Occupational Qualification · M43
Discretionary Grant · OpenMetal Machinist (Automotive Machinist)
- NQF Level
- NQF Level 4
- Credits
- 540
- Duration
- —
- SAQA ID
- 96398
Official QCTO Registry Profile
Source: SAQA / QCTO registry- SAQA ID
- 96398
- Min Credits
- 540
- Registered
- 2018-07-01
- Re-registration
- 2025-12-30
- Field
- Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology
- Sub-field
- Manufacturing and Assembly
Sample Asset Preview





Overview & Scope
Programme Profile
- Target Designation
- Certified Metal Machinist (Automotive Machinist) Practitioner
- Competency Focus
- Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Metal Machinist (Automotive Machinist).
- Academic Weight
- Full national recognition at NQF Level 4 yielding 540 credits upon successful PoE verification.
- Work Opportunities
- Deployment across As a qualified metal machinist (automotive machinist), 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▾
Designed as a Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 4 worth 540 credits, the Metal Machinist (Automotive Machinist) equips you with both theoretical understanding and hands-on capabilities. You will learn to perform complex tasks, solve real-world problems, and adapt to the demands of a dynamic work environment. This qualification is your stepping stone to becoming a confident, capable professional.
Purpose▾
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare an Automotive Machinist to identify faults and refurbish engines and engine components. An Automotive Machinist will be able to: • Apply hand and machining skills to perform mechanical engineering tasks by using engineering tools and machining equipment. • Identify faults and refurbish a cylinder head. • Identify faults and refurbish a cylinder block. • Identify faults and refurbish a crank case and connecting rod. • Identify faults and refurbish a crankshaft and camshaft.
Entry Requirements▾
Recognition of Prior Learning: RPL for access to the integrated assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and conform prior learning. Prior learning must be acknowledged by a statement of results. RPL for entry requirements to access the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Science.
SAQA Rationale▾
This qualification is a response to the automotive machining industry requirements and aims to establish the Automotive Machinist as a recognised trade in its own right. The Engine Remanufacturers Association, a division within the Retail Motor Industry Organisation developed specific training schedules used for training of persons employed in the automotive machining industry during the eighties. These standards has been used by the industry and delivered through in-house training programmes, quality assured by the MERSETA. The opportunity presented by the Occupational Qualifications Framework to develop and register trade specific qualifications was accepted by industry. Thus this qualification recognises past practices that have worked well for the industry over many years and also address areas of change or improvement required to meet the current labour market needs. The Engine Remanufacturers Association, a division of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation supported the Development Quality Partner with the nomination of industry experts and with the distribution of documents developed to their members. The qualification provides an opportunity for persons seeking a career in the automotive engineering industry and recognises these persons as artisans. This opportunity is available to young persons leaving formal education or persons seeking recognition for their experience within the automotive industry. A National Certificate for persons employed in the automotive machining industry aligned with a recognised trade for the Automotive Machinist will greatly benefit the employees and the industry at large. Persons who were trained in accordance with the current industry programme will be able to achieve a recognised trade through an RPL process. This supports key principles of the NQF.
Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL▾
Recognition of Prior Learning: RPL for access to the integrated assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and conform prior learning. Prior learning must be acknowledged by a statement of results. RPL for entry requirements to access the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Science.
Exit Level Outcomes▾
- Apply hand and machining skills to perform mechanical engineering tasks by using engineering tools and machining equipment.
- Identify faults and refurbish a cylinder head.
- Identify faults and refurbish a cylinder block.
- Identify faults and refurbish a crank case and connecting rod.
- Identify faults and refurbish a crankshaft and camshaft.
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
10 modules · 160 creditsTheory, regulatory and safety knowledge. Each row carries the registered module code, NQF level and credit weight used for formative assessment rubric mapping.
- 652301001-KM-018 cr
Basic Engineering Theory
NQF Level 02
- 652301001-KM-028 cr
Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Protection
NQF Level 02
- 652301001-KM-038 cr
Engineering machines an equipment
NQF Level 03
- 652301001-KM-048 cr
Petrol and Diesel Engines
NQF Level 3
- 652301001-KM-058 cr
Automotive Machining
NQF Level 3
- 652301001-KM-0624 cr
Crankshaft and Camshaft Machining
NQF Level 04
- 652301001-KM-0732 cr
Cylinder Head Machining
NQF Level 04
- 652301001-KM-0832 cr
Cylinder Block boring and honing
NQF Level 04
- 652301001-KM-0924 cr
Crankcases
NQF Level 04
- 652301001-KM-108 cr
Connecting Rods
NQF Level 04
Qualification 96398 · Curriculum Architecture
Occupational Certificate: Metal Machinist (Automotive Machinist) · NQF Level 4 (540 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
10 KM + 0 PM + 0 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 4
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 Metal Machinist (Automotive Machinist) 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 R70 000
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.
