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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate in Banking Services 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90842  Advanced Certificate in Banking Services 
ORIGINATOR
Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification in Banking Services is at NQF Level 6 and is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to operate professionally in a more senior role in an organisation that promotes banking services.

The qualification would be suitable for:
  • A person who has completed a Higher Certificate: Banking Services or equivalent qualification.
  • An employed person wishing to enhance, develop or formalise his/her skills and knowledge with a qualification in this area.

    The qualification is designed to produce persons able to work in varied functions in a banking services environment. In line with the requirements of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), the qualification is primarily vocational or industry oriented and provides a sound basis for successful learners wishing to proceed with further studies. The qualification will thus provide a basic level of higher education knowledge and ensure that the qualifying learner is able to apply such knowledge and competence in an occupation or role in the workplace.

    The qualifying learner will:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of banking and business law and apply the applicable law in a banking services environment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of banking management.
  • Apply knowledge and skill to operate professionally in a selected discipline within the banking services sector.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and insight into ethics and risk management within the financial services industry.

    Rationale:
    This qualification takes the current demands of the banking industry into account and will appeal to learners who seek employment or are employed in an organisation that promotes banking services, but who are in or are moving into a more senior environment in various banking areas. As such it builds on a Higher Certificate: Banking Services (or similar qualification) at NQF Level 5.

    With a Higher Certificate and an Advanced Certificate a learner will acquire a solid foundation in banking services, and will be able to operate in a specialised field in the banking services environment. In addition, a solid foundation for further higher education studies will also have been set.

    When designing this qualification, interviews were conducted with employers in the banking field in order to ensure that their needs and those of all stakeholders in the sector were taken into consideration. General research around growth strategies of banks and the skills they are looking for was also conducted. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner would be competent in Communication skills at NQF Level 5 and the theoretical knowledge and understanding accomplished at that level.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners may achieve this qualification through RPL; the institution's RPL policy guides this process. Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process. The learner may then be given access to the qualification and may acquire credits for the applicable modules.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Access to this qualification is granted to applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements or the alternative routes of entry. Applicants must be in possession of a relevant Higher Certificate in Banking.
    Learners who have attained the age of 23, have work experience and are competent in English may access the qualification. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises six modules, all at NQF Level 6, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Introduction to Ethics and Risk Management, 20 Credits.
  • Business and Banking Law, 20 Credits.
  • Banking 2A, 20 Credits.

    Optional Modules (choose three):
  • Business Management 2B, 20 Credits.
  • Finance for Non-Financial Managers, 20 Credits.
  • Sales 2A, 20 Credits.
  • Sales 2B, 20 Credits.
  • Credit 2A, 20 Credits.
  • Accounting 1B, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 20 Credits.
  • Taxation, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of banking and business law and apply the applicable law in a banking services environment.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of banking management.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge and insight into ethics and risk management within the financial services industry.
    4. Apply knowledge and skill to operate professionally in a selected discipline within the banking services sector.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identify, systematically examine, critically evaluates and solves problems in which responses display that responsible decisions have been made, using critical and creative thinking.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organises and critically evaluates information.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Self-manage skills development from the range of experiences and learning opportunities available.
  • Transfer skills and continuous learning to organisational setting. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Relevant legislation is identified and applied in order to make compliant decisions in the work environment.
  • Own operations are managed within the parameters set by relevant legislation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The purpose of and the relationship between different role players and influencing factors in the financial system are explained.
  • Knowledge of the different tasks to be performed when managing a banking organisation is demonstrated.
  • Selected special aspects of banking management are described at an introductory level.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Knowledge of the ethical debate in the financial services industry and of the appropriate behaviour related thereto is displayed.
  • Knowledge of risk management in a financial services organisation and of how to operate efficiently in relation thereto is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Specialised knowledge of a particular field in banking services is applied on a senior level to solve problems, find solutions, and select products and service clients.
  • Knowledge of the role that a particular field in banking services plays in the bigger context of the organisation is displayed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The quality of the assessment is vital in order to provide credible certification and recognition of achievement. The institution makes every effort to ensure credibility in assessment through the application of clear and rigorous procedures and practices. These procedures and practices are controlled by the principles of fairness, validity, reliability and practicability. By implementing these principles, all parties concerned (including learners, employers and learning institutions) may be assured of the credibility of the assessment process. It is in this way that accurate information about the learner's performance against the assessment criteria may be provided.

    Integrated assessment is used extensively across the qualification, particularly in the case studies. Formative assessment takes place through case studies, assignments, including the writing of proposals and financial plans. Summative assessments are integrated into the learning in that they take place at the end of each of the constituent modules of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The East Asia Institute of Management in Singapore together with the University of London offer a Diploma in Banking and Finance which is designed to provide a high quality and professionally relevant undergraduate qualification, developing in learners a sound understanding of banking and finance and its applications. It consists of 120 Credits, takes nine months and upon successful completion learners may advance to the Advanced in Banking and Finance. Below is an overview of the modules:

    Diploma:
  • Business Law.
  • Economics.
  • Fundamentals of Banking Law.
  • Money and Monetary System.
  • Principles of Management.
  • Principles of Banking and Finance.
  • Principles of Accounting.
  • Lending Principles and Practices.

    Advanced Diploma:
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Corporate Finance.
  • Banking Operations.
  • Financial Markets and Institutions.
  • Research Methods.
  • Industrial Project.

    The purpose of the qualifications is to build:
  • A core of academic knowledge, understanding and technical skills related to the finance and banking industry.
  • An awareness of the broader contextual issues influencing banking and finance.
  • An appreciation of management and organisational behavioural theories and practices.
  • An appreciation of the significance of key legal, economic banking and finance concepts to the business organisation.
  • A knowledge and understanding of the main current and alternative technical language and practices within banking and finance from an international perspective.
  • A knowledge and understanding of theories and empirical evidence concerning the effects of banking and finance in various contexts and the ability to critically evaluate such theories and evidence.

    Each module is assessed by academic work comprising written assignments, case study reports, essays, examination as determined by the subject profile. The assessment criterion varies from module to module and level to level.

    As a comparison, the above Diploma is also a second level qualification for the financial services sector. In common with the Advanced Certificate: Banking Services, it also allows learners to obrain a general understanding of banking management. Although the qualification gives general insight and is not specific to a certain field, it allows learners to gain the technical knowledge required in certain fields. Looking at the different modules there is a substantial overlap of topics with the Advanced Certificate: Banking Services, which qualification compares favourably with international counterpart. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities.

    The Qualification articulates horizontally with various Advanced Certificates in Business Management or Operations Management or Project Management and Diplomas in Business Management in Banking.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with any relevant Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal moderation of all assessment is carried out by the academic staff of the institution. Internal moderators are qualified at least one NQF level higher than that of the learners. External moderation of assessment is performed by suitably qualified persons in other institutions across the country. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The assessor must have:
  • A qualification in the related field which is at NQF Level 7 or above.
  • At least 3 years' lecturing/work experience in the field. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or registered on the National Qualifications Framework, are public property. Thus, the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction: it is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.