Higher Occupational Certificate: Quantity Surveyor Assistant

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Participate in project scope definition.
• Assist in the preparation of cost estimation.
• Assist in conducting viability studies in the quantity surveying space.
• Measure aspects specific to construction like foundations, concrete reinforcement and formwork, the plumbing and drainage system, etc. (mensuration).
• Participate in procurement, tendering, and contractual/legal processes, and
• Assist in managing the financial and administration aspects during and post the construction phases.

Achieving this QSA qualification will provide several benefits to the learner, including

• Carrying out quantity surveying activities (in an assistive capacity), which include mensuration (measuring foundations, masonry, concrete reinforcement and formwork, the plumbing and drainage system, timber roof construction, timber windows, doors, and door openings, manholes, levelling of uneven ground, layer works and finishes).
• Performing cost estimation, conducting a viability study, and producing a viability study report.
• Assisting in compiling Price Determination Documents (Bills of Quantities), preparing tender documentation, and participating in both the procurement processes and the financial and administration aspects of construction processes all managed by the quantity surveyor.
• In-depth quantity surveying theory and competence in practical skills relevant to the occupation.
• Taking a significant step into the quantity surveying sector with the prospect of acquiring associated higher qualifications.

Typical graduate attributes include proficiency, efficiency, and effectiveness in completing various quantity surveying activities to facilitate the work of the quantity surveyor at building and civil construction sites to ensure organisational or client satisfaction. A Quantity Surveyor Assistant is a person of integrity and high ethical standards as they need to ensure, albeit in an assistive capacity, the implementation and completion of a construction project while controlling expenditure and achieving the vision of a client.

Rationale

Quantity Surveying is the impartial management of all financial and contractual matters related to Built Environment projects, from preliminary planning and inception through to completion of those projects, based on comprehensive knowledge of feasibility studies, budgets, Bills of Quantities (BoQ), building contracts, construction systems, the costs of alternative design proposals, and construction methods and materials, and is acknowledged as an independent profession within the context of the built environment worldwide.

The Quantity Surveyor Assistant (QSA) who operates both in building and civil construction projects - in the civil engineering space - will play an assistive role to the quantity surveyor bearing in mind the multi-faceted role played by this professional. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant will enable the quantity surveyor to concentrate on the more complex tasks that fall within the quantity surveyor's ambit of responsibilities.

An important to note is that there are also many small sub-contractors (small businesses in the construction space) who do not have the capacity to engage the services of a professional quantity surveyor. They would be able to afford a Quantity Surveyor Assistant, working under the supervision of a quantity surveyor to perform a range of services, inter alia, mensuration and preparing tender documents. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant will make a substantial contribution to facilitate the development and completion of construction projects by performing tasks that would otherwise have to be done by a quantity surveyor.

The Quantity Surveyor Assistant operates in the broad construction sector which makes a significant contribution to the South African economy. According to a report entitled 'South Africa Construction Market Size, Trend Analysis by Sector, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2027' (December 2023), the South Africa construction market size was $25.5 billion in 2022. The market is projected to achieve an Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of more than 3% during 2024-2027. This emphasises the potential role that can and will be played by the Quantity Surveyor Assistant.

The Quantity Surveyor Assistant qualification will replace the Further Education and Training Certificate: Quantity Surveying (SAQA ID 58780) which expired on 30 June 2023.

Currently, the Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying (SAQA ID 117792) is the only 'quantity surveying' qualification at NQF Level 5. It focuses both on surveying and construction management.

Among the modules offered are Structure of the Built Environment, Basic Construction Technology 1 and 2, Commercial Law, Property Development, and Land Surveying. Only two modules, Construction Quantity Surveying 1 and 2, totalling 32 credits, focus on core quantity surveying competencies.

The quantity surveying sector and by extension the construction sector will benefit substantially because Quantity Surveyor Assistants will enable Quantity Surveyors to be much more efficient and productive. The construction sector will be boosted in that Quantity Surveyors will be able to manage more construction projects given that the QSA will take care of activities that would normally be performed by quantity surveyors.

The qualification has the potential to create much-needed employment. Learners who do not wish to pursue the quantity surveying qualification which is at NQF Level 8 will have the opportunity of becoming involved in the quantity surveying sector as assistants and keep the option of pursuing the quantity surveyor qualification open. Increased employment brings about a concomitant beneficial impact on the economy because the construction industry plays a significant role in the economy.

The other significant benefit is that one of the major tasks of quantity surveyors is to control the costs of construction projects and the Quantity Surveyor Assistant will assist the quantity surveyor in the execution of this important aspect. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant will contribute towards cost control and ensure, on the one hand, that construction projects are completed without a significant spiralling of the budget and, on the other hand, that projects do not come to a complete halt because of financial reasons.

The benefit to small construction sub-contractors is that they will be able to use the Quantity Surveyor Assistant to perform the less complex tasks in the sector.

Typical learners will be school leavers and those already working in the quantity surveying sector. In terms of the learning pathway, they could pursue the National Diploma in Building or in Civil Engineering and progress upwards. They could also aim to acquire the professional quantity surveyor qualification provided they meet the entry requirements of that higher qualification.

Collaboration with relevant stakeholders

• The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP).
• Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

RPL for Access to Training

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

RPL for exemption of nodules

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for credits

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification are approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 4 qualification, with mathematics and science.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 214904-001-00-KM-01, Project Scope, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-KM-02, Drawings and Mensuration, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-KM-03, Measurement of Aspects Specific to Construction, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-KM-04, Project Cost Estimation and Viability Planning and Reporting, NQF Level 5, 11 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-KM-05, Procurement, Tendering, and Contractual/Legal Processes, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-KM-06, Managing the Financial and Administration Aspects Related to QS Practice (during and after construction phases), NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-KM-07, Work Performance, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 67

Practical Skill Modules

• 214904-001-00-PM-01, Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in Project Scope definition (pre-construction phase), NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-PM-02, Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in the Analysis of Construction Drawings, Drawing-up of Sketch Plans and Specialised Construction Drawings, and Performing Mensuration-related Activities, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-PM-03, Perform Measurement of Aspects specific to Construction, NQF Level 5, 17 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-PM-04, Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in Cost estimation, Performing a Viability Study, and Producing a Viability Study report, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-PM-05, Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in Procurement, Tendering, and Contractual/Legal processes, NQF Level 5, 11 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-PM-06, Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in Managing the Financial and Administration Aspects during and Post the Construction phases, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-PM-07, Participate in Self-Development processes, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 71

Work Experience Modules

• 214904-001-00-WM-01, Processes to participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in Project Scope Definition (pre-construction phase), NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-WM-02, Processes to Analyse Construction Drawings and Measure Aspects Specific to Construction, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-WM-03, Processes to Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in Cost Estimation, performing a Viability study and completing a Viability Study report, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
• 214904-001-00-WM-04, Processes to participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in procurement, Tendering, and Contractual/Legal processes, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.

214904-001-00-WM-05 Processes to Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in Managing the Financial and Administration Aspects during and post the Construction phases, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50

1. Analyse construction (architectural, engineering, and civil engineering) drawings and perform mensuration of aspects specific to construction.
2. Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in performing project cost estimation, conducting a viability study, and developing a viability report.
3. Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in procurement, tendering, and contractual/legal processes.
4. Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in managing the financial and administration aspects during and post the construction phases.

ELO 1: Analyse construction (architectural, engineering, and civil engineering) drawings and perform mensuration of aspects specific to construction.

• Explain the importance and functional purpose of construction drawings in mensuration and the various drawings that the Quantity Surveyor Assistant analyses and identify works with and explain their purpose.
• Explain range of quantity surveying and construction industry-specific abbreviations, terminology, and abbreviations are explained and discuss their use in construction drawings and specifications.
• Interpret the scales, drawing symbols, drawing lines, dimensions, abbreviations, block and legend, different views, elevations, projections, notes, and specifications of construction drawings for mensuration and quantification purposes.
• Explain the importance of dimension paper in mensuration, its structure is described and implement the method of using it to measure various aspects specific to construction for mensuration purposes.
• Identify the trades involved in measuring various aspects specific to construction and used for mensuration purposes.
• Apply methods and techniques for mensuration to aspects specific to construction.
• Describe the purposes and structure of the Standard System of Measuring Building Work and explain the method to use this document.
• Identify, evaluate and develop solution to problems associated with mensuration.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in performing project cost estimation, conducting a viability study, and developing a viability report.

• Analyse concepts, principles, and theory related to a viability study to enhance understanding of a viability study within the quantity surveying sector.
• Collect information for a viability study in the quantity surveying sector from a range of sources and analyse, synthesise, and evaluate.
• Interpret and analyse construction drawings and perform various calculations to enable cost estimation for a project.
• Analyses of the client's requirements/brief, the scope of the project, market trends, the political, economic, demographic, macro-economic, local economic, and property trends, and perform urban growth to enable the generation of a viability study in the quantity surveying sector.
• Estimate the total capital outlay of the project, total project income, and costs and prepare cash flow projection for the development period to indicate whether the intended project is a viable proposition.
• Assess risks, uncertainties, and financial returns associated with a viability study to ensure that a construction project has the prospect of success.
• Produce a viability study using the various analyses, estimations, and assessments, develop a viability study report using the appropriate format and structure, and generate supporting documentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in procurement, tendering, and contractual/legal processes.

• Analyse procurement methods, identify the differences, discuss the advantages and disadvantages and identify and mitigate the risks of each procurement method.
• Select the appropriate type of contract and prepare a contract to include specific terms and conditions.
• Prepare, compile and check accuracy in price Determination Documents (Bills of Quantities) conformity with the appropriate procedure and using either manual or electronic means.
• Prepare tender documentation for both principal and sub-contract procurement, using guidelines for both public/state or private tenders.
• Analyse and evaluate tender documents received using appropriate criteria and scoring methods and select the appropriate bidder.
• Implement professional ethical codes of practice in all processes associated with procurement, tendering, and contractual/legal processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO: 4 Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in managing the financial and administration aspects during and post the construction phases.

• Perform site administration to control construction drawings and maintain specifications, records and a record-keeping system, and compile construction-related reports for a range of work processes.
• Generate a range of reports (monthly cost report, variation report, etc.) related to financial administration of a construction project.
• Measure work performed by sub-contractors, verify claim and adjudicate disputes pertaining to the claims prior to payment being made.
• Prepare monthly valuations for interim payment certificates and a final account for a final account certificate.
• Conduct monitoring the financial performance of sub-contractors against contracts to ensure that budgets allocated are not exceeded.
• Demonstrate accountability in managing the financial and administration aspects of a project under a quantity surveyor or construction manager through the generation of accurate financial reports, monthly valuations, payment certificates, and final account.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessments conducted internally

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment

The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating the attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules.