Full Project Management Qualification
Occupational Certificate: Project Manager
(NQF Level 5)

QCTO Occupational Certificate: Project Manager

SAQA ID: 101869 | NQF Level: 5 | Credits: 240

This End-To-End Project Management Qualification utilizes work-integrated learning and provides a pathway to becoming a fully certified project manager. This qualification aligns with the Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) framework, making it well-received by students. Our one-on-one classes are increasingly popular. There's no need to wait for a full class to begin learning. You can enrol and start at any time, whether in face-to-face classes or online.

This qualification also includes workplace experience, which enhances learners' employability and marketability.

Although employers who provide workplace experience to unemployed learners are under no obligation to offer permanent employment, it is nonetheless anticipated that some employers may hire qualified learners. Regardless of employment outcomes, learners will gain qualifications and workplace experience.

Purpose of the Qualification

The Occupational Certificate: Project Manager (OC: Project Manager) prepares learners to become fully qualified project managers who use professional methods to design, deliver, and complete projects across various fields, ensuring outcomes within set time, budget, and quality standards.

Core Objectives & Project Lifecycle Phases

After completing this qualification, Learners will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following Project Lifecycle Phases:

• Initiate a project to address specific project objectives.
• Plan and prepare the delivery of a project.
• Execute and control the delivery of a project management plan.
• Manage the project close-out process.

Who Is This Project Management Training Aimed At?

The OC: Project Manager qualification is intended for both experienced Project Management Practitioners looking to formalize their credentials and new learners seeking a professional career path in Project Management across South Africa.

Key Professional Learner Benefits

This qualification offers several benefits to learners, including but not limited to:

• Enhanced Employability. The qualification enhances the learner's employability and makes them stand out in a competitive job market.
• Career Advancement. Learners with this qualification are well-equipped to take on complex projects and excel in their project management careers.
• Expanded Skill Set. The qualification equips learners with a comprehensive range of project management skills and competencies, such as project planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, and project evaluation. This expanded skill set enables learners to effectively manage projects across various industries and sectors.
• Recognition and Credibility. The qualification provides learners with a recognized and credible qualification in project management. It signifies their commitment to professional development and adherence to industry best practices. This recognition enhances their professional reputation and credibility among colleagues, employers, and clients.
• Personal Growth and Confidence. Pursuing and completing the qualification is a significant personal achievement. It boosts learners' self-confidence, validates their abilities, and demonstrates their dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.

Entry Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent, with English and Mathematical Literacy.

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.

External Integrated Summative Assessment

An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification.

Certification

Learners completing this qualification will receive a nationally recognized NQF Level 5 Certificate of Competence from QCTO. (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations)

Qualification Structure

The SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) occupational qualifications are associated with a trade occupation or a profession resulting from work-based Learning. SAQA qualifications are made up of three compulsory integrated components; knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience, and have an external summative assessment.

Knowledge refers to theory as opposed to action. This draws on the information learners have obtained throughout their theoretical training. Knowledge questions may test understanding or require learners to explain aspects of the subject matter.

Practical Skills refers to practical tasks or assignments that are the act of engaging in an activity (i.e. action) for the purpose of improving or mastering it. Practical tasks may ask learners to perform, create or develop evidence.

Workplace Experience refers to research conducted, or action taken within the workplace. Workplace tasks aim to provide the learner with an opportunity and confidence to conduct project work under authentic working conditions under supervision.

This includes exposure to the complexities of workplace demands. In other words, the workplace question requires learners to interact with their workplace or organization to meet certain objectives.

Program Modules

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory modules:

• Knowledge. Total Credits: 80 (100 notional days)
• Practical Skills. Total Credits: 100 (125 notional days)
• Work Experience. Total Credits: 60 (75 notional days)

Knowledge Modules

1. Introductory Studies For Project Managers
2. Project Integration Management
3. Project Scope Management
4. Project Schedule Management
5. Project Cost Management
6. roject Quality Management
7. Project Resource Management
8. Project Communications Management
9. Project Risk Management
10. Project Procurement Management
11. Project Stakeholder Management

Practical Skill Modules

1. Initiate a project
2. Plan and develop a project management approach and scope statement
3. Plan and develop a project timeline and schedule
4. Plan for and project the cost of a project
5. Plan project management systems
6. Monitor and control the scope of a project
7. Control the project delivery schedules and costs
8. Control the project quality
9. Manage and control the human resources of a project
10. Conduct and control project communication and stakeholder interaction
11. Manage and control project risks
12. Manage and control project procurement activities
13. Manage and control project close-out activities

Workplace Experience Modules

1. Attend to project initiation management processes
2. Attend to project planning processes
3. Attend to project execution and control processes
4. Attend to project close-out processes

Articulation Options

Vertical Articulation:

• Advanced Certificate in Project Management, Level 6 SAQA Qual ID: 83546.
• Advanced Certificate: Management, Level 6 SAQA Qual ID: 90665.
• Diploma in Operations Management, Level 6 SAQA Qual ID: 59509.

Horizontal Articulation:

• National Certificate: Generic Management, Level 5 SAQA Qual ID: 59201.
• Higher Certificate: Operations Management, Level 5 SAQA Qual ID: 88916.

International Comparability

Two global standards for Project Managers were selected for international comparability purposes. These are the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) best practices methodology. Both standards are globally recognized as best practice models for Project Managers.