Higher Occupational Certificate: Sound Operator

SAQA ID: 120748, NQF Level 5, Credits 168

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Sound Operator. A Sound Operator sets up and operate audio equipment to record, edit, mix, and amplify sound in support of live, recorded and broadcast productions, film production studios, performances or events.

A qualified learner will be able to:
· Apply Knowledge of principles and practices of audio to ensure satisfactory quality sound.
· Prepare audio sound equipment for use.
· Operate equipment to record, edit, mix, enhance/ amplify/ master sound to ensure satisfactory quality.
· Perform basic equipment maintenance.
· Practice basic business management.

This qualification will contribute to the economy by producing Sound Operators who are able to operate as freelancers with a foundational understanding of business skills, including marketing of services as well as business communication. These freelance or ‘gig workers’ are a growing phenomenon globally but has been a prevalent practice in the Sound industry as professionals tend to be contracted for their services in terms of production projects. This qualification also contributes to society by enabling the decentralised development of audio skills that have traditionally been developed in more urban/ metropolitan areas, thereby distributing the critical skill more equitably across the country. The qualification will also support the employment pipeline for media entities operating in the space and may therefore address issues of unemployment. The qualification also provides a bridge between the related sub-sectors of Film, Television and Multi-media which has traditionally had limited entry points.

The qualification will accommodate school leavers and qualifying learners with no work experience as well as existing workers in the industry who want to progress.

QUALIFICATION RULES :


This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

· 352103-000-00-KM-01, Theory of Sound, NQF Level 5, 18 Credits.
· 352103-000-00-KM-02, Sound Equipment Principles, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
· 352103-000-00-KM-03, Characteristics of Audio Hardware and Software, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
· 352103-000-00-KM-04, Electronic Maintenance Theory, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
· 352103-000-00-KM-05, Basic Principles of Business Management, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 50

Practical Skill Modules:

· 352103-000-00-PM-01, Apply Theory of Sound, NQF Level 5, 34 Credits.
· 352103-000-00-PM-02, Apply Understanding of Features and Functions of The Sound Equipment, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
· 352103-000-00-PM-03, Operate Prepared Audio Equipment for Production, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
· 352103-000-00-PM-04, Maintain Sound Equipment, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
· 352103-000-00-PM-05, Apply Effective Business Management Skills, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 78

Work Experience Modules (Select only Elective A or B):

Elective A
· 352103-000-00-WM-01, Live events, NQF Level 5, 40 Credits.

Elective B

· 352103-000-00-WM-02, Recorded events, NQF Level 5, 40 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40

Admission Requirements:

 

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is any NQF Level 4 qualification or grade 12 certificate.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
· Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirement may gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access. All the RPL learners will be required to meet the following criteria.
1. Learners with Grade 11 may complete a short bridging course to access entrance to the qualification.
2. Learners with no school education but have at least 3 years of experience as a Sound Operator or in event production related work may apply for admission through RPL application and following documents must be submitted:
• Certified copy of ID
• Letter from the employer confirming the job title, and activities or responsibilities.
• Detailed CV.

Application Process

Complete the online application form and submit the following documents in the online application form:
1. Download the PoPI agreement, sign it and attach it in the online application form (Link to download).
2. Attach, certified copies of ID or Passport and certified copies of Grade12 Certificate or any completed NQF Level 4 Certificate.
3. Attach the proof of payment (application Fee)
4. Once the online application is received by the admission department with all the supporting documentation (including proof payment), a formal acceptance letter will be issued withing 20 working days if there are no outstanding documents or further information required.

Duration: 12-18 Months.
Teaching and Learning: All Knowledge Modules will be presented online, Practical and Workplace Modules will be presented through contact face to face sessions.

Course Fees

2025 Fee Structure (All fees are inclusive of VAT)

Application Fee (Per Year): R 350 (Non-Refundable)
Enrolment Fee: R 950 (Non-Refundable)
Full Payment Option (Discounted): Was R 35,000, but now R 18,500 (Online study material is included; cost of printed books will be charged separately)
Per Month: R 680 (Non-Refundable) x 30 Months

Other Fees Related to EISA, RPL, Re-activation, and Printed Books

  • Final exam (EISA) fee: R 3,500 (the EISA fee will be revised annually)
  • RPL Fee: R 2,500 (Non-refundable and excluding RPL Assessment fee)
  • Note: The RPL assessment fee will be charged separately depending on the number of Assessments and Credits. For more details, please contact training@wnlacademy.com.
  • Re-activation Fee: Once a learner’s registration status is deactivated, there will be a R 400 re-activation fee.

Payment Plan Options:

Per Month Payment Plan: R 680 per month for 30 months (Printed material is not included).
Once you have been accepted into the program and assigned a student number, you are required to pay the enrolment fee of R 950 and the first monthly instalment of R 680, or you can choose to pay the full course fee of R 18,500 upfront.

Please be advised that the Statement of Results and External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) registration will only be processed once the full course fee has been paid. The EISA fee is not part of the course fee.

For more information, please contact us at training@wnlacademy.com.