Discretionary Grant Available · MQARolling▾
Mining Qualifications Authority · MQA
Section 13 apprenticeships and OHS learnerships.
- Window:
- Rolling grant applications
- Priority focus:
- Rock-breaker · Mine Health & Safety · Assay
SAQA Qualification · 99252
Rock Drill Operator
R41 500
(Once-off Institutional License Fee)
Professional Role & Capability Blueprint
- Target Designation
- Certified Rock Drill Operator Practitioner
- Competency Focus
- Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Rock Drill Operator.
- Academic Weight
- Full national recognition at NQF Level 2 yielding 30 credits upon successful PoE verification.
Strategic Institutional Purpose
- Audit Objective
- Formulated to systematically bridge operational skills deficits under the governing MQA 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
This qualification is ideal for entry-level workers, school leavers, or career changers who want to gain foundational skills. It is specifically designed for anyone who aspires to become a rock drill operator and wants a structured, nationally recognised learning pathway. Whether you are currently working in the field or just starting out, this programme will meet you where you are and take you to the next level.
Qualification Rules · Module Matrix
Official SAQA module breakdown parsed from the qualification's registered rules.
Knowledge Modules (KM)
13 crTheory · 2 modules
- 711302000-KM-016 cr
Health, safety and the environment
NQF Level 2
- 711302000-KM-027 cr
Operations and machines
NQF Level 2
Practical Skill Modules (PM)
8 crApplied · 3 modules
- 711302000-PM-011 cr
Work safely and respond to emergencies
NQF Level 2
- 711302000-PM-023 cr
Perform pre-operational activities
NQF Level 2
- 711302000-PM-034 cr
Operate machine
NQF Level 2
Work Experience Modules (WM)
0 crSite · 0 modules
No modules listed in SAQA rules.
Official SAQA Curriculum
Source of truth · SAQA ID 99252 · Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology › Fabrication and Extraction
Purpose▾
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Rock Drill Operator. A Rock Drill Operator operates a hand-held rock drill, to drill holes and perform related operations. The qualifying learner will know the function and operating requirements for the machine, including health, safety and the environment and will be able to operate the machine productively and safely. A qualified learner will be able to operate a hand-held rock drill for mining or construction operations.
Rationale▾
Various industry sectors use drilling machines. In particular, hand-held rock-drilling operations are an essential part of the construction and mining sectors. South African legislation requires persons to be properly trained and assessed competent before operating machines. This qualification will train and develop the qualifying learner with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to ensure the hand-held rock drills are operated productively and safely. This qualification will also improve the standard of training and assessment, which will lead to better operations and improved safety. The qualification will also improve the mobility of learners in terms of employment. The career progression for hand-held rock drill operators will be to other machine operator specialisations and to occupations in operations, engineering or training.
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. Entry Requirements: • Any NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.
Exit Level Outcomes▾
- Carry-out start and end-of-shift procedures and checks, in accordance with machine specifications, operating standards, systems and procedures.
- Operate and use the hand-held rock drill, in accordance with the operating requirements and carry out drilling operations.
- Work safely, applying operational requirements.
Qualification 99252 · Curriculum Architecture
Occupational Certificate: Rock Drill Operator · NQF Level 2 (30 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 Rock Drill Operator delivery
- 🕳️PoE gaps flagged in moderation
i2Graduates Transformation
- ✓2 KM + 3 PM + 0 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 2
- ✓Pre-validated assessment bank per module
- ✓MQA 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.