Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas 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
Occupational Certificate
Credits
133
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 - CHIETA
Quality assurance functionary
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
Field
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology
Subfield
Manufacturing and Assembly
Qual class
Regular-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-08-22
Registration end
2029-08-22
Last date for enrolment
2030-08-22
Last date for achievement
2033-08-22
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 a Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner. Commercial Natural Gas Practitioners design, install, construct, inspect, maintain, repair and commission commercial Natural (natural or bio-) gas installations which comply with safety and other legal requirements.
A qualified learner will be able to
- Determine customer energy requirements to provide natural gas supply to meet commercial customer needs.
- Design a commercial natural gas system and estimate cost related to the construction of the system to provide efficient gas supply.
- Construct and install a natural gas system as per scope of work in a commercial environment.
- Commission a commercial natural gas system and conduct a handover session with the end-user on completion of the installation.
- Inspect commercial natural gas systems to detect defects and potential risks and maintain or modify the systems to achieve operational safety and optimum performance and reliability, including fault finding.
Rationale
The South African gas industry is highly regulated and legislation requires gas installers to have formally recognised qualifications. It is a growing industry with an increasing demand for gas systems in domestic, commercial and industrial settings and offers a green alternative to fossil generated energy.
South Africa experiences a rising energy demand and deals with a range of challenges and opportunities in the sustainable provision of energy. As Government sought accelerated growth to address the current energy crisis facing the country, it launched its ambitious gas-to-power programme. This initiative is supported by National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), South African Gas Association (SAGA), DTI and Department: Energy.
The gas-to-power landscape in South Africa has moved even further forward with the recent initiative for the development of a 600MW gas-fired power plant. Current government focus includes the strengthening of regional co-operation and cross-border infrastructure being vital to the success of the long-term development of gas to power. Within this context, the development and registration of the Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner becomes a national imperative which will serve the economy and society.
This qualification has been designed to meet the training needs expressed by the commercial natural and biogas (natural) industry and will contribute towards the development of competence in the installation and maintenance of natural and biogas equipment and systems in commercial contexts.
A person qualifying as a Commercial Natural Gas Technician will be competent to install, repair and maintain gas installations in commercial contexts such as restaurants, yachts, food trucks, schools, etc. It is anticipated that they will start their careers as learner-installers in gas companies from where they will progress to independently run their own natural or biogas installation and maintenance operations.
The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and will contribute to progression and economic growth within the gas installation and maintenance fraternity. Learners will receive recognition for their competencies and will be able to progress further in the industry.
The Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner (NQF Level 4) follows on the Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner (NQF Level 3). After successful completion of this qualification and meeting registration requirements, learners can progress to the Occupational Certificate: Industrial Thermoprocessing Gas Technician (NQF Level 5). These three qualifications form a career and learning path for the Natural Gas Industry which creates mobility opportunities for learners and will benefit the industry tremendously.
Through the employment of competent installation personnel, employers and, in turn, the field and sub-field, will have confidence that this critical work in the industry is efficiently carried out and that occurrence of accidents, explosions and fires can be avoided.
Typical learners include qualified Domestic Natural Gas Practitioners who wish to pursue a career in the gas industry as well as persons currently employed or operating in the gas industry but with no formal recognition for their skills.
The following qualifications are registered on the NQF: Occupational Certificate: Flammable Gas System Installer, Occupational Certificate: Food and Beverage Gas Systems Installer, Occupational Certificate: Inert Gas Systems Installer, Occupational Certificate: Medical Gas Systems Installer, Occupational Certificate: Speciality Gas Systems Installer, and Occupational Certificate: Oxidant Gas Systems Installer. These qualifications are all at NQF Level 4 and prepare Gas Practitioners to operate within the compressed gas context and are designed to meet the training needs expressed by the gas industry. It should be noted that the Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner is also designed to meet the training needs expressed by the gas industry for the natural, bio- or liquefied petroleum gas environment.
Qualifying learner will be registered with the relevant gas authority based on achievement of the exit level outcomes of this qualification and three (3) years of work experience for professional recognition.
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.
RPL for Credits
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
Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner, NQF Level 3.
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
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
- 642603-002-00-KM-01, Intermediate Gas Science for Commercial Natural Gas Systems, Level 4, 4 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-KM-02, Commercial Natural Gas Systems, Technology and Systems, Level 4, 5 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-KM-03, Commercial Natural Gas System Design, Level 5, 5 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-KM-04, Installation and Commissioning of Commercial Natural Gas Systems, Level 4, 6 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-KM-05, Maintenance, Decommissioning and Re-commissioning of Commercial Natural Gas Systems, Level 4, 4 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-KM-06, Gas Regulations, Legislation and Standards Pertaining to Commercial Natural Gas Systems, Level 3, 3 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-KM-07, Pipe Welding for Commercial Natural Gas Installations, Level 3, 5 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 32
Practical Skill Modules
- 642603-002-00-PM-01, Weld and Gas Cut Components for Commercial Natural Gas Installations, Level 3, 24 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-PM-02, Determine Gas Supply Ensuring Conformance to Regulatory Requirements for Commercial Natural (Natural or Bio-) Gas Systems, Level 4, 7 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-PM-03, Design a Legally Compliant Commercial Natural Gas System which Meets End-user Needs, Level 5, 8 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-PM-04, Perform the Installation of Legally and Code Compliant Commercial Natural Gas System, Level 4,12 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-PM-05, Inspect, Test and Confirm Commercial Natural Gas System Compliance with Design and Scope Parameters, Level 4, 11 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-PM-06, Assess, Troubleshoot Problems and Repair or Replace Faulty Equipment for Commercial Natural Gas System, Level 4, 12 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 74
Work Experience Modules
- 642603-002-00-WM-01, Commercial Natural Gas System Conceptualisation and Preconstruction Processes, Level 4, 4 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-WM-02, Commercial Natural Gas System Design, Management and Costing Processes, Level 5, 8 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-WM-03, On-site Commercial Natural Gas System Installation, Level 4, 6 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-WM-04, Commercial Natural Gas System Commissioning, Certification and Handover Processes, Level 4, 5 Credits.
- 642603-002-00-WM-05, Corrective, Planned and Statutory Maintenance Processes of Commercial Natural Gas Systems, Level 4, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 27
Exit level outcomes
- Design a legally compliant commercial natural gas system according to gas system demand.
- Demonstrate the installation of a commercial natural gas system as per scope of work which is legal and code compliant.
- Adhere to safety, quality and environmental compliance according to legal requirements for a commercial natural gas system.
- Perform maintenance functions and inspections of commercial natural gas installations and equipment.
- Adhere to safety and quality industry codes and legal aspects when installing a commercial natural gas system and working with commercial natural gas.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
ELO 1: Design a legally compliant commercial natural gas system according to gas system demand.
- Conduct an analysis of customer needs and requirements of a commercial natural gas system.
- Develop a scope of work for a commercial natural gas system according to energy requirements to provide gas supply which meets customer needs.
- Explain the purpose, application and functioning of gas supply.
- Describe the purpose, application and functioning of equipment and appliances for gas installations.
- Develop a drawing/sketch of a commercial gas installation using the correct symbols, line and equipment numbering.
- Calculate the sizing of gas supply, pipeline and equipment according to the scope of work.
- Compile a bill of materials for a legally compliant commercial gas system.
- Design final drawings and identify the relevant bodies to submit to for approval prior to installation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
ELO 2: Demonstrate the installation of a commercial natural gas system as per scope of work which is legal and code compliant.
- Apply legal and code requirements for commercial gas equipment and installation.
- Conduct the necessary planning and preparation for the installation of a commercial natural gas system.
- Install a complete commercial gas system according to procedures and workplace instructions.
- Conduct relevant pressure tests and leak tests to assess the integrity of the commercial gas system.
- Commission the commercial natural gas system installation in accordance with legal requirements.
- Compile customer hand-over documentation and issue pressure test and compliance certificates.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
ELO 3: Adhere to safety, quality and environmental compliance according to legal requirements for a commercial natural gas system.
- Identify safety and health standards and regulations pertaining to gas installation procedures and justify the importance of compliance with those.
- Justify the legal compliance of a commercial natural gas system within the legal framework in which the industry operates.
- Employ health and safe working practices and identify health and safety risks associated with in the commercial natural or biogas installation environment.
- Conduct safety inspections to assess the integrity of the commercial natural or biogas installation.
- Evaluate and ensure the quality of material and installation work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
ELO 4: Perform maintenance functions and inspections of commercial natural gas installations and equipment.
- Apply fault finding techniques to determine the root cause of the failure of a commercial gas system.
- Apply isolation and make safe procedures for maintenance of a commercial gas system.
- Inspect, test and evaluate existing gas installations against legal compliance.
- Repair/replace components of a commercial natural gas system, as determined during an inspection, testing and fault-finding exercise.
- Issue a commercial natural gas system is re-commissioned after completion of repair/replacements/additions/modifications and a certificate of conformity.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
ELO 5: Adhere to safety and quality industry codes and legal aspects when installing a commercial natural gas system and working with commercial natural gas.
- Define and describe basic concepts and principles of gas science.
- Describe the technology and configuration of gas systems for commercial use in terms of material characteristic and compatibility and components.
- Explain principles and concepts related to the installation and commissioning of commercial gas systems.
- Discuss principles of compliance with safety, legislation and regulations in terms of the implications for commercial gas systems and the implications of non-compliance.
Integrated Assessment
Integrated formative assessment
The skills development provider 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 together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.
Integrated summative assessment
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.
The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical tasks conducted at QCTO accredited assessment centres. The practical assessment will be concluded at the assessment centre and assessed by an assessor registered with the AQP. A learner who attempted the assessment will be given recognition for those assessment tasks in which he/she has been found competent and not be retested in those tasks provided that:
- The learner is competent in at least 70% of the assessment tasks given during the assessment.
- The recognition will be retained by the candidate for a maximum of 3 attempts or 18-months from the date of successful completion of the test tasks whichever comes first.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Speciality Gas System Installer, Level 4.
Vertical Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Gas Practitioner, Level 5.
NOTES
Qualifying for External Assessment
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable including Foundational Learning Competence.
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: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner: 642603-002-00-00.
Encompassed Trades
None.
Assessment Quality Partner
Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA).
International comparability
The Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner was compared with qualifications from the New Zealand and India.
New Zealand
The National Certificate in Gas Fitting is at Level 4 and is presented by the UNITEC Institute of Technology. It recognises the competence in the gas fitting trade. It equips the learner with knowledge and skills in use of gas fitting tools and equipment, excavation and trenching, installation and maintenance of gas fitting pipework, ducting, appliances, systems, and equipment; health, safety, and emergency requirements relating to gas fitting activities; good work habits, customer services and relations, and ethical behaviour; job requirements and job costing factors; drawing patterns; and constructing sheet metal products. It prepares the learner for registration within appropriate legislation. The total credit value of the qualification is 171 with credits ranging from level 1 to 4.
A core component includes compulsory standards on work and study skills, health, safety, safety related to planning and construction. Compulsory standards specific to the gas fitting trade, include standards in the areas of:
- Core plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying.
- Gas fitting: including gas fitting and testing tools and equipment, installation, commissioning and maintenance of consumer gas pipework, gas appliances and equipment and control devices.
- The standards differentiate between various types of gas appliances and equipment.
- Customer service.
Similarities
Both qualifications prepare the learners for registration (licencing) with appropriate authorities and legislation. All the above content aspects are included in the Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Technician. Safety, which is a very important aspect in the gas environment, is included in both qualifications. Both qualifications are at Level 4.
Differences
The New Zealand qualification credit value is 171 while the Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner value is 133. The lesser credit value of the SA qualification relates to the fact that it builds on the Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Technician which is at NQF Level 3. The context of application (e.g. domestic, commercial or industrial) is not referred to in the New Zealand qualification.
India
Indian National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the Pipe Fitter - City Gas Distribution was used for international comparability. The Pipe Fitter-City Gas Distribution equips learners to operate in various contexts related to city gas distribution i.e., piped natural gas connection to residential consumers such as apartments, flats, houses etc., commercial consumers such as shopping malls, hospitals, etc. and industrial consumers and CNG station connections which includes massive pipes, vents and ducts for gas. The Indian Occupational Standards for the Pipe Fitter - City Gas Distribution is at NSQF Level 4 and basic machining skills and a 10th grade/class educational qualification (also known as the 10th Board Exam). These NOS are presented by e.g. the SDI Society Raebareli Skills Development Institute at Raebareli. During the learning process, learners are equipped for tasks and contexts such as:
- Pipefitting work in the installation, repair and maintenance of pipe systems.
- Performing skilled pipefitting tasks in the installation, repair and maintenance of pipe lines.
- Making work layouts on the basis of verbal or written instructions, blueprints or sketches.
- Preparing the pipe line, including materials such as bends, elbows, shapes, joints etc. Used to fabricate the pipes.
- Installing and checking for the functions of different types of valves, gauges and other related accessories.
- Identifying and applying tools and tackles.
- Installing, repairing and maintaining high and low-pressure pipe systems used in manufacturing plants, oil refineries, chemical plants, breweries, power plants, food processing plants, paper mills, ships and factories.
- Making bill of materials or components required (type, quality, quantity), dimensions, limits and tolerances; operations required (list, sequence and procedures where applicable); shape or profiles to be fabricated; cutting, bending for fabricated forms;instruments and tools to be used; interdependencies; timelines.
- Cutting pipes to length with appropriate allowance for fittings, removing all external and internal burrs, cleaning pipe ends for soldering or cementing.
- Producing pipework bends using the appropriate tools and equipment for the types and sizes of pipe.
- Securing pipework supports to structures, connecting pipe-to-equipment, fitting pipework supports, using gaskets, seals/sealing tapes or jointing compounds, connecting pipe-to-pipe, alignment/levelling equipment.
- Performing necessary checks for correct pipework assembly and dimensional accuracy.
Similarities
Both qualifications are at the same level, both have a focus on commercial installations and both qualifications cover natural gas installations. Both qualifications emphasise safety related to the gas components and includes welding aspects.
Differences
Entry requirements are different. The Indian NOS requires 10th grade and basic machining skills, while the South African qualification requires competence in the Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner. The context of operation for the Indian NOS is specified as domestic, commercial and industrial. However, the Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner is specific to the commercial context of operation.
Conclusion
The Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner compares well with the above qualifications in terms of content, knowledge and practical skills.
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.
Related Qualifications
Explore other relevant certificates and degrees in this field.
The qualification forms part of the career pathway for people working in the food and beverage industry with its alignment to food and beverage preparation services such as cooks.
Purpose:
Purpose:
Purpose:
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Railway Track Constructor.
Use this qualification in your readiness workflow
Once the qualification identity is clear, your institution can structure the readiness work around the right title, NQF level, dates, and supporting records instead of rebuilding that story later.