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Occupational Qualification · M43

Discretionary Grant · Open

Metal Machinist (Automotive Machinist)

QCTO Aligned Audit-ReadyMERSETA
NQF Level
NQF Level 4
Credits
540
Duration
—
SAQA ID
96398
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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

Curriculum Alignment MatrixCRN ZA-SDP-2026-089
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 1
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 2
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 3
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 4
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 5
Page 1 of 5

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 credits

Theory, 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

Sub-total credits160
QCTO & MERSETA AlignedSAQA 96398

Qualification 96398 · Curriculum Architecture

Occupational Certificate: Metal Machinist (Automotive Machinist) · NQF Level 4 (540 Credits)

Filter View
§ 01

Three Curriculum Pillars

160
Credits

Knowledge Modules

Classroom & E-Learning

KM-01 to KM-10 · 10 modules
  • Facilitated lectures & self-study
  • Written question banks
  • Formative comprehension checks
0
Credits

Practical Skill Modules

Simulated Line Tasks

PM-01 to PM-00 · 0 modules
  • Simulated line tasks
  • Observation rubrics
  • Structured task sheets
0
Credits

Work Experience Modules

On-the-Job Production

WM-01 to WM-00 · 0 modules
  • On-the-job rotation
  • Mentor logbooks
  • Workplace sign-offs
§ 02

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

Learner Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
Owner · Candidate
▾
1
Admin & Registration

ID, learner contract, induction pack, POPIA consent.

2
Knowledge Evidence

Written assessments & question banks — KM-01 to KM-07.

3
Practical Evidence

Task sheets, observation rubrics, assessor photos.

4
Workplace Evidence

Logbooks, mentor sign-offs, supervisor letters.

Assessor Master File
Owner · Registered Assessor
▾
5
Assessment Reports

Judgements, learner feedback, remediation agreements, appeals log.

Internal Moderation & Quality File
Owner · Moderator / SDP
▾
6
Moderation Evidence

10% sampling matrix, HACCP/LOTO compliance sheets, SDP sign-off.

§ 03

Final Accreditation Gateway

Step 1
Statement of Results

Issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider once internal moderation is signed off.

Step 2
EISA Readiness Declaration

Provider submits declaration + PoE to the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).

Step 3
National Qualification Certificate

QCTO awards the SAQA-registered certificate on successful EISA outcome.

Learner Certified · Uploaded to National Learner Records Database (NLRD)

Audit & Compliance

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

From portfolio assembly to external sign-off — the exact route your evidence travels.

  1. Step 1

    PoE Assembly

    Learner evidence, formative records and logbook entries filed against the alignment matrix.

  2. Step 2

    Internal Assessment

    Registered assessor judges each KM/PM/WM outcome using the supplied instruments.

  3. Step 3

    Internal Moderation

    Sampling and verification of assessor decisions, with remediation loop before submission.

  4. 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

View on SAQA

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
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Most selected

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
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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
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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.

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Moderation Consultation

External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.

Book Moderation Session

The 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.