The purpose of this trade qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Automotive Electrician.
An Automotive Electrician tests, diagnoses, services, replaces, repairs and maintains automotive electrical wiring, electrical and electronic systems and their components.
A qualified learner will be able to:
Automotive Electricians provide essential services to users of all automotive motor vehicles in the country. Automotive Electricians perform a variety of tasks to service, maintain and repair automotive electrical systems. The role of Automotive Electricians is further amplified by the fact that the engineering relating to modern vehicles constitutes a sophisticated integration of mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, with the electrical and electronic aspects becoming increasingly embedded in the operations of the mechanical systems of the vehicles.
The work of Automotive Electricians enables customers to use their vehicles productively, cost-effectively and safely. This enables customers to obtain maximum benefit from their investment as well as to comply with legal obligations relating to the condition and use of their vehicles. The main users of automotive vehicles in South Africa are the general public, public entities and commercial organisations. The latter two often own vehicle fleets used for a variety of purposes.
In response to engineering and technology developments related to automotive vehicles, the work of the Automotive Electrician increasingly involves an accurate diagnosis of faults using diagnostic electrical/electronic equipment, the removal and replacement of faulty, worn or defective components and the repair of such components. Because of warranty and safety considerations, Original Equipment Manufacturers set stringent standards for any auto-electrical repair or maintenance work carried out on vehicles. This qualification is designed to equip qualifying learners to meet these standards.
This qualification is a review of the registered qualification which does not meet SAQA and QCTO requirements, especially in terms of the shortfall in the number of credits for each of the components – knowledge, practical skills and work experience modules. Furthermore, in this review, provision has been made for three part-qualifications, each one providing learners with a set of competencies that would allow them to practise a specific occupation in the industry. The part-qualifications are:
Learners who complete all the three-part- qualifications, and the other modules that are not covered by the part-qualifications, can apply for a trade test after completing the other outstanding modules of the qualification, to obtain the Automotive Electrician qualification.
Learners entering this qualification will typically be school or FET College leavers. The primary employers of Automotive Electricians are motor dealerships, government departments, major companies that have vehicle fleets. These essential public services use emergency vehicles and ambulances, as well as independent workshops. Qualified Automotive Electricians may also become self-employed by opening their maintenance or repair facilities.
This qualification will also enable qualified Automotive Electricians to keep abreast of on-going technological developments in the industry and thus provide a basis for further career development. Learners acquiring this qualification can progress to perform advanced diagnosis of auto-electrical systems at a higher level.
The qualification will open employment opportunities in a growing and essential sector of the economy.
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 results or by 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 1 qualification with Mathematics and Science.
Occupational Certificate
Manufacturing and Assembly
Regular-ELOAC
EXCO 04171/20
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| Module ID | Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-01 |
Workplace Fundamentals |
2 |
9 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-02 |
Concepts of Occupational Health, Safety and Quality |
2 |
6 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-03 |
Foundational Concepts for Automotive Electricians |
2 |
12 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-04 |
Automotive Mechanical Technology |
2 |
12 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-05 |
Theory and Principles of Electricity |
2 |
6 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-06 |
Automotive Battery Systems |
2 |
2 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-07 |
Vehicle Servicing in an Auto- electrical Environment |
2 |
6 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-08 |
Electrical, Auto-electrical and Electronics in Automotive Vehicles |
3 |
12 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-09 |
Aftermarket Auto-electrical Systems |
3 |
6 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-10 |
Conventional Charging and Starting Systems |
4 |
6 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-11 |
Conventional and Basic Electronic Ignition Systems |
4 |
3 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-12 |
Integrated Engine Management (Fuel injection and Ignition) Systems |
4 |
10 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-13 |
Networking and Data Transfer Systems |
4 |
4 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-14 |
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) |
4 |
3 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-15 |
Alternative Drives/Hybrid and Electric Vehicles |
4 |
6 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-16 |
Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) and Climate Control Systems |
4 |
6 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-17 |
Convenience, Security and Telematics Systems |
4 |
7 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-18 |
Vehicle Stability, Traction and Drive Control (VSTDC), Transmission, Braking, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems |
4 |
5 |
|
671208-001-01-00- KM-19 |
Auto-electrical Systems |
4 |
5 |
| Module ID | Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-01 |
Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies |
2 |
2 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-02 |
Use Tools and Equipment |
2 |
20 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-03 |
Build and Conduct Fault-finding Activities on Auto-Electrical Circuits |
2 |
9 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-04 |
Test, Diagnose, Replace and Service Automotive Batteries and related Components |
2 |
8 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-05 |
Service and Maintain Automotive Vehicles in an Auto-Electrical Environment |
2 |
15 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-06 |
Remove and Replace Original and/or Aftermarket Auto-electrical Systems and/or Components |
3 |
8 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-07 |
Test, Diagnose and Repair Conventional Starting and Charging Systems |
4 |
8 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-08 |
Test, Diagnose and Repair Conventional and Basic Electronic Ignition Systems |
4 |
12 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-09 |
Test, Diagnose and Repair Auto- electrical Systems |
4 |
8 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-10 |
Test, Diagnose and Repair Integrated Engine Management (Fuel Injection and Ignition) Systems |
4 |
8 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-11 |
Test, Diagnose and Repair Networking and Data Transfer Systems |
4 |
8 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-12 |
Test, Diagnose and Repair Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) |
4 |
8 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-13 |
Test, Diagnose and Repair Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) and Climate Control Systems |
4 |
8 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-14 |
Test, Diagnose and Repair Convenience, Security and Telematics Systems |
4 |
8 |
|
671208-001-01-00- PM-15 |
Test, Diagnose and Repair Vehicle Stability, Traction and Drive Control (VSTDC), ABS Braking, Transmission and Driver Assistance Systems |
4 |
10 |
| Module ID | Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
671208-001-01-00- WM-01 |
Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Replacing Automotive Batteries and Battery System Components |
2 |
16 |
|
671208-001-01-00- WM-02 |
Processes to Remove and Replace Original and/or Aftermarket Auto- electrical Systems and/or Components |
3 |
28 |
|
671208-001-01-00- WM-03 |
Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Repairing Conventional Charging and Starting Systems |
4 |
28 |
|
671208-001-01-00- WM-04 |
Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Repairing Auto-electrical Systems |
4 |
24 |
|
671208-001-01-00- WM-05 |
Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Repairing Integrated Engine Management (Fuel Injection and Ignition) Systems |
4 |
36 |
|
671208-001-01-00- WM-06 |
Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Repairing Networking and Data Transfer Systems |
4 |
32 |
|
671208-001-01-00- WM-07 |
Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Repairing Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) |
4 |
28 |
|
671208-001-01-00- WM-08 |
Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Repairing Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) and Climate Control Systems |
4 |
28 |
|
671208-001-01-00- WM-09 |
Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Repairing Convenience, Security and Telematics Systems |
4 |
36 |
|
671208-000-00-00- WM-10 |
Processes for Testing, Diagnosing and Repairing Vehicle Stability, Traction and Drive Control (VSTDC), ABS Braking, Transmission and Driver Assistance Systems |
4 |
32 |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.
Integrated Summative Assessment:
The external summative assessment will be conducted through a trade test conducted in terms of Section 26 D of the Skills Development Act (SDA) and the Trade Test Regulations. The assessment will consist of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects of the trade-in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by NAMB. The assessment will take place over a maximum of 3 days.
A learner who attempted a trade test will be given recognition for those trade test tasks in which he/she has been found competent and not be retested in those provided that: The learner is competent in at least 50% of the trade tasks given during the trade test, and the recognition will be retained by the learner for a maximum of 3 attempts or 18 months from the date of successful completion of the trade test tasks, whichever comes first.
Assessment for a part-qualification will take place over a maximum of 2 days. A learner who attempted a summative assessment for a part-qualification will be given recognition for those tasks in which he/she has been found competent and not be retested in those provided that: The learner is competent in at least 50% of the tasks give during the assessment, and the recognition will be retained by the learner for a maximum of 3 attempts or 18 months from the date of successful completion of the assessment task, whichever comes first.
Certification Rule: Learners must attain a minimum of 80% for knowledge, and 100% for practical components of the assessment.
The attainment of all the three part-qualifications does not lead to a full qualification; however, it will allow the learner to either apply for a trade test directly or an ARPL assessment in preparation for the trade test.
The contents of the curriculum for this qualification and the duration of the qualifications were compared to auto-electrical qualifications in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada. The South African occupational curriculum is very similar to that of the curricula used for comparison. This is not surprising, as Automotive Electricians essentially perform the same tasks on the same or similar vehicles due to the globalised nature of automotive manufacturing.
In the United Kingdom, City and Guilds offer the Level 2 (88 credits) and Level 3 (76 credits) Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence. These two qualifications are respectively equivalent to Levels 3 and 4 in South Africa, and they total 164 credits. The credit values indicated exclude time for workplace learning. The learning units that make-up the United Kingdom qualifications have significant similarities with this qualification, namely:
health, safety and housekeeping; removing and replacing light vehicle electrical units; locating and correcting simple electrical faults; diagnosis and rectifying engine electrical faults; diagnosing and rectifying transmission and chassis electrical faults; diagnosing and rectifying vehicle auxiliary electrical faults (heated seats, electrically adjusted seats, heated screens, electric mirrors, electric sunroofs, electric windows etc.); identifying suitability; installation and configuration of vehicle electrical enhancements and security systems; and overhauling of electrical units (charging and starting units).
The New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (Level 4) has a duration of four years, including workplace practical learning. The qualification aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively diagnose and repair electrical and electronics faults in a range of vehicles or machines. Graduates of this qualification are able to: contribute to workplace safety and maintain a safe and effective workplace (15 credits); diagnose and repair or replace sensors and actuators, control units and associated wiring and communication networks in a range of vehicles or machines (100 credits); use specialist tools and electrical component diagrams to locate, repair and replace electrical or electronic components in a range of vehicles or machines (65 credits); and install a range of electrical or electronic accessory systems (10 credits). These broad outcomes resonate well with the South African qualification.
In Canada, it takes up to 4 years to train an Automotive Electrician. The Automotive Electrician uses test equipment to locate electrical and electronic malfunctions; dismantles and removes electrical and electronic assemblies and components; installs electrical equipment and electronic components in motor vehicles; connects power-operated equipment and accessories to power supplies; adjusts engine control systems and timing; tests and replaces defective alternators, generators, voltage regulators and starter motors; and repairs and replaces faulty ignition and electrical wiring.
Similarities between the South African qualification and those of the United Kingdom and New Zealand are in terms of course content, entry requirements, the scope of work, targeted learners and learning methodology which addresses apprenticeship and the workplaces within which qualified learners to operate.
Differences are in terms of credits allocated. The South African qualification carries in excess of 540 credits, of which a significant part is dedicated to work experience. In addition, the South African qualification includes modules from NQF Levels 2 through to NQF Level 4.
The South African Automotive Electrician occupational qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered in the identified countries.
To qualify for the external summative assessment, learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the all the knowledge and practical skill modules specified in the curriculum.
None
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
