Permissions Editor

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Permissions Editor. Permissions Editors identify plagiarism, copyright and defamation issues and alert the publisher. When necessary, they request and authorise the use of copyright material therefore avoiding liability issues. Permissions Editors work under supervision of publishing personnel who deal with rights issues for the publishing enterprise. A qualified learner will be able to: • Request and authorise use of copyright material. • Alert publisher to plagiarism, copyright, and defamation issues when necessary.

Permissions editing is an essential part of the publishing process. In South Africa, awareness of career options in publishing and editing is limited, and publishing is perceived to be language-oriented, even though the industry can be accessed from various other fields (e.g., science and mathematics). Access into the industry is limited. Few institution-based training opportunities are available at this level as most learning takes place on the job and through informal mentoring. In-house training is scarce and the responsibility for training lies with proof-readers and editors themselves. The publishing industry is experiencing transformation created by changes in technology; because of moving from printed matter to digital matter; and thus, requires new skills and training. The proofreading and editing functions are generally outsourced to freelancers and this creates more jobs in this sector. Therefore, there is a need for the Occupational Certificate: Permissions Editor. The industry is racially skewed. This part-qualification will offer a variety of benefits to society, the industry, and learners, including opening the industry; creating employment for new-generation job seekers; creating business opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs and enabling them to develop their own businesses. This part-qualification will open entry into the industry, creating a suitable career path and mobility in the sector. The society and economy of South Africa will benefit from this part-qualification since it is aimed at all official languages, thereby furthering the production of materials and communication in indigenous languages, and broadening readership. It supports legislation promoting indigenous languages in South Africa. Mostly, editors and proof-readers work as freelance entrepreneurs, or find formal employment within publishing houses, government departments, in the business and corporate communication field or at legal institutions. They will be employed as management editors, project editors, language, and media practitioners. This part-qualification is suitable for recent qualifying learners, those changing careers and those already in editing without formal part-qualifications. Persons with a higher certificate in any field trying to develop marketable skills can enrol for this part-qualification. Industry bodies consulted during the development of this part-qualification included amongst others in the South African Book Development Council, Publishers Association of South Africa, Professional Editors Guild and Language and Media Practitioners of South Africa. There is no professional registration needed to function as a Permissions Editor.

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 result. RPL for Access to the Part-qualification • 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. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through 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 result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this part-qualification is: • NQF Level 5 qualification.

• Identify and alert publisher to copyright, plagiarism, defamation, and permissions issues in text.
• Request and authorise use of copyright material.