School of Artisan and Trade StudiesOccupational CertificateOpen for enrolment

Occupational Certificate: Plumber

NQF Level 4SAQA ID 91782360 credits3 YearsFull-time

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Programme Overview

Comprehensive plumbing training from domestic to industrial installations.

SAQA & Registration

SAQA Qualification ID91782

NQF LevelNQF Level 4

Total Credits360

Qualification TypeOccupational Certificate

Quality CouncilQCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

Accreditation / Quality AssuranceMerSETA — Accredited

This qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Highbury programme availability and intake status are confirmed by Admissions. Detailed regulatory evidence is published on the Accreditation page.

Frame of Learning

Knowledge Modules

100credits

9 modules

Theory and subject knowledge that underpins the occupation.

Practical Skills Modules

130credits

4 modules

Hands-on skills developed in simulated and supervised settings.

Workplace Experience Modules

130credits

4 modules

Structured experience completed in an approved workplace.

Admission Requirements

Official Minimum Entry Requirement (SAQA)

NQF Level 3 qualification equivalent to N2 knowledge areas of Engineering Maths, Science and Building Drawings.

Highbury Application Documents

Certified copy of ID or passport
Certified copies of highest school results
Proof of residential address

Curriculum

Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation3 cr
Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics5 cr
Tools, Equipment, Components and Site Practice3 cr
Drawings and Applied Sciences7 cr
Theory of Water and Drainage Excavation8 cr
Above and Below Ground Drainage Systems43 cr
Sanitary ware4 cr
Hot and cold water systems18 cr
Installation and Maintenance Theory for Plumbing Systems9 cr

Assessment Criteria

Internal Assessment

Continuous formative assessment and practical tasks are conducted throughout the programme, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence and a logbook completed under supervision. Internal assessment follows the criteria and weighting stipulated in the official curriculum.

External Assessment

The qualification concludes with a statutory Trade Test conducted at an accredited trade test centre in terms of the Skills Development Act. Learners must complete all modules and internal assessment requirements before admission to the final external assessment.

Delivery Mode and Duration

Highbury Delivery Arrangement

Study ModeFull-time

Highbury Duration3 Years

CampusPretoria Campus, 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng

Learning PlatformHighbury Digital Campus

Learning ArrangementClassroom + practical + workplace

IntakesConfirmed by Admissions

Delivery combines structured classes and practical sessions with a compulsory workplace component arranged with approved employers, supported online through the Highbury Digital Campus. The duration above is Highbury’s delivery schedule and is separate from the official SAQA credit value.

Articulation and RPL

Articulation

Horizontal: Learners with this qualification should be able to horizontally access a qualification in the construction arena with cross-cutting credits in the Knowledge Specifications Learners with this qualification should be able…

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL may be used for access to the programme and, where applicable, for credits or exemption against completed modules, as well as for access to the final external assessment, in line with official RPL policy. Contact Admissions for an RPL evaluation.

Career Pathways

Qualified PlumberPlumbing ContractorMaintenance Plumber

Workplace Experience

Workplace experience is compulsory: 4 modules totalling 130 credits, completed in an approved workplace under supervision with a logbook and portfolio of evidence. Highbury supports learners with placement arrangements through its employer partnerships.

Processes and procedures for installation and testing of above ground soil waste and vent systems and sanitary ware appliances
Processes and procedures for installation and testing of below-ground drainage systems and performing basic building work
Procedures and processes for installation and maintenance of cold water and hot water systems
Procedures and processes for installation and maintenance of rain water systems

Certification

Highbury College may issue permissible institutional records, statements and completion documents. The official occupational qualification certificate is issued by the responsible quality council or certification authority after all prescribed requirements have been met.

For this trade, admission to the prescribed Trade Test follows completion of all modules; national trade (artisan) recognition is awarded only after the Trade Test is passed. Highbury does not independently issue the Red Seal.

Ready to apply?

This programme is open for enrolment. Start your application online — our admissions team will guide you through every step.

Apply Now Contact Admissions

Official qualification information sourced from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Highbury-specific delivery, fees, intake and campus arrangements are maintained separately by Highbury College.

Programme availability and intake dates are confirmed by Highbury Admissions.

View official SAQA record Last verified: 2026-07-12Factsheet v1.0