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 · 119454
Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Visual Testing Operator
R47 400
(Once-off Institutional License Fee)
Professional Role & Capability Blueprint
- Target Designation
- Certified Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Visual Testing Operator Practitioner
- Competency Focus
- Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Visual Testing Operator.
- Academic Weight
- Full national recognition at NQF Level 3 yielding 48 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
The Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Visual Testing Operator is intended for entry-level workers, school leavers, or career changers who want to gain foundational skills. If you have a passion for this field and want to turn that passion into a profession, this programme will give you the tools and credentials to succeed. It is also suitable for employers who wish to upskill their workforce to meet industry standards.
Qualification Rules · Module Matrix
Official SAQA module breakdown parsed from the qualification's registered rules.
Knowledge Modules (KM)
26 crTheory · 4 modules
- 311703-001-00-01-KM-018 cr
Workplace Fundamentals
NQF Level 3
- 311703-001-00-01-KM-026 cr
Introduction to non-destructive testing
NQF Level 3
- 311703-001-00-01-KM-036 cr
Materials (NDT Level 1)
NQF Level 3
- 311703-001-00-01-KM-056 cr
Visual testing, recording and classification (NDT Level 1)
NQF Level 3
Practical Skill Modules (PM)
10 crApplied · 2 modules
- 311703-001-00-01-PM-025 cr
Conduct visual testing, recording and classification (NDT Level 1)
NQF Level 3
- 311703-001-00-01-PM-035 cr
Conduct visual testing, recording and classification in an occupational context (NDT Level 1)
NQF Level 3
Work Experience Modules (WM)
12 crSite · 1 module
- 311703-001-00-01-WM-0112 cr
Visual testing processes (NDT Level 1)
NQF Level 3
Official SAQA Curriculum
Source of truth · SAQA ID 119454 · Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology › Engineering and Related Design
Purpose▾
The purpose of this part qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Non-Destructive Visual Testing Operator. A Non-Destructive Visual Testing Operator conducts visual testing and then interprets whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures. A Non-Destructive Visual Testing Operator will employ visual testing methods, record the results, and escalate anomalies to the Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare for visual testing according to instructions • Conduct visual testing and then interpret whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures
Rationale▾
This part-qualification will equip learners with the necessary skills and competence to operate as Non-Destructive Visual Testing Operator which would enable them to be recruited as operators by the industry. Most of the people employed in non-destructive testing sector are operators. The competencies of as Non-Destructive Visual Testing Operator are the foundational basis within this sector and will allow the individual to pursue a career as a specialist Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician. The competencies achieved from each module will serve as foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the Non-Destructive Technician specialisation, thereby ensuring greater flexibility for the learner. Typical learners are school leavers, TVET college graduates or workers who have been employed in the NDT industry. Learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned and internationally recognised. In terms of the learning pathway, acquisition of this part-qualification allows learners to enter the Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician (NDT Level II) qualification and move on to become Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technologists (NDT Level III). This will create a healthy employment cycle providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth who are interested in non-destructive testing. Employers in the sector will gain access to suitably qualified Non-Destructive Testing Visual Testing Operators to conduct testing at NDT Level I. There are several distinct benefits of having a competent operator, the most obvious of which is that the pieces or product being tested are left undamaged during the testing process, allowing for an item to be repaired rather than replaced should any problems be found, costs are minimised This method allows for the detection of corrosion, misalignment, damage, cracks, and more. Visual testing is inherent in most other types of NDT as they will generally require an operator to look for defects. Qualified learners of this part-qualification would be recruited by the industry as Non-Destructive Operators. It is important and a requirement that individuals be qualified as operators before they could be absorbed in the practice by industry hence the need for this part qualification.
Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL▾
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Gain access through RPL Learners will gain access to the part-qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. Be exempted from modules through RPL Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL, be awarded credits for, or towards the qualification or part qualification. 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. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 3 with Mathematics and Physical Science.
Exit Level Outcomes▾
- Apply essential methods and procedures for the preparation of visual testing.
- Apply essential methods, procedures, and techniques to conduct visual testing, interpret relevancy of indications.
Qualification 119454 · Curriculum Architecture
Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Visual Testing Operator · NQF Level 3 (48 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 Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Visual Testing Operator delivery
- 🕳️PoE gaps flagged in moderation
i2Graduates Transformation
- ✓4 KM + 2 PM + 1 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 3
- ✓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.
