Occupational Certificate: Quality Assurer

Purpose

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Quality Assurer. Quality Assurers assure incoming, in-process and outgoing quality standards of products and services in terms of planned and systematic activities implemented in a quality system so that quality requirements for a product or service will be fulfilled.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Ensure incoming, in-process and outgoing quality products or services.
• Manage the quality management department to meet performance targets.
• Manage a quality management system.
• Manage quality functions of an organisation to ensure product/service quality.

Rationale

This part-qualification has been designed to address the shortage of suitably qualified quality assurers in the production as well as the services environment. This part-qualification establishes a South African standard for uniformity and consistency in the training of staff employed in various industries. Quality Assurers are employed across all sectors of industry, services, parastatals, and government departments. Experienced quality assurers working in the quality environment requiring a formal recognition, will benefit from this part-qualification.

The structure of the part-qualification provides for learning at a quality assurer level (structured as a part qualification) and progresses to the level of the operational quality management level. It forms the next stepping stone in the learning path which started as quality inspector, progressing to quality controller and then entering this qualification of which the exit points prepare learners for employment as quality assurers. This part-qualification contributes to national initiatives in terms of increasing competitiveness, creation of jobs, exports, and entrepreneurship development.

This occupational part-qualification responds to a specific need in the South African labour market to provide a standard for the development of persons employed as quality assurers, quality managers and entrepreneurs in the quality industry. This is in line with international initiatives by promoting a culture of quality. Customers will receive quality products and services and thereby improve the competitiveness of the country. By offering consistency and uniformity in the practice of quality through a recognised part-qualification, the learners will be more employable.

Recognition of Prior Learning (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 or certifying a work experience record.

RPL for access to the Qualification

Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Occupational Certificate: Quality Controller, NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 132107-000-00-00-KM-01, Quality Management and Quality Management Systems, Level 5, 11 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-KM-02, Quality Management and the 4th Industrial Revolution, Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-KM-03, Process Management, Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-KM-04, Fundamental Management Principles, Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-KM-05, Managing Quality Assurance Department or Business Unit, Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-KM-06, Risk Profiling, Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-KM-07, Internal and External Stakeholders, Level 5, 2 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 38

Practical Skill Modules

• 132107-000-00-00-PM-01, Implement and Maintain Quality Assurance Processes in Compliance with Regulatory and Customer Requirements, Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-PM-02, Conduct Quality Assurance to Ensure Product/Service Conforms to Standards and Regulatory Requirements, Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-PM-03, Manage Documentation and Records within Quality Assurance Processes, Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-PM-04, Improve the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Quality Assurance Processes, Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-PM-05, Introduce new Products/Service, Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-PM-06, Critically Analyse Qualitative and Quantitative Data and Use Information for Improvements, Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-PM-07, Lead and Manage Wellbeing and Performance of Staff and Effectiveness of Teams, Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-PM-08, Apply Principles of Business ethics and Accountability, 5, 2
• 132107-000-00-00-PM-09, Conduct Internal Audits of the Quality Management System Policies and Procedures, Level 5, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 24

Work Experience Modules

• 132107-000-00-00-WM-01, Conduct Quality Assurance at Various Stages of the Process, Level 5, 28 Credits.
• 132107-000-00-00-WM-02, Maintain Productive and Effective Work Teams for a Quality Business Unit, Level 5, 16 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 44

1. Coordinate the implementation of quality assurance processes and activities to enhance an organisation's efficiency and profitability.
2. Coordinate quality assurance functions to support operations and implement improvements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Implement and maintain a system for incoming, in-process and outgoing quality assurance processes which ensure effective quality of inventory, product and service through planning, implementing, adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP), reviewing and revising.
• Ensure cost-effectiveness of quality management processes through correct quality assurance resources allocation.
• Evaluate, analyse and recommend supplier material data sheets (MDS), material safety data sheets (MSDS), certificate of analysis, quality control plans, and product/service requirements.
• Recommend and implement changed processes and practices which ensure product/service conformance with customer requirements and compliance to regulations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Coordinate quality functions through e.g. meetings, coaching, communication, resources, teams and groups, to achieve consistent use of quality tools or publication of processes and conformances and maintain continuous improvement.
• Ensure quality of operations by coordinating quality activities, the implementation of production part approval process (PPAP), advanced product quality planning (APQP), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), process capabilities, and measurement systems analysis (MSA).
• Analyse performance of the Quality Management System (QMS) to support operations.
• Implement continuous improvements through new and improved quality assurance processes and procedures.
• Review documents and quality assurance processes based on customer feedback, introduction of new products/services or new technology.
• Apply business ethics and accountability in quality assurance decision making and problem solving.