organisational setting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Relevant legislation is identified and applied in order to make compliant decisions in the work environment.
• Own operations are managed within the parameters set by relevant legislation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The purpose of and the relationship between different role players and influencing factors in the financial system are explained.
• Knowledge of the different tasks to be performed when managing a banking organisation is demonstrated.
• Selected special aspects of banking management are described at an introductory level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Knowledge of the ethical debate in the financial services industry and of the appropriate behaviour related thereto is displayed.
• Knowledge of risk management in a financial services organisation and of how to operate efficiently in relation thereto is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Specialised knowledge of a particular field in banking services is applied on a senior level to solve problems, find solutions, and select products and service clients.
• Knowledge of the role that a particular field in banking services plays in the bigger context of the organisation is displayed.

Integrated Assessment

The quality of the assessment is vital in order to provide credible certification and recognition of achievement. The institution makes every effort to ensure credibility in assessment through the application of clear and rigorous procedures and practices. These procedures and practices are controlled by the principles of fairness, validity, reliability and practicability. By implementing these principles, all parties concerned (including learners, employers and learning institutions) may be assured of the credibility of the assessment process. It is in this way that accurate information about the learner's performance against the assessment criteria may be provided.

Integrated assessment is used extensively across the qualification, particularly in the case studies. Formative assessment takes place through case studies, assignments, including the writing of proposals and financial plans. Summative assessments are integrated into the learning in that they take place at the end of each of the constituent modules of the qualification.