Occupational Certificate: Mechanical Fitter

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Qualification Title: Occupational Certificate: Mechanical Fitter

Curriculum Code: 653303000

NQF Level: 4

Total Credits: 410 (Knowledge: 70 | Practical Skills: 80 | Work Experience: 260) 

Assessment Quality Partner: National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB)

Development Quality Partner: merSETA

Accrediting Body: Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)

Duration: Structured apprenticeship programme (trade test assessed over minimum 2 days)

Admission Requirements: NQF Level 1 with Mathematics

• Basic Engineering Theory — NQF Level 3 (32 Credits): Introduction to the fitting trade, health and safety, engineering drawings, materials, tools and equipment, basic lifting, screw threads, locking devices, arc welding, gas cutting, brazing and silver soldering
• Fitting Theory — NQF Level 4 (38 Credits): Seals and gaskets, bearings, valves, drives, pumps, reduction gearboxes, clutches, brakes, lubrication systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, conveyors and diagnostic techniques

• Fabricate simple components using basic hand skills and hand tools — NQF Level 2 (6 Credits)
• Fabricate components using power tools or machinery — NQF Level 3 (6 Credits)
• Disassemble, clean and inspect mechanical sub-assemblies — NQF Level 3 (6 Credits)
• Replace components and assemble mechanical sub-assemblies and machines — NQF Level 3 (6 Credits)
• Fault finding on mechanical sub-assemblies and machines — NQF Level 4 (12 Credits)
• Repair mechanical sub-assemblies and machines — NQF Level 4 (12 Credits)
• Install and commission mechanical sub-assemblies and machines — NQF Level 4 (12 Credits)
• Overhaul mechanical sub-assemblies and machines — NQF Level 4 (20 Credits)

• Fabrication processes in an engineering workshop — NQF Level 2 (20 Credits)
• Routine mechanical component and machine maintenance processes — NQF Level 3 (40 Credits)
• Maintenance planning and communication processes — NQF Level 3 (10 Credits)
• Repair of mechanical faults on sub-assemblies and machines — NQF Level 4 (60 Credits)
• Overhauling processes in an engineering workshop — NQF Level 4 (60 Credits)
• Structured planning and communication processes in the workplace — NQF Level 4 (60 Credits)
• Engineering workshop control processes — NQF Level 4 (10 Credits)

• Apply hand skills to fabricate mechanical components using engineering tools and equipment (20%)
• Perform engineering maintenance on mechanical components, sub-assemblies and machines (40%)
• Repair, install and commission sub-assemblies and machines to manufacturer specifications (40%)
• Conduct fault finding on mechanical systems and perform structured overhauls
• Read and apply Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications for maintenance and repair
• Apply safe work procedures, relevant PPE requirements and comply with health, safety and environmental legislation
• Maintain maintenance planning and communication processes within a workshop environment

Graduates of this qualification are recognized as qualified artisans and are employable across a wide range of industries that rely on mechanical engineering maintenance and repair. 

Career pathways include:

• Mechanical Fitter / Artisan Fitter
• Maintenance Mechanic / Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Machine Operator / Engineering Workshop Technician
• Engineering Maintenance Planner / Supervisor
• Roles in manufacturing, mining, petrochemical, food processing and general engineering industries
• The qualification supports career progression into supervisory and management roles within engineering

Assessment is conducted through a trade test in terms of Section 26D of the Skills Development Act, comprising a written examination and practical tasks in a simulated environment at a QCTO-accredited centre. The external assessment covers three integrated focus areas — fabrication hand skills (20%), engineering maintenance (40%), and repair, installation and commissioning (40%) — and is conducted over a minimum of two working days. Assessors must be qualified fitters registered with NAMB, with a minimum of eight years' post-apprenticeship experience (five in practice and three in trade-related training).

• Minimum NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics
• Foundational learning competence is a prerequisite for the award of this qualification
• Completion of all knowledge modules, practical skill modules and a signed Statement of Work Experience required before the external summative trade test