A SAMC is a digital certification of assessed knowledge, skills, and/or competencies in a narrow or specific area for personal, professional, technical, and academic development, which is not part of or a module in a larger accredited programme. It is critical for skilling, upskilling, and reskilling the workforce.
GGP Section 1, 1.1
Quality Verification is the process by which an SAMC is assessed by an approved Quality Verification Centre (QVC) as meeting and capable of meeting the good practice criteria in the GGP, and to establish the appropriate MQF qualifications level/s and the credits.
GGP Section 2.9
The Quality Verification granted to an SAMC shall be valid for no more than three (3) continuous years.
GGP Section 2.7
SAMCs that are related to foundation studies or about internships, practical/industrial training, final year project, or research shall not be accepted for Quality Verification.
GGP Section 2.1
Only SAMCs delivered by registered and authorised entities with at least 1 completed cohort of learners shall be deemed as qualified providers under this GGP.
GGP Section 2.3
A quality verified SAMC can be recognized by Higher Education Providers (HEPs) up to 70% of the credits in the applicable programme, subject to MQA and HEP credit transfer policies.
GGP Section 2.4
SAMCs related to foundation studies, internships, practical/industrial training, final year projects, or research shall not be accepted for QV.
GGP Section 2.1
A SAMC must be designed for a minimum of 40 hours of notional learning time or effort.
GGP Section 2.2
The first 40 notional hours of learning time (LT) is equated with 1 credit. Subsequent notional hours beyond the minimum shall be in increments of 20 hours or 0.5 credits.
GGP Section 2.2, 5.3.8
LT is the estimated total effort in hours required of learners, including a combination of face-to-face instruction, independent learning, and assessment, required before, during, and after delivery.
GGP Section 2.2
The title must reflect the content (subject matter), the outcomes (knowledge, skills, and abilities), and the level of complexity (basic, intermediate, advanced), as well as relevant positions (e.g., CEO, Accounts, Web Designer).
GGP Section 5.3.2
The content/subject matter must be assessed as suitable, adequate, and current given the specific skills area. The SME focuses on the content’s relevancy, adequacy, and currency from the knowledge, industry, or practice perspective.
GGP Section 3.7, 5.3.6
Active engagement with industries and employers is crucial to ensure the currency, relevancy, and value of the SAMCs, as they are demand-driven.
GGP Section 1.3.2
ILOs shall be stated in an observable or measurable manner, constituting a well-defined action verb, condition, and criterion. Maximum two (2) ILOs for one (1) credit SAMC.
GGP Section 5.3.3
The SAMC must address at least one (1) of the generic outcomes in the MQF at the expected level of complexity and depth, and the provider must clearly explain the bases for the "best fit" MQF level determination.
GGP Section 5.3.9
Wherever relevant, the learning outcomes should be referenced to skills, competency, or industry frameworks for greater acceptance by industry.
GGP Section 1.3.2
Policies and rules guiding assessment management must be provided to ensure it is valid, reliable, and fair.
GGP Section 5.3.6
Assessment methods should allow learners to demonstrate knowledge, skills, or attitude acquisition, preferably in an authentic context. Authenticity means the assessment tasks reflect real work challenges.
GGP Section 1.3.11, 5.8.1
SAMC providers must furnish samples of assessments, the rubrics, and the grading from at least one completed cohort of learners to evaluate the assessment of learning.
GGP Section 5.3.6
The instructional approaches, strategies, and methods used in delivery must be clearly stated and must be appropriate to the ILOs/content.
