Occupational Qualification · K1
Discretionary Grant · OpenKey Cutter
- NQF Level
- NQF Level 2
- Credits
- 58
- Duration
- —
- SAQA ID
- 116118
Official QCTO Registry Profile
Source: SAQA / QCTO registry- SAQA ID
- 116118
- Min Credits
- 58
- Registered
- 2021-03-25
- Re-registration
- 2025-12-31
- Field
- Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security
- Sub-field
- Safety in Society
Sample Asset Preview





Overview & Scope
Programme Profile
- Target Designation
- Certified Key Cutter Practitioner
- Competency Focus
- Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Key Cutter.
- Academic Weight
- Full national recognition at NQF Level 2 yielding 58 credits upon successful PoE verification.
- Work Opportunities
- Deployment across As a qualified key cutter, you can find employment opportunities in Manufacturing, Engineering, Automotive. Your skills will be in demand across both public and private sectors, and you may also choose to work as an independent contractor or start your own business in this field. operations under MERSETA scope.
- Audit Objective
- Bridges operational skills deficits under the governing MERSETA quality matrix.
- Value Proposition
- Measurable, legally compliant skills that optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock B-BBEE scorecard weight.
Introduction▾
The Key Cutter is a Occupational Certificate set at NQF Level 2, comprising 58 credits. This qualification has been carefully developed to provide you with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience needed to excel in your chosen field. Whether you are starting your career or looking to formalise your existing expertise, this programme offers a structured pathway to competence and recognition.
Purpose▾
The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Key Cutter. A Key Cutter duplicates keys using specialised devices. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare for key cutting operations. • Implement key cutting and locksmithing practices. • Originate keys and service locking mechanisms.
Entry Requirements▾
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 results 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: • NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics. Or • Minimum of 2 years assessed experience within the locksmithing industry.
SAQA Rationale▾
The key-cutting and locksmithing industry is supported by very strict rules and therefore requires appropriately trained and competent practitioners. This part-qualification was identified as an entry level qualification into the locksmithing industry. Learners who successfully complete this part-qualification with be able to practise as Key Cutters. Qualified learners are required to register with Private Security Industry Regulating Authority (PSIRA). This qualification is aimed at both new entrants and learners that are currently working within the locksmithing industry. This qualification aims to develop learners, promote professionalism and work ethics within the locksmithing industry, while at the same time bringing it into line with international standards. It will allow clarification of the specific roles and responsibilities of the learners and provide them with a platform when they come into the industry or platform for those who want to up-skill themselves. It will also mean that learners will receive a formal qualification in the field of locksmithing where previously no formal recognition of expertise and competence existed. Training was done by short courses offered by a range of different providers of education and training. These courses were not always recognised, as they were not against recognised standards. Career mobility is possible through further learning, with careers such as locksmith, supervisory roles and entrepreneurship. Benefits of this qualification include qualified and competent learners who are likely to be considered for employment opportunities. These learners will performance their duties confidently and efficiently. The availability of qualified Key Cutters will ensure growth within the sector thereby adding value towards the economic growth.
Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL▾
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 results 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: • NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics. Or • Minimum of 2 years assessed experience within the locksmithing industry.
Exit Level Outcomes▾
- Prepare for key-cutting operations.
- Implement key cutting and locksmithing practices.
Learning Material Included
- Learner Guide (Theory and Knowledge Modules)
- Facilitator Guide
- Workplace Logbook
- Formative and Summative Assessment
- Assessor Guide & Marking Memorandum
- SETA / QCTO Alignment Matrix
- Administrative & Onboarding Pack
- Implementation Plan
Moderator-Ready Curriculum Breakdown
8 modules · 53 creditsTheory, regulatory and safety knowledge. Each row carries the registered module code, NQF level and credit weight used for formative assessment rubric mapping.
- 652203-000-01-00-KM-012 cr
Legislative Requirements within the Locksmithing industry
NQF Level 2
- 652203-000-00-00-KM-033 cr
Trade Related and Engineering Tools and Instruments
NQF Level 2
- 652203-000-00-00-KM-0415 cr
Key Duplicating Principles
NQF Level 2
- 652203-000-00-00-KM-073 cr
Maintenance and Calibration of Key Machines
NQF Level 3
Qualification 116118 · Curriculum Architecture
Occupational Certificate: Key Cutter · NQF Level 2 (58 Credits)
Three Curriculum Pillars
Knowledge Modules
Classroom & E-Learning
- Facilitated lectures & self-study
- Written question banks
- Formative comprehension checks
Practical Skill Modules
Simulated Line Tasks
- Simulated line tasks
- Observation rubrics
- Structured task sheets
Work Experience Modules
On-the-Job Production
- On-the-job rotation
- Mentor logbooks
- Workplace sign-offs
Evidence & Audit Pipeline
Learner Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)Owner · Candidate▾
Admin & Registration
ID, learner contract, induction pack, POPIA consent.
Knowledge Evidence
Written assessments & question banks — KM-01 to KM-07.
Practical Evidence
Task sheets, observation rubrics, assessor photos.
Workplace Evidence
Logbooks, mentor sign-offs, supervisor letters.
Assessor Master FileOwner · Registered Assessor▾
Assessment Reports
Judgements, learner feedback, remediation agreements, appeals log.
Internal Moderation & Quality FileOwner · Moderator / SDP▾
Moderation Evidence
10% sampling matrix, HACCP/LOTO compliance sheets, SDP sign-off.
Final Accreditation Gateway
Issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider once internal moderation is signed off.
Provider submits declaration + PoE to the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).
QCTO awards the SAQA-registered certificate on successful EISA outcome.
Audit & Compliance
Evidence & Audit Pipeline
From portfolio assembly to external sign-off — the exact route your evidence travels.
- Step 1
PoE Assembly
Learner evidence, formative records and logbook entries filed against the alignment matrix.
- Step 2
Internal Assessment
Registered assessor judges each KM/PM/WM outcome using the supplied instruments.
- Step 3
Internal Moderation
Sampling and verification of assessor decisions, with remediation loop before submission.
- Step 4
External Moderation
SETA/QCTO desktop audit and certification upload against registered credits.
Broken Standard vs i2Graduates Standard
The measurable delta between improvised material and an audit-ready suite.
Broken Standard
i2Graduates Standard
Curriculum Mapping
Photocopied guides with mismatched outcomes
4 KM + 3 PM + 1 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 2
Assessment Bank
Missing formative and summative assessments
Pre-validated assessment bank per module
Alignment Evidence
No alignment matrix — audit fails
MERSETA alignment matrix included
Facilitation
Facilitators improvise Key Cutter delivery
Facilitator scripts + learner activities per credit
Portfolio of Evidence
PoE gaps flagged in moderation
PoE templates that survive external moderation
Pricing & Delivery Tiers
Base licence from R42 900
Digital Master Suite
Editable master files, licensed to your SDP
- Learner Guide, Facilitator Guide & Assessment Suite
- Workplace logbook + alignment matrix (editable)
- Instant digital delivery under institutional licence
- Free minor corrections for 12 months
Turnkey Print & Bound Package
Printed, bound and couriered per learner
- Everything in the Digital Master Suite
- Full-colour print, wire-bound learner packs
- Per-learner PoE folders and dividers
- Nationwide courier with tracked delivery
Full Enterprise Accreditation Bundle
Assets plus accreditation support end-to-end
- Everything in the Print & Bound Package
- Bespoke QMS build mapped to your scope
- Moderation dry-run + written remediation report
- Brand & metadata integration across the suite
Complementary Services
Optional add-ons that harden your accreditation scope before an external audit.
Bespoke QMS Build
We author your Quality Management System — policies, procedures, records, matrices — mapped to your accreditation scope. From R18,500.
Request QuoteModeration Consultation
External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.
Book Moderation SessionThe i2Graduates Quality Guarantee
Every page of this bundle is checked for sequence and structural accuracy — no missing pages, no shortcuts. You get pre-validated assessment instruments ready to survive rigorous compliance moderation, wrapped in a curriculum your facilitators will enjoy teaching.
