Discretionary Grant Available · MERSETAOpen▾
Manufacturing, Engineering & Related Services SETA · MERSETA
One of the largest artisan grant funders in SA.
- Window:
- Applications close 30 April
- Priority focus:
- Artisan Development · Trade Test · Section 13/28
SAQA Qualification · 116118
Key Cutter
R42 900
(Once-off Institutional License Fee)
Professional Role & Capability Blueprint
- 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.
Strategic Institutional Purpose
- Audit Objective
- Formulated to systematically bridge operational skills deficits under the governing MERSETA quality matrix.
- Value Proposition
- Equips your workforce with measurable, legally compliant skills to optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock maximum B-BBEE scorecard weight.
Who is this for
Who should enrol? Entry-level workers, school leavers, or career changers who want to gain foundational skills. The Key Cutter welcomes learners from diverse backgrounds, including those with limited formal education but relevant practical experience. The flexible learning approach ensures that everyone can progress at their own pace while achieving the same high standard of competence.
Qualification Rules · Module Matrix
Official SAQA module breakdown parsed from the qualification's registered rules.
Knowledge Modules (KM)
23 crTheory · 4 modules
- 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
Practical Skill Modules (PM)
15 crApplied · 3 modules
- 652203-000-00-00-PM-015 cr
Select, Use and Maintain Hand, Measuring and/or Power Tools
NQF Level 2
- 652203-000-00-00-PM-025 cr
Maintain Key Cutting Machines
NQF Level 2
- 652203-000-00-00-PM-035 cr
Duplicate Keys
NQF Level 2
Work Experience Modules (WM)
15 crSite · 1 module
- 652203-000-00-00-WM-0115 cr
Key Cutting Duplication and Maintenance of Key Cutting Machines
NQF Level 2
Official SAQA Curriculum
Source of truth · SAQA ID 116118 · Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security › Safety in Society
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.
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.
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.
Learning Material Stack
Start-to-Exit Moderation Timeline
- 1
Pre-Delivery Setup
Facilitator induction, learner enrolment forms, baseline assessment, PoE folder issue. Alignment matrix stamped.
- 2
Delivery & Formative Moderation
Modular rollout with formative assessments per KM/PM. Internal moderator reviews evidence weekly; feedback loop before summatives.
- 3
Summative & External Moderation
Summative assessments captured, PoE finalised, submitted for external moderation. Certification uploaded to the SETA/QCTO.
Bespoke QMS Build
We author your Quality Management System — policies, procedures, records, matrices — mapped to your accreditation scope. From R18,500.
Talk QMS on WhatsAppModeration Consultation
External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.
Book Moderation SessionClassroom Transformation Blueprint
Broken Standard
- 📄Photocopied guides with mismatched outcomes
- ❔Missing formative/summative assessments
- ⚠️No SETA alignment matrix — audit fails
- 🎲Facilitators improvise Key Cutter delivery
- 🕳️PoE gaps flagged in moderation
i2Graduates Transformation
- ✓4 KM + 3 PM + 1 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 2
- ✓Pre-validated assessment bank per module
- ✓MERSETA alignment matrix included
- ✓Facilitator scripts + learner activities per credit
- ✓PoE templates that survive external moderation
The i2Graduates Quality Guarantee
Every page of this bundle is meticulously checked for sequence and structural perfection — no missing pages, no stolen content, no shortcuts. You get pre-validated assessment instruments ready to survive rigorous compliance moderation, wrapped in an engaging curriculum your facilitators will love teaching.
