National Occupational Certificate: Plumber

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Plumber.

A plumber installs, maintains, tests, and repairs hot and cold-water supply systems, drainage, sewerage, and rainwater systems.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Install, maintain and test, and repair above ground soil waste and vent systems and sanitary ware appliances.
• Install, maintain and test, below-ground drainage systems and performing basic building work.
• Install, maintain and test, cold water systems and hot water systems.
• Install, maintain and test, rainwater systems.

A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes

• Methodologically and procedurally oriented.
• Problem-solving.
• Analytical.
• Professionalism.

Rationale

The need for this qualification arises in response to a growing demand for skilled professionals in the plumbing industry. As urbanisation continues to expand globally, the construction and maintenance of residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure are crucial for economic growth and societal well-being. Plumbers play a vital role in ensuring the proper functioning of water supply systems, sanitation facilities, heating, and cooling systems, among other essential services. With rapid urban development and the construction of new buildings, there is a heightened demand for qualified plumbers who can install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems efficiently and in compliance with industry standards and regulations. The plumbing industry is evolving with advancements in technology, such as smart water meters, water-saving fixtures, and energy-efficient heating systems. Plumbers need updated skills and knowledge to work with these new technologies effectively. There are stringent regulatory requirements and safety standards in place for plumbing work to ensure public health and safety. Qualified plumbers are essential for meeting these compliance standards and carrying out work that meets legal and ethical obligations. There is a recognised shortage of skilled plumbers in many regions, leading to challenges in meeting the demand for plumbing services. This qualification aims to address the skills gap by producing competent and certified plumbers.

The plumbing sector benefits from a skilled workforce that can handle diverse plumbing tasks, from installation to maintenance and repairs. This leads to improved service quality and customer satisfaction. Access to qualified plumbers ensures that communities have reliable access to safe and hygienic water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and functional plumbing infrastructure, promoting public health and well-being.

A competent plumbing workforce contributes to economic growth by supporting construction projects, property maintenance services, and infrastructure development. It also creates employment opportunities and stimulates entrepreneurship in the plumbing industry. Trained plumbers can implement eco-friendly practices, such as water recycling, energy-efficient system installations, and leak detection technologies, contributing to environmental sustainability and resource conservation.

Individuals interested in pursuing a career as professional plumbers include

• Apprentices or trainees under plumbing apprenticeship programs.
• Experienced plumbers seeking formal recognition and certification of their skills.
• Employees in plumbing-related roles within construction, maintenance, or building services companies.

Learners are expected to demonstrate proficiency in practical plumbing tasks, theoretical knowledge of plumbing principles and regulations, and essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and safety practices.

Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate are Plumber, Plumbing Contractor, Maintenance Technician, Pipefitter, Drainage Technician, Water Systems Installer and Plumbing Supervisor.

This qualification was developed in collaboration with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB). Upon successful completion, learners may operate as a Plumber.

RPL for Access to Training/Exemption

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.

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 Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

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.

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, part-qualification or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematical Literacy and Communication.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 642601-000-01-KM-01: Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation, NQF Level 3, 2 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-02: Tools, Equipment, Components and Site Practice, NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-03: Analytical Thinking, Innovation and Complex Problem Solving, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-04: Workplace Relationships and Performance, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-05: Decision Making, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-06: Workplace Fundamentals and Workplace Safety, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-07: Drawings and Applied Sciences, NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-08: Theory of Water and Drainage, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-09: Above and Below Ground Drainage Systems, NQF Level 4, 43 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-10: Sanitary Ware, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-11: Hot and Cold-Water Systems, NQF Level 4, 18 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-12: Maintenance and Repair Theory for Plumbing Systems, NQF Level 4, 9 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-KM-13: Sheet Metal and Pipework, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 121

Practical Skill Modules

• 642601-000-01-PM-01: Care for, Use, and Store Trade-related Tools and Equipment, NQF Level 2, 10 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-PM-02: Prepare, Cut and Assemble Basic Sheet Metal and Pipe Work, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-PM-03: Install and Test Above Ground Soil Waste and Vent Systems and Sanitary Ware Appliances, NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-PM-04: Maintain Above-Ground Soil Waste and Vent Systems and Sanitary Ware Appliances, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-PM-05: Install and Test Below Ground Drainage Systems, NQF Level 4, 25 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-PM-06: Maintain Below-Ground Drainage Systems, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-PM-07: Install and Test Cold Water and Hot Water Systems, NQF Level 4, 25 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-PM-08: Maintain Cold Water and Hot Water Systems, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-PM-09: Install and Test Rainwater Systems, NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-PM-10: Maintain Rainwater Systems, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 144

Work Experience Modules

• 642601-000-01-WM-01: Processes and Procedures for Installation, Testing and Maintenance of Above- Ground Soil Waste and Vent Systems and Sanitary Ware Appliances, NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-WM-02: Processes and Procedures for Installation, Testing and Maintenance of Below-Ground Drainage Systems and Performing Basic Building Work, NQF Level 4, 35 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-WM-03: Procedures and Processes for Installation, Testing and Maintenance of Cold Water and Hot Water Systems, NQF Level 4, 35 Credits.
• 642601-000-01-WM-04: Procedures and Processes for Installation, Testing and Maintenance of Rainwater Systems, NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 130

1. Install, test and maintain, above-ground soil, waste, and vent systems, as well as sanitary ware devices, by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies.
2. Install, test and maintain, below-ground drainage systems while conducting fundamental construction tasks, by modifying and employing standard solutions.
3. Install, test and maintain, cold water systems and hot water systems by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies.
4. Prepare for installation, testing and maintenance of rainwater systems by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Install, test and maintain, above-ground soil, waste, and vent systems, as well as sanitary ware devices, by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies.

• Conduct assessment and planning activities including site and risk assessments to ensure suitability and safety, along with the preparation of comprehensive quotes based on these assessments.
• Undertake selection, installation, and compliance activities that focuses on choosing the right above-ground drainage systems and products, performing basic sheet metal and pipe work, installing them according to plumbing layouts and SANS codes, and ensuring all work complies with OHSA and SHEQ requirements.
• Perform maintenance and repair activities including the cleaning of blockages, repairing pipes, creating branch connections, and the overall maintenance and repair of systems to ensure functionality, supported by demonstrated knowledge in installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing systems and appliances.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Install, test and maintain, below-ground drainage systems while conducting fundamental construction tasks, by modifying and employing standard solutions.

• Perform preparation and measurement activities including calculating discharge volumes, sizing of pipes, determining gradients, and measuring gradients and fall with appropriate tools and techniques.
• Undertake excavation and installation activities including soil testing, safe excavation practices, and the stabilisation of excavations, along with the sizing, cutting, joining, and laying of pipes and fittings in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Implement testing and compliance activities including installing bends, junctions, access points according to the drain line, conducting air and water tests on below-ground drains for optimal functionality, and demonstrating knowledge in installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing below-ground drainage systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Install, test and maintain, cold water systems and hot water systems by utilising plumbing practices, procedures and strategies.

• Conduct material selection and preparation activities including identification, selection, handling, transportation, and storage of hot and cold-water materials, pipes, and equipment according to job requirements and instructions to prevent damage.
• Conduct installation and compliance activities including checking site against working drawings for positioning of pipes and equipment, preparing access equipment for safe working practices, soldering copper tubes, joining HDPE and GMS pipes, and using compression and push-fit fittings in accordance with SANS Codes and SHEQ requirements. Laying pressure water pipes appropriately and ensuring electrical safety in measurements and installations.
• Conduct testing and maintenance including performing electrical calculations for current flow, electric potential, and resistance. Installing thermal lagging and insulation with proper electrical safety measures and demonstrating knowledge to install, maintain, test, and repair cold and hot water systems effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Prepare for installation, testing and maintenance of rainwater systems by utilising plumbing practices, procedures, and strategies.

• Perform installation and gradient management activities including positioning of gutter brackets and downpipe holder bats to ensure gutters are straight, achieve the required positive gradient, are well-supported, and effectively collect rainwater from the roof.
• Implement system integrity and compliance activities including installation of rainwater gutters and downpipes according to manufacturer's specifications, ensuring effective rainwater collection and diversion away from the building, alongside regular checks for obstructions and leaks to maintain system integrity.
• Implement environmental considerations by the utilisation of appropriate fittings and jointing materials for connections, environmentally responsible disposal of off-cuts and packaging materials following SHEQ requirements, and demonstration of knowledge in the installation, maintenance and testing of rainwater systems.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills programme, 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, part-qualification or skills programme.

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.