Quantity Surveyor Assistant

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant. A qualified learner will be able to: • Participate in project scope definition. • Assist in the preparation of cost estimation. • Assist in conducting viability studies in the quantity surveying space. • Measure aspects specific to construction like foundations, concrete reinforcement and formwork, the plumbing and drainage system, etc. (mensuration). • Participate in procurement, tendering, and contractual/legal processes, and • Assist in managing the financial and administration aspects during and post the construction phases. Achieving this QSA qualification will provide several benefits to the learner, including • Carrying out quantity surveying activities (in an assistive capacity), which include mensuration (measuring foundations, masonry, concrete reinforcement and formwork, the plumbing and drainage system, timber roof construction, timber windows, doors, and door openings, manholes, levelling of uneven ground, layer works and finishes). • Performing cost estimation, conducting a viability study, and producing a viability study report. • Assisting in compiling Price Determination Documents (Bills of Quantities), preparing tender documentation, and participating in both the procurement processes and the financial and administration aspects of construction processes all managed by the quantity surveyor. • In-depth quantity surveying theory and competence in practical skills relevant to the occupation. • Taking a significant step into the quantity surveying sector with the prospect of acquiring associated higher qualifications. Typical graduate attributes include proficiency, efficiency, and effectiveness in completing various quantity surveying activities to facilitate the work of the quantity surveyor at building and civil construction sites to ensure organisational or client satisfaction. A Quantity Surveyor Assistant is a person of integrity and high ethical standards as they need to ensure, albeit in an assistive capacity, the implementation and completion of a construction project while controlling expenditure and achieving the vision of a client.

Quantity Surveying is the impartial management of all financial and contractual matters related to Built Environment projects, from preliminary planning and inception through to completion of those projects, based on comprehensive knowledge of feasibility studies, budgets, Bills of Quantities (BoQ), building contracts, construction systems, the costs of alternative design proposals, and construction methods and materials, and is acknowledged as an independent profession within the context of the built environment worldwide. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant (QSA) who operates both in building and civil construction projects - in the civil engineering space - will play an assistive role to the quantity surveyor bearing in mind the multi-faceted role played by this professional. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant will enable the quantity surveyor to concentrate on the more complex tasks that fall within the quantity surveyor's ambit of responsibilities. An important to note is that there are also many small sub-contractors (small businesses in the construction space) who do not have the capacity to engage the services of a professional quantity surveyor. They would be able to afford a Quantity Surveyor Assistant, working under the supervision of a quantity surveyor to perform a range of services, inter alia, mensuration and preparing tender documents. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant will make a substantial contribution to facilitate the development and completion of construction projects by performing tasks that would otherwise have to be done by a quantity surveyor. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant operates in the broad construction sector which makes a significant contribution to the South African economy. According to a report entitled 'South Africa Construction Market Size, Trend Analysis by Sector, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2027' (December 2023), the South Africa construction market size was $25.5 billion in 2022. The market is projected to achieve an Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of more than 3% during 2024-2027. This emphasises the potential role that can and will be played by the Quantity Surveyor Assistant. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant qualification will replace the Further Education and Training Certificate: Quantity Surveying (SAQA ID 58780) which expired on 30 June 2023. Currently, the Higher Certificate in Construction Quantity Surveying (SAQA ID 117792) is the only 'quantity surveying' qualification at NQF Level 5. It focuses both on surveying and construction management. Among the modules offered are Structure of the Built Environment, Basic Construction Technology 1 and 2, Commercial Law, Property Development, and Land Surveying. Only two modules, Construction Quantity Surveying 1 and 2, totalling 32 credits, focus on core quantity surveying competencies. The quantity surveying sector and by extension the construction sector will benefit substantially because Quantity Surveyor Assistants will enable Quantity Surveyors to be much more efficient and productive. The construction sector will be boosted in that Quantity Surveyors will be able to manage more construction projects given that the QSA will take care of activities that would normally be performed by quantity surveyors. The qualification has the potential to create much-needed employment. Learners who do not wish to pursue the quantity surveying qualification which is at NQF Level 8 will have the opportunity of becoming involved in the quantity surveying sector as assistants and keep the option of pursuing the quantity surveyor qualification open. Increased employment brings about a concomitant beneficial impact on the economy because the construction industry plays a significant role in the economy. The other significant benefit is that one of the major tasks of quantity surveyors is to control the costs of construction projects and the Quantity Surveyor Assistant will assist the quantity surveyor in the execution of this important aspect. The Quantity Surveyor Assistant will contribute towards cost control and ensure, on the one hand, that construction projects are completed without a significant spiralling of the budget and, on the other hand, that projects do not come to a complete halt because of financial reasons. The benefit to small construction sub-contractors is that they will be able to use the Quantity Surveyor Assistant to perform the less complex tasks in the sector. Typical learners will be school leavers and those already working in the quantity surveying sector. In terms of the learning pathway, they could pursue the National Diploma in Building or in Civil Engineering and progress upwards. They could also aim to acquire the professional quantity surveyor qualification provided they meet the entry requirements of that higher qualification. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: • The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP). • Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

RPL for Access to Training: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for exemption of nodules: For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for credits Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification are approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 4 qualification, with mathematics and science.

• Analyse construction (architectural, engineering, and civil engineering) drawings and perform mensuration of aspects specific to construction.
• Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in performing project cost estimation, conducting a viability study, and developing a viability report.
• Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in procurement, tendering, and contractual/legal processes.
• Participate as a Quantity Surveyor Assistant in managing the financial and administration aspects during and post the construction phases.