Higher Occupational Certificate: Environmental Practitioner
Purpose:
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Higher Occupational Cert
Credits
170
Sub-framework
OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
0
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Development Quality Partner-LGSETA
Quality assurance functionary
-
Field
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
Subfield
Environmental Sciences
Qual class
Regular-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-01-30
Registration end
2029-01-30
Last date for enrolment
2030-01-30
Last date for achievement
2033-01-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Environmental Practitioner. An Environmental Practitioner identifies, prevents, monitors and reports site specific environmental risks and hazards; provides input to the integrated environmental management plan in compliance with the relevant legal and ethical framework and standard operation procedures; implement the roll out of integrated environmental plan. Typical graduate attributes will include among others leadership, discipline, compassion, communication, inquisitive, analytical, problem solving and dedication.
A qualified learner will be able to
- Enforce compliance to the environmental regulatory framework.
- Comply to the ethical framework in the workplace.
- Contribute to the integrated environmental management plan (waste, air, biodiversity, etc.)
- Apply the integrated environmental management tools.
- Participate in implementing the operational plan based on operational strategies for environmental issues.
- Develop and lead an inter-disciplinary team.
Rationale
South Africa has a need to manage and protect its natural resources and ecological systems, while simultaneously using its resources in a sustainable manner to promote social, physical and economic development. There is also a need for people to be empowered to develop environmental management practices, which will ensure that their activities, individually and collectively, result in the sustainable use of resources and minimise negative impact on the environment. Recent developments in environmental legislation have resulted in an increased demand for competent practitioners with the necessary skills, knowledge and values to fulfil these legislative requirements.
Typical learner for this qualification is any individual who is currently working as an environmental practitioner in the environmental management sector and new entrants, especially in the fields of environmental science, environmental management and waste management. It will also enhance the provision of service within the environmental management sector as it provides the specific knowledge, skills and values needed in the environmental management field. Currently there are no similar Environmental Practitioner qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework.
The environmental protection shall aid sustain the natural resources for the economic development of the country for industries that are directly dependent on natural resources, thus sustain livelihoods. This need arises from the increased pollution incidents, mismanagement of resources, privatisation of water, etc. which lead to environmental degradation. The qualification will facilitate access to, mobility and progression within the environmental management education and training and career progression to environmental technician for potential learners. The qualification was developed in collaboration with professional and statutory bodies.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL for Access
- Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
- Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment
Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.
Entry Requirements
- An NQF level 3 qualification.
Replacement note
This qualification replaces
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules
Knowledge Modules
- 213302-001-00-KM-01, Compliance with Environmental Regulatory Framework, Level 5, 6 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-KM-02, Adherence to the Environmental Ethical Framework in the Workplace, Level 5, 10 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-KM-03, Integrated Environmental Management Plan, Level 5, 10 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-KM-04, Environmental Management Tools, Level 5, 10 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-KM-05, Developing an Operational Plan based on Operational Strategies for Environmental issues, Level 5, 7 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-KM-06, Forming and Leading an Inter-disciplinary Team, Level 5, 7 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 50
Practical Skill Modules
- 213302-001-00-PM-01, Comply with the Environmental Regulatory Framework, Level 5, 8 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-PM-02, Adhere to the Environmental Ethical Framework, Level 5, 4 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-PM-03, Illustrate the Components of the Biophysical Environment, Level 4, 8 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-PM-04, Provide Input to the Integrated Environmental Management Plan, Level 5, 6 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-PM-05, Use the Integrated Environmental Management Tools, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-PM-06, Conduct an Initial Investigation to Present an Accurate Account of Environment issues, Level 5, 5 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-PM-07, Assist in the Development of an Environmental Operational Plan and Strategies for Implementation, Level 5, 6 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-PM-08, Form, Support, Coordinate, Motivate and Lead Multi-disciplinary Teams, Level 5, 3 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48
Work Experience Modules
- 213302-001-00-WM-01, Compliance with the Regulatory Framework, Level 5, 6 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-WM-02, Adherence to the Environmental Ethical Framework, Level 5, 4 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-WM-03, A description of the Biophysical Environment (the living and non-living features of an Environment in which an Organism lives), Level 4, 12 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-WM-04, Understanding and Application of Integrated Environmental Management Tools, Level 5, 12 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-WM-05, Conducting (participating, assisting) Preliminary Research (Survey, Preliminary Investigation, Problem Identification) and Data analysis of Environmental Issues, Level 5, 10 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-WM-06, A description of the importance of the development of an Integrated Environmental Management Plan, Level 5, 8 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-WM-07, Monitoring the implementation of an Operational Plan, Level 5, 8 Credits.
- 213302-001-00-WM-08, Training, Supporting, Coordinating and Motivation of the Team members, Level 5, 12 Credits
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 72
Exit level outcomes
- Apply environmental regulatory framework and adherence to the ethical framework in the workplace.
- Contribute to the integrated environmental management plan (waste, air, biodiversity, etc.)
- Apply the integrated environmental management tools.
- Implement the operational plan based on operational strategies for environmental issues.
- Develop and lead an inter-disciplinary team.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Explain, discuss, analyse, monitor and implement the relevant environmental legislation and policies.
- Explain and apply the different steps in the compliance process.
- Explain, analyse and apply the relevant environmental ethical policies.
- Explain, inspect and observe compliance, non-compliance and best practice in relation to the collection of environmental data at a specific site.
- Explain the ethical obligations to the environment.
- Describe and apply the human behaviour towards the environment.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Describe and explain the various components of an integrated environmental management plan.
- Explain, discuss and apply the process of formulating the integrated environmental management plan.
- Explain the importance and purpose of integrating the various components into a unified environmental management plan.
- Explain, discuss and analyse the roles and responsibilities of all the stakeholders.
- Describe the importance of an integrated environmental management plan in terms of its objectives.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Identify, discuss and apply appropriate environmental management tools.
- Compile and communicate site report and recommendations for environmental management.
- Identify, analyse, discuss, compare and apply the different types of impact assessment.
- Explain and discuss the different components of an environmental management system.
- Describe and explain the purpose of environmental management tools.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Conduct an initial investigation on a specific environmental issue.
- Compile and communicate report of the specific investigated environmental issue.
- Develop an operational plan with associated implementation strategies to address a specific environmental issue.
- Describe, explain and compare the elements/components of an operational plan and operational strategies for environmental issues.
- Discuss factors that influence operational strategies and its implementation.
- Explain, discuss and apply the principles of monitoring and evaluation process.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Describe and discuss a multi-disciplinary team and inter-disciplinary teams.
- Describe, discuss and apply the stakeholder engagement process.
- Explain, discuss and apply the principles of conflict management and resolutions in multi-disciplinary team .
- Form, support, coordinate and motivate a multi-disciplinary team to resolve environmental issues.
- Explain, describe and apply personal skills to deal with various stakeholders.
- Describe and evaluate factors that influence motivation.
- Describe and compare positive and negative reinforcement mechanisms.
- Analyse, describe and apply different types and styles of leadership.
- Explain, evaluate and apply accountability and responsibility in leadership.
- Explain fundamentals of integrated collaboration.
- Describe and analyse criteria for integrated collaboration.
- Describe, analyse and implement team formation and stages of team formation.
- Explain, select and apply community awareness processes in a community.
- Explain, select and apply community empowerment and capacity building support for a community.
Integrated Assessment
Integrated Formative Assessment
The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.
Integrated Summative Assessment
An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation
- National Certificate: Environmental Education, Training and Development Practice, NQF Level 5.
Vertical Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Environmental Science Technician, NQF Level 6.
NOTES
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.
Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements
- None.
Criteria for the accreditation of providers
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
The curriculum title and code is: Environmental Practitioner: 213302-001-00-00
Encompassed Trade
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD
- None.
Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
- LGSETA
International comparability
The qualification was compared with qualifications from Canada and New Zealand.
Canada
The University of Calgary offers a one (1) year Environmental Management Certificate. It allows learners to gain the most recent specialised knowledge and skills needed for effective practice in the dynamic field of environmental management.
It enables learners to explore uniquely Canadian environmental problems within a global perspective; Learn environmental systems, processes, tools, strategies, risk management techniques and legal requirements that help one assess and manage air, water, soil and waste. The Environmental Management Certificate qualification blends theory and practice while focusing on the need for sustainable development and the use of market-driven solutions. This qualification is ideal for university and college graduates looking to transition into the environmental sector.
The qualification covers the following modules
- Auditing of HSE Management Systems and Compliance.
- Ecosystems: Functions and Impacts.
- Environmental Law.
- Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability.
- Introduction to Environmental Management.
Optional modules: Minimum of 4 modules
- Corporate Social Responsibility.
- Environmental Impact Assessment and Reporting.
- Environmental Issues and Indigenous Communities.
- Environmental Management Systems and Standards.
- Environmental Site Assessment.
- Introduction to Geo-Information Systems.
- Global Warming and Climate.
- Management Tools and Techniques for Environment.
- Occupational Hygiene: The Basics.
- Oils Sands: Overview, Environmental Impacts and Regulations.
- Renewable Energy Technologies.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Waste Management Systems.
- Water Management for the 21st Century.
- Water Quality.
Similarities
The purpose, duration and content of the two qualifications are similar, both have practical component.
Differences
The Canadian Environmental Management Certificate qualification has elective modules, with no work experience component and specified exit level.
New Zealand
Learning Cloud offers a one (1) year Certificate in Environmental Management. The qualification consists of the following modules:
Core Modules
- Eco-tour Management.
- Conservation and Environmental Management.
- Environmental Waste Management.
- Soil Management (Crops).
Elective Modules: select any 2 of the following 7 modules.
- Alternative Energy.
- Marine Studies.
- Nature Park Management.
- Ornithology.
- Herpetology.
- Primatology.
- Wildlife Management.
Aims of the qualification are to
- Provide a basic introduction to the study of ecology.
- Provide a brief perspective on environmental problems and their causes.
- Provide a brief introduction to pollution and its effect on the environment and conservation.
- Increase your awareness of the relationship between soil and water and understand their effects on the environment and conservation.
- Understand techniques of vegetation management that are used in a range of situations.
- Identify methods used to monitor and manage large natural animal populations and land areas used for sustainable species continuance.
- Identify the methods used to monitor and manage natural marine populations for sustainable species continuance.
- Describe the role of Ecologically Sustainable Development policies in future environment management.
- Describe the scope of ecotourism experiences available.
- Determine management issues related to ecotourism activities/enterprises, giving due consideration to environmental and ethical concerns.
- Develop in the learner an awareness of ecotourism destinations in existence and possibilities (in your country).
- Explain the management and operation of an ecotourism office.
- Explain the management of eco-tourist accommodation facilities including:
- Identify catering options for different ecotourism activities.
- Identify legal and statutory requirements for the establishment and operation of an ecotourism enterprise.
- Identify/establish safety precautions/requirements/procedures for an ecotourism enterprise.
- Plan for an ecotourism activity.
Similarities
The purpose, duration and content are similar for both qualifications.
Differences
The New Zealand Certificate in Environmental Management qualification has no practical and work experience components and exit level.
Conclusion
This qualification compares favourably with those of the two countries in terms of the purpose, content, duration and practical component.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
No provider listing was captured on this qualification record.
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