Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Occupational Certificate
Credits
193
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 Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner.
Domestic Natural Gas Practitioners design, install, construct, inspect, maintain, repair, and commission domestic gas installations.
Qualified learners will be able to
- Design a legally compliant domestic natural or biogas system according to gas system demand.
- Install a domestic natural or biogas system as per scope of work which is legal and code compliant.
- Ensure safety, quality, and environmental compliance according to legal requirements for a domestic natural or biogas gas system.
- Perform maintenance functions and inspections of domestic natural or biogas installations and equipment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of science and technology concepts and principles underpinning natural or biogas design, construction and installation for a domestic context.
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 contexts 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: Domestic 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 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 domestic contexts.
The Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner (NQF Level 3) is the first step in the career and learning path for the Natural Gas Industry. After successful completion of this qualification and meeting licencing requirements, learners can progress to the Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner (NQF Level 4) and then to the next step, the Occupational Certificate: Industrial Thermoprocessing Gas Technician (NQF Level 5). This creates mobility opportunities for learners and will benefit the industry tremendously.
A person qualifying as a Domestic Natural Gas Technician can be classified as a craftsman and will be equipped to follow an independent career in natural or biogas installations and maintenance in domestic contexts. Most of the learners for this qualification are likely to be learner-installers in small independent gas companies. It is foreseen that the learners will eventually be able to independently run their own natural or biogas installation and maintenance operations.
This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the natural or biogas installation industry by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the gas field. 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.
Typical learners include school leavers with an NQF 1 qualification or equivalent who wish to pursue a career in the gas industry as well as persons currently employed in the gas industry but with no formal recognition for their skills.
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.
No similar qualification already registered on the NQF at NQF Level 3 has been noted.
Qualifying learner will be registered (licenced) with the SAGA based on achievement of the exit level outcomes of this qualification and three (3) years of work experience.
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
An NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematics.
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
- 642603-003-00-KM-01, Basic Gas Science, Technology and Domestic Natural Gas Systems, Level 2, 11 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-KM-02, Drawings and Design of Domestic Natural Gas Systems, Level 3, 9 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-KM-03, Installation and Commissioning of Domestic Natural Gas Systems, Level 3, 9 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-KM-04, Tools, Equipment and Machinery used in Natural Gas Installations, Level 2, 5 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-KM-05, Isolation, Maintenance and Re-commissioning of Domestic Natural Gas Installations, Level 2, 9 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-KM-06, Legislation, Regulations and Safety Concerning Domestic Natural Gas Installations, Level 3, 5 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-KM-07, Basic Business Practices for Domestic Natural Gas Practitioners, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 52
Practical Skill Modules
- 642603-003-00-PM-01, Determine Natural Gas Supply Needs for Domestic Use, Level 3, 10 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-PM-02, Design a Legally Compliant Domestic Natural Gas System which Meets End-user Needs, Level 3, 15 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-PM-03, Maintain and Use Tools, Equipment and Machinery for Installation of Natural Gas Systems, Level 2, 12 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-PM-04, Construct Pipe Work for Natural Gas Installations, Level 2, 5 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-PM-05, Perform Installation of Legally and Code Compliant Domestic Natural Gas Systems, Level 3, 22 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-PM-06, Inspect and Confirm Domestic Natural Gas Systems for Compliance with Design and Scope, Level 3, 15 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-PM-07, Assess Domestic Natural Gas Equipment or System, Troubleshoot Problems and Repair or Replace Faulty Equipment or System, Level 2, 12 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-PM-08, Apply Braising, Soldering and Basic Welding Techniques for Non-Mechanical Jointing of Pipes for Domestic Natural Gas Systems, Level 3, 9 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 100
Work Experience Modules
- 642603-003-00-WM-01, Domestic Natural Gas System Conceptualisation and Pre-construction Processes, Level 3, 5 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-WM-02, Domestic Natural Gas System Design, Project Management and Costing Processes, Level 4, 12 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-WM-03, Domestic Natural Gas Installation, Level 3, 12 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-WM-04, Domestic Natural Gas System Commissioning, Certification and Hand-over Processes, Level 2, 4 Credits.
- 642603-003-00-WM-05, Corrective, Planned and Statutory Maintenance Processes for Domestic Natural Gas Systems, Level 3, 8 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Design a legally compliant domestic natural or biogas system according to gas system demand.
- Demonstrate the ability to install a domestic natural or biogas system as per scope of work which is legal and code compliant.
- Adhere to safety, quality, environmental and legal requirements for a domestic natural or biogas gas system.
- Perform maintenance functions and inspections of domestic natural or biogas installations and equipment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of science and technology concepts and principles underpinning natural or biogas design, construction and installation for a domestic context.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
ELO 1: Design a legally compliant domestic natural or biogas system according to gas system demand.
- Conduct an analysis of customer needs and requirements of a domestic natural or biogas system.
- Develop a scope of work for a domestic natural or biogas system according to energy requirements to provide gas supply which meets customer needs.
- Explain the purposes, application and functioning of domestic natural or biogas supply.
- Describe the purposes, application and functioning of equipment and appliance for domestic natural or biogas installations.
- Develop a drawing/sketch of a domestic natural or biogas 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 domestic natural or biogas 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: Install a domestic natural or biogas system as per scope of work which is legal and code compliant.
- Apply legal and code requirements for domestic natural or biogas equipment and installation.
- Conduct the necessary planning and preparation for the installation of a domestic natural or biogas system.
- Install a complete domestic natural or biogas gas system according to procedures and workplace instructions.
- Conduct relevant pressure tests and leak tests to assess the integrity of the domestic natural or biogas system.
- Commission the domestic natural or biogas system installation in accordance with legal requirements.
- Compile customer hand-over documentation and issue pressure test and compliance certificate.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
ELO 3: Adhere to safety, quality, environmental and legal requirements for a domestic natural or biogas gas system.
- Identify safety and health standards and regulations pertaining to domestic natural or biogas installation procedures and the justify importance of compliance with those.
- Justify the legal compliance of a domestic natural or biogas system within the legal framework in which the industry operates.
- Employ health and safe working practices and identify health and safety risks associated with the domestic natural or biogas installation environment.
- Conduct safety inspections to assess the integrity of the domestic natural or biogas installation.
- Evaluate and adhere to the quality of material and installation work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
ELO 4: Perform maintenance functions and inspections of domestic natural or biogas installations and equipment.
- Apply fault-finding techniques to determine the root cause of the failure of a domestic natural or biogas system.
- Apply isolation and make safe procedures for maintenance of a domestic natural or biogas system.
- Inspect, test, and evaluate existing domestic natural or biogas installations against legal compliance.
- Repair/replace components of a domestic natural or biogas system, as determined during an inspection, testing and fault-finding exercise.
- Re-commission a domestic natural or biogas system after completion of repair, replacement, additions, modification and issue a certificate of conformity.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
ELO 5: Demonstrate an understanding of science and technology concepts and principles underpinning natural or biogas design, construction and installation for a domestic context.
- Define and describe basic concepts and principles of gas science.
- Describe the technology and configuration of natural or biogas systems for domestic use in terms of material characteristic and compatibility and components.
- Explain principles and concepts related to the installation and commissioning of domestic natural or biogas systems.
- Discuss principles of compliance with safety, legislation, regulations in terms of the implications for domestic natural or biogas systems and the implications of non-compliance.
Integrated Assessment
Integrated Assessment 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 Assessment 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; and
- 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 vertical and horizontal articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Quality Inspector, NQF Level 3.
Vertical Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Speciality Gas System Installer, NQF Level 4.
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: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner: 642603-003-00-00.
Encompassed Trades
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD
None.
Assessment Quality Partner
Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA).
International comparability
The Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner was compared with qualifications from Australia and New Zealand.
Australia
The Australian Certificate III in Gas Fitting is presented by TAFE Queensland. Gas fitting is regarded as a skill in demand. This program has a strong focus on ensuring safe operating conditions, it includes skills on how to size, install, test and purge gas pipe work; install, test and commission gas appliances; and size, install and test flue system components. It comprises 26 core units and a selection of 6 elective units. Credits are not specified. It also includes employable skills units including communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, learning and technology. TAFE Queensland specifies that learners must work with a fully licenced Gas Fitter to become fully licenced. Entry requirements are specified as "none".
Core units are
- Carry out interactive workplace communication.
- Read plans and calculate plumbing quantities.
- Apply first aid in the workplace.
- Work effectively in the plumbing and services sector.
- Carry out OHS requirements.
- Handle and store plumbing materials.
- Use plumbing hand and power tools.
- Carry out levelling.
- Cut and join sheet metal.
- Mark out materials.
- Weld using oxy-acetylene equipment.
- Weld using arc welding equipment.
- Work safely on roofs.
- Flash penetrations through roofs and walls.
- Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes, watercraft and mobile workplaces.
- Install gas detection devices.
- Install gas pressure control equipment.
- Install Type A gas appliance flues.
- Purge consumer piping.
- Maintain Type A gas appliances.
- Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances.
- Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances.
- Install gas piping systems.
- Size consumer gas piping systems.
- Install and commission Type A gas appliances.
- Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres.
Elective units are
- Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding.
- Work safely at heights.
- Operate elevated work platforms.
- Operate personnel and materials hoists.
- Carry out load slinging of off-site materials.
- Cut using oxy-LPG-acetylene equipment.
- Carry out simple concreting and rendering.
- Weld plastic pipe using fusion method.
- Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping.
- Install Type B gas appliance flues.
- Install subsidiary gas meters.
- Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8KL.
- Assemble mechanical services components.
- Fabricate and install steel pressure piping.
- Install small bore heating systems.
- Install and test ducting systems.
- Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding.
- Perform routine gas metal arc welding.
- Install trench support.
Similarities
Both qualifications are at Level 3, qualifying learners operate within the requirements of legislation and receives certification from a recognised authority. In both instances it is expected that the learners will gain work experience.
Differences
The Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner states NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematics as entry requirements. The Australian Certificate III in Gas Fitting has no entry requirements. The South African qualification does not include oxy-acetylene welding, maintain type A gas appliances, and cut and join sheet metal, as is the case with the Australian Certificate III in Gas Fitting.
New Zealand
The New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying (Pre-Apprenticeship) (Level 3) is presented by the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT). The purpose of this qualification is to provide the plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying industries with people who have basic skills and knowledge in plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legislation and who are ready to work. The Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying (Pre-Apprenticeship) is at Level 3 and comprises 75 credits. Providers offering this qualification must abide by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGD Board) requirements. Learners enrolled for this qualification must operate within the requirements of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006 and must achieve a current first aid certificate when being awarded this qualification. WITT presents this course over a period of twenty weeks. It includes theory, practical and work experience.
Qualification outcomes are
- Present themselves appropriately for work, follow instructions, and work within limits of own knowledge while recognising the consequence of actions on work relationships and performance.
- Communicate using oral, written, and digital formats to clarify and report on work-related tasks; to interact respectfully with colleagues and clients; and to work effectively as part of a team.
- Use recognised methods and processes to perform basic trade-related tasks to assist with work undertaken by a licensed Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer.
- Accept responsibility for actions and ask relevant questions about workplace processes to ensure correct understanding of supervisor instructions and expected work outputs.
- Apply safe working procedures and practices; identify and control hazards in a working environment; and use understanding of basic electrical principles relevant to plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying work contexts to keep oneself safe.
- Work with understanding of the roles and the regulatory environment for plumbing, gas fitting, and drain laying.
Similarities
Both qualifications are at Level 3, qualifying learners operate within the requirements of legislation and receives certification from a recognised authority. In both instances it is expected that the learners will operate under supervision of a licenced Gasfitter in addition to the knowledge component. Both qualifications include theory, practical skills, and work experience components.
Differences
The Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying (Pre-Apprenticeship) can be contextualised for plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying, while the Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner focus on gas installations. The context of application (e.g., domestic, commercial, or industrial) is not specified in the NZ qualification as in the Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner.
Conclusion
The Occupational Certificate: Domestic Natural Gas Practitioner compares well with the above international qualifications it was compared with in terms of modules components and cover some of the modules found in the South African qualification.
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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