Occupational Qualification · R44
Rigger
- NQF Level
- NQF Level 4
- Credits
- 559
- Duration
- —
- SAQA ID
- 102856
Official QCTO Registry Profile
Source: SAQA / QCTO registry- SAQA ID
- 102856
- Min Credits
- 559
- Registered
- 2018-09-12
- 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 Rigger Practitioner
- Competency Focus
- Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Rigger.
- Academic Weight
- Full national recognition at NQF Level 4 yielding 559 credits upon successful PoE verification.
- Work Opportunities
- Deployment across As a qualified rigger, you can find employment opportunities in Manufacturing, Engineering, Trades (Artisan). 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 NAMB scope.
- Audit Objective
- Bridges operational skills deficits under the governing NAMB quality matrix.
- Value Proposition
- Measurable, legally compliant skills that optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock B-BBEE scorecard weight.
Introduction▾
The Rigger (NQF Level 4, 559 credits) is a comprehensive Occupational Certificate that blends foundational theory with intensive practical application. Throughout your learning journey, you will develop the competencies required to operate effectively, safely, and ethically within your industry. Employers value this qualification because it signals that you are job-ready from day one.
Purpose▾
A Rigger uses basic, intermediate and advance lifting techniques to shift, lift, move, place and secure loads at end-points, without damage. The Rigger operates a variety of mechanical lifting equipment and supervises the operations of lifting machines to perform lifting operations. In addition, the Rigger provides access to the work area by means of erecting and dismantling scaffolding that is maintained for use throughout the working period. A Rigger also assembles fall prevention systems as a safe method of access to their working area and performs climbing techniques safely. They work with a variety of fibre and steel wire ropes. A qualified learner will be able to: • Sling regular loads and lift loads using basic lifting techniques (Level 2). • Sling complex loads and lift loads using intermediate lifting methods (Level 3). • Lift loads using advanced lifting methods (Level 4).
Entry Requirements▾
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 or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.
SAQA Rationale▾
This qualification is a combination of components from the following historically registered qualifications: • National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging) (ID: 59729). • National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging) (ID: 59730). • Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging) (ID: 59731). The rigging occupation is characterised by the provision of support services within a broader engineering environment and across a variety of industry sectors, namely: • Manufacturing and Engineering (Metals, Plastics, Tyre and Rubber, Automotive Manufacturing). • Chemical and Petrochemical. • Mining. • Transport (Maritime, Road, Rail and Aviation). • Civil Engineering and Construction. • Other engineering-related industry sectors. There is a huge need for qualified riggers in all these industry sectors and even outside of these sectors. Stakeholders within the various industry sectors invest considerable sums of money in plant, equipment, processes, raw materials and other resources. These investments can only be justified if there is an assurance that goods, machinery, equipment and structures are lifted, moved and placed with the utmost care and efficiency by individuals who are trained and qualified to do so. The environments in which the lifting and rigging skills are practised are characterised by strict codes of safety and high levels of planning and preparation. Typically, learners would be new entrants to the industry who wish to pursue the rigging trade. Other learners would be those who have been working in rigging environments and who wish to advance their competencies especially in intermediate and advanced lifting techniques. Learners who complete this qualification will be able to become supervisors or foremen in the industry, lifting machinery inspectors, or other personnel positions in the rigging sector. As far as benefits to the learner are concerned, they will receive a high standard of training in rigging that is comparable with international standards, thus making it possible for them to pursue a rigging career abroad. The qualification will produce competent learners who are able to contribute to improved productivity and efficiency within the engineering support environment. Employers in the rigging industry will benefit because they will enjoy access to appropriately qualified artisans who will be able to conduct high-quality, efficient and safe rigging operations, with minimum disruption to productivity which results in loss As regards benefits to society and economy, employees will be able to progress from being riggers to becoming foremen to pursuing managerial positions in the rigging industry, thus providing for a range of job opportunities.
Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL▾
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 or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.
Exit Level Outcomes▾
- Sling regular loads and lift loads using basic lifting techniques.
- Sling complex loads and lift loads using intermediate lifting methods.
- Lift loads using advanced lifting methods.
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
39 modules · 725 creditsTheory, regulatory and safety knowledge. Each row carries the registered module code, NQF level and credit weight used for formative assessment rubric mapping.
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-018 cr
The world of the rigger
NQF Level 3
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-023 cr
Shielded metal arc welding and gas-cutting
NQF Level 2
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-037 cr
Tools and equipment
NQF Level 2
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-045 cr
Engineering materials, drawings and sketches
NQF Level 2
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-0516 cr
Scaffolding, working at heights, fall protection systems and ladders
NQF Level 2
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-0611 cr
Supervision of scaffolding operations up to 6m
NQF Level 3
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-0710 cr
Access scaffolding inspection
NQF Level 4
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-0810 cr
Ropes, knots, bends and hitches, lashings, attachments and splices
NQF Level 2
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-098 cr
Steel wire ropes
NQF Level 3
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-1011 cr
Winder ropes, safety detaching hooks and sheave wheels
NQF Level 4
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-1115 cr
Basic slinging and lifting, and load securing operations
NQF Level 2
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-1225 cr
Slinging and intermediate lifting methods
NQF Level 3
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-136 cr
Lifting equipment and machines (excluding hand powered lifting devices)
NQF Level 3
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-1424 cr
Advanced lifting methods
NQF Level 4
- 651501-000-00-00-KM-154 cr
Management-related activities
NQF Level 4
Qualification 102856 · Curriculum Architecture
Occupational Certificate: Rigger · NQF Level 4 (559 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
15 KM + 13 PM + 11 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
NAMB alignment matrix included
Facilitation
Facilitators improvise Rigger 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.
