Soils

The qualification provides learners with the required knowledge, skills and work experience to operate as a soils, gravels and crush stone base materials tester. The Soils, Gravels and Crush Stone Base Materials Tester will: • Executes sampling and field and laboratory testing of soils, gravels and crushed stone materials to predefined standards for civil engineering construction works.

There is currently a critical shortage of qualified Soils, Gravels and Crushed Stone Base Materials Testers in the Construction Industry. The existing qualification is outdated and needs alignment to new technologies. This qualification intends to meet the industry's demands for the skills required as well as meeting the industry requirements of a complete qualification per occupation. Quality control during the construction process and the manufacturing of products used in construction are dependent on the accurate execution of laboratory tests by competent materials testers. The qualification's contribution to socio-economic transformation is that learners will be able to receive recognition for previous learning and experience. Employability and career prospects are also enhanced. Before approval, the qualified and competent Soils, Gravels and Crushed Stone Base Materials Testers test civil engineering materials for quality. The testing will contribute to infrastructure constructed with lower maintenance costs, longer life spans and increased safety factors. Learners will work in the construction or manufacturing sectors. Learners will focus on the manufacturing of construction material products using soils, gravels and crushed stone materials. The combination of learning outcomes in this qualification will provide learners with applied competence in the execution of field sampling and testing, laboratory sample preparation and laboratory testing of soils, gravels and crushed stone materials as civil engineering construction materials.

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: • NQF Level 2 with Mathematics. Or • Five years assessed experience in testing in a civil engineering laboratory facility.

• Conduct laboratory activities, housekeeping and organise data.
• Execute field sampling and on-site testing of soils, gravels and crushed stone materials, calculate and submit results.
• Execute sample preparation activities and conduct physical testing of soils, gravels and crushed stone materials, calculate and submit results.