SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Occupational Certificate: Retail Store Manager 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122237  Advanced Occupational Certificate: Retail Store Manager 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-Services SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Occupational Cert  Field 11 - Services  Wholesale and Retail 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  248  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0822/24  2024-03-07  2029-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-07   2033-03-07  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
91789  Occupational Certificate: Retail Manager: Retail Store Manager  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  507  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Retail Store Manager.

A Retail Store Manager ensures the viability, profitability, and sustainability of a retail business through the application of a full range of professional business and management practices. A competent Retail Store Manager will demonstrate the following key attributes: visionary, complexity thinking, agile leader, organisational expert, and sales driver.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Analyse business feasibility and develop/implement appropriate business strategies and processes.
  • Direct and oversee the professional management of all functions of a retail business (Business stability and growth - Driver of success).
  • Facilitate critical decision-making to ensure the ongoing sustainability of a retail business (Business protection - Custodian of sustainability) .
  • Manage the core activities of a retail business.
  • Take accountability for personal professional development and continuous personal growth in terms of education, emotional maturity, and leadership ability.

    Rationale:
    The Occupational Certificate: Retail Manager: Retail Store Manager, SAQA ID: 91789 was registered on 1 July 2018.�The industry implemented the qualification with a positive effect. Because of the importance of this qualification, a process was initiated to review and update the existing qualification.

    The growth of the retail sector in South Africa and across the Southern African region is a core part of the National Development Plan. The sector provides vast opportunities for new job entrants and, because of the diverse nature of the sector it serves as an ideal platform through which new entrants into the job market can access employment and eventually grow themselves as corporate employees and small business owners.

    The retail sector is vital to the South African economy, employing a significant portion of the workforce and contributing to the country's GDP. For the retail sector to thrive and remain competitive, it is essential that there is a skilled and competent workforce in place, particularly in managerial positions.

    A qualification for Retail Store Managers would provide learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage a retail store. This would include inventory management, customer service, financial management, and human resource management skills. By equipping retail store managers with these skills, the retail sector would benefit from increased efficiency and productivity, which would lead to improved profitability and economic growth.

    This qualification is targeted at the range of management levels within retail businesses, and it provides knowledge and skills to develop the entrepreneurial abilities that will enable successful participants to manage existing retail stores and/or start and manage their own businesses.

    Furthermore, this qualification will also benefit the wider community and society. Effective retail store management can positively impact the local community by providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy. It can also lead to improved customer experiences, enhancing the retail sector's reputation and increasing consumer confidence.

    Learners who would benefit from such a qualification include individuals currently working in the retail sector, particularly those in entry-level management positions and those looking to progress their careers in this field. The certificate would give learners the skills and knowledge necessary to take on more senior management positions or start their own retail businesses.

    A retail store manager can operate in various occupations within the retail industry, including but not limited to District Manager/Area Manager, Regional Manager, Retail Operations Manager, Merchandising Manager, and Inventory Control Manager.

    There is a professional body for Retail Managers in South Africa. The Retail Management Association of South Africa (RMA) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of retail managers and provides support and resources for professional development. However, it is not compulsory for a Retail Manager to be registered with the RMA or any other professional body in South Africa. Membership with professional bodies is typically voluntary, and while it can provide benefits such as access to professional networks and training opportunities, it is not a legal requirement for practicing in the field. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to Training/Exemption
    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider, which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access based on the NQF level descriptors.

    RPL for Exemption from Modules
    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) or Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA)
    Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    A valid Statement of Results (SoR) is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

    For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep a record of such evidence.

    After successfully completing the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued the QCTO certificate for qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part qualification is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements:
    An NQF Level 4 qualification. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules
  • 142103-001-01-KM-01, Delivering Business Success and Ensuring Business Sustainability, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
    142103-001-01-KM-02, Building, Protecting and Managing the Human Assets in a Retail Business, NQF Level 6, 13 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-KM-03, Advanced Operations Management within the Retail Sector, NQF Level 6, 11 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-KM-04, Business Financial Management and Decision Making; NQF Level 6, 9 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-KM-05, Advanced Marketing, Sales and Customer Management for Business Managers and Owners, NQF Level 6, 16Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-KM-06, Establishing and Growing Long Term Customer Loyalty, NQF Level 5, 9 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-KM-07, Achieving Personal Purpose and Leaving a Legacy, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-KM-08, The Economics of Retail and Retail Business Management, NQF Level 5, 9 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 89

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 142103-001-01-PM-01, Evaluate and Make Decisions Regarding Business Feasibility, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-PM-02, Establish and Implement Business Strategy, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-PM-03, Establish and Implement Business Structures, Policies, and Processes, NQF Level 6, 14 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-PM-04, Establish and Drive Professional Business Philosophy, NQF Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-PM-05, Enable and Drive the Achievement of Business Objectives, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-PM-06, Ensure Appropriate Risk Prevention, Mitigation, and Management, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-PM-07, Ensure Total Legal Compliance, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-PM-08, Ensure Effective Decision-Making Regarding Business Profitability, NQF Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-PM-09, Ensure Effective Decision-Making Regarding Asset Management, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-PM-10, Facilitate Professional and Effective Business Crisis Management, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 87

    Work Experience Modules
  • 142103-001-01-WM-01, Processes for the Oversight and Management of the Various Functions within a Retail Business, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-WM-02, Analyse Business Feasibility and Develop/Implement Appropriate Business Strategies and Related Business Processes, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-WM-03, Direct and Oversee the Professional Management of all Functions of a Retail Business (Business Stability and Growth - Driver of Success), NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-WM-04, Facilitate Critical Decision-Making to Ensure the Ongoing Sustainability of a Retail Business (Business Protection - Custodian of Sustainability), NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-WM-05, Manage the Core Activities of a Retail Business, NQF Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 142103-001-01-WM-06, Take Accountability for Personal Professional Development and Continuous Growth in Terms of Education, Emotional Maturity, and Leadership Ability, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 72 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply a detailed understanding of strategic business theory to analyse business feasibility and implement appropriate business strategies and related business processes.
    2. Evaluate, select, and apply professional management practices to direct and oversee the professional management of all retail business functions.
    3. Identify, analyse, and solve familiar and unfamiliar problems to facilitate critical decision-making, ensuring the ongoing sustainability of a retail business.
    4. Apply professional management practices to plan, organise and control the core activities of a retail business. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Apply a detailed understanding of strategic business theory to analyse business feasibility and implement appropriate business strategies and related business processes.
  • Evaluate business feasibility and make decisions regarding the improvement of Business Feasibility.
  • Develop and implement business strategy.
  • Establish and implement business structures, policies, and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Evaluate, select, and apply professional management practices to direct and oversee the professional management of all retail business functions.
  • Establish professional business philosophy and ensure compliance with the philosophy.
  • Enable and ensure achievement of business objectives.
  • Appropriately ensure risk prevention, mitigation, and management.
  • Manage total legal compliance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Identify, analyse, and solve familiar and unfamiliar problems to facilitate critical decision-making, ensuring the ongoing sustainability of a retail business.
  • Facilitate and guide decision-making regarding business profitability.
  • Facilitate and guide decision-making regarding asset management.
  • Facilitate and ensure professional and effective business crisis management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Apply professional management practices to plan, organise and control the core activities of a retail business.
  • Coordinate and guide the management of people in the business.
  • Manage service delivery standards.
  • Facilitate and guide the creation, building, and maintenance of productive relationships with all stakeholders.
  • Oversee and optimise the management of marketing and sales.
  • Ensure and monitor the management of all financial activities in the business.
  • Minimise and mitigate business assets are controlled, and risks and losses.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

    Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, identify strengths and weaknesses, and ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills, and workplace experience.

    Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP). Various ongoing assessment methods, such as quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, and interviews, may be used. Continuous feedback must be provided.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    Integrated Assessment involves all the different assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification, or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. The Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules, as found in the QCTO curriculum document, must be followed to achieve this.

    An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

    Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

    The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) requirement for admission to the EISA. Using the template provided by the Quality Partner, an SoR is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which each component's competence was achieved in each module. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the following internationally recognised qualifications in the United Kingdom and in Australia.

    United Kingdom (UK) The Occupational Awards Limited (OAL) Level 4: Diploma in Retail Management: 603/7465/2 is a vocational qualification awarded by OAL, a UK-based awarding body that designs and develops vocational qualifications.

    This diploma is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the retail industry or who are already working in a retail management role and want to enhance their knowledge and skills. The qualification is focused on developing the knowledge and understanding needed to manage retail operations, including leadership and management skills, financial management, marketing, and customer service.

    Various training providers, including City & Guilds Group, a leading UK vocational education organization, deliver the qualification. The City & Guilds Group is one of the approved centres that deliver this qualification, which means they have met the requirements set by OAL to deliver and assess the qualification.

    The Diploma in Retail Management offered by City & Guilds in the United Kingdom will facilitate the achievement of an "Occupational Award" at Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which is equivalent to a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 Advanced Occupational Certificate in South Africa (SA).

    This qualification aims to build the knowledge and skills in retail and facilitate career development into taking up a senior role within the retail sector. Learners will be able to demonstrate their ability to lead and manage their teams through excellent organisation and communication, with a sound understanding of both business and people management skills. The role of the Retail Manager involves maximising income and minimising wastage through continuous improvement and engagement of their team in enhancing business performance and productivity. This qualification will support the progression of learners to roles such as Retail Store Manager, Senior Retail Manager, and Area Manager.

    This qualification is suitable for individuals working in a retail setting who have supervisory experience and the aspiration to move to a leadership or management role in the retail sector.

    There are no formal entry requirements for learners selecting this qualification. However, the achievement of a Level 3 qualification in Retail (SA NQF Level 4) or a related occupation may be an advantage to some learners. The learner should be in a position where they can demonstrate the competencies of the qualification with the support of their employer. This qualification is not approved for use by learners under the age of 18 years.

    This qualification covers areas such as Finance, Marketing, Leadership, Branding, Product and Services Merchandising, and Technology in the retail sector.

    This qualification is made up of 14 mandatory units of assessment. All units are allocated a credit value, which indicates the units' size in terms of learning hours: 1 credit = 10 learning hours. All units also have assigned Guided Learning Hours (GLH), which indicate the average number of hours a learner may require guidance and support from teaching, learning, and assessment professionals. During the comparison exercise, the following were identified as similarities and differences between the Scottish Qualification and the Advanced Occupational Certificate:

    Similarities
  • The indicated progression from the UK qualification is like that of the Advanced Occupational Certificate; however, significant attention is given to entrepreneurial ability in the South African Advanced Occupational certificate.
  • The purpose of both qualifications is the same.
  • The core components are covered in total within the Advanced Occupational Certificate.
  • Both qualifications require exposure to actual retail work environments.

    Differences
  • Access to the qualification differs in the sense that in the UK qualification, there are no specified educational requirements; possessing an NQF Level 4 qualification and related experience is purely deemed advisable. The Advanced Occupational Certificate possession of a valid NQF level 4 qualification is set as a minimum entry requirement.
  • The biggest difference lies within the skills and knowledge scaffolding that is clear in the Advanced Occupational Certificate but missing from the UK qualification.
  • The Advanced Occupational Certificate also caters strongly to the entrepreneurial components missing from the UK qualification.

    Australia
    The Diploma of Retail Leadership is targeted to�individuals who manage a retail business, multiple retail stores, or departments, following a business strategy to deliver profitable results for the organisation. These individuals support senior management and provide leadership to retail teams. They plan and evaluate the work of self and others, operating with autonomy and responsibility for personal outputs. Potential job roles suitable for this qualification include store manager, cluster manager,�merchandise manager, buyer, sales manager, and area/regional manager.

    Entry into this qualification can be by direct entry with previous industry employment experience in a job role that has involved the application of skills and knowledge described in core units of competency from the SIR40316 Certificate IV in Retail Management or after achieving SIR40316 Certificate IV in Retail Management. This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to work in a range of retail settings, including specialty retailers, supermarkets, department stores, and quick-service restaurants.

    To achieve a Diploma of Retail Leadership, a total of ten (10) units of competency must be completed, including:

    Four (4) core units plus six (6) elective units:
  • Undertake strategic planning in retail.
  • Lead the change process.
  • Provide leadership to others.
  • Drive Retail Profitability

    Six (6) Elective Units:
  • Communicate with Influence.
  • Manage recruitment selection and induction processes.
  • Manage employee relations.
  • Develop and use emotional Intelligence.
  • Lead and manage effective workplace relationships.
  • Plan and Manage retail projects.
  • Lead development of business opportunities.
  • Develop a marketing strategy.
  • Plan merchandising buying strategy.
  • Manage risk in a retail business.
  • Drive sales results.
  • Develop a workplace learning environment.
  • Coach others for success.
  • Ensure a safe workplace.
  • Manage personal work priorities and professional development.

    During the comparison exercise, the following were identified as similarities and differences between the Australian Qualification and the South African Advanced Occupational Certificate:

    Similarities
  • Access to the qualifications is similar.
  • The purpose of both qualifications is similar.
  • The four core components in the Australian qualification are covered in total within the Occupational Certificate, and an additional focus on entrepreneurial skills and self-development is added.

    Differences
  • The Australian Qualification provides for elective learning units. In the Occupational Certificate, the diversity of work experience will cater to the uniqueness offered by the Australian elective learning units.
  • The Australian qualification caters to five core skills, whilst the South African occupational Certificate covers all those areas but adds a critical additional focus on Complexity thinking, Strategic focus, and Risk Management.

    Conclusion
    The Advanced Occupational Certificate: Retail Store Manager compares favourably with both international qualifications used for comparison here in terms of the purpose, level, and content of these qualifications. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Manager, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Marketing, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Executive, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Retail Management, NQF Level 7. 

  • NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct, and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.
    For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating:

    The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical, and Work Experience modules.

    OR

    The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. The curriculum title and code are: Retail Store Manager: 142103-001-01-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • W&R SETA. 

  • LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications 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.