National Certificate in Instrumentation and Control

This course develops your ability to measure and control industrial processes using instrumentation, electronics and systematic testing.

19 subjectsLast updated 13 September 2026

About the course

This course develops your ability to measure and control industrial processes using instrumentation, electronics and systematic testing. Learning combines technical study with practical tasks relevant to Southern African organisations and communities.

What you'll learn

Explain how sensors, signals and control elements interact.

Carry out supervised calibration or control-system testing.

Interpret results and document faults, settings and corrective action.

Requirements

Review your English, numerical skills and introductory knowledge of the subject. Prepare to follow technical instructions, record results and complete supervised practical work. Check the provider's published admission requirements for this certificate before enrolment.

Course content

The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.

3 learning stages 19 subjects

1Specialist subjects10 subjects

Electrical Engineering Technology 1
Process Measurement And Control
Plant & Equipment Installation And Maintenance
Engineering Drawing And Electrical Circuit Designing
Programmable Logic Controllers
Electrical Engineering Technology 2
Electronics 1
Instrument Calibration, Intelligent Devices Configuration/Programming
Electronics 2
Plant Modification

2Foundations and shared practice6 subjects

Communication And Computer Skills
Safety Health Environment Quality Management
Engineering Mathematics 1
Engineering Mathematics 2
National Studies
Entrepreneurial Skills Development

3Practical integration3 subjects

Project
On The Job Education And Training
Workshop Practice (Skills Proficiency)

Subjects in this programme

The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.

19 subjects are listed below with a short description of each. The Subject descriptions tab contains the learning outcomes, topics, practical tasks and assessments.

Specialist subjects

Electrical Engineering Technology 1. Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Process Measurement And Control. Study the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Plant & Equipment Installation And Maintenance. Study the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Engineering Drawing And Electrical Circuit Designing. Study the communication of technical information through drawings and models. Practice centres on a checked drawing or model portfolio, drawing on drawing conventions, scale and dimensions and views, sections and projection. You will record findings, justify decisions and check dimensional consistency, completeness and usability by another person.
Programmable Logic Controllers. Study the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Electrical Engineering Technology 2. Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Electronics 1. Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Instrument Calibration, Intelligent Devices Configuration/Programming. Study the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Electronics 2. Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Plant Modification. Study the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.

Foundations and shared practice

Communication And Computer Skills. Study the use of digital tools to organise information and produce reliable work records. Practice centres on a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files, drawing on files, folders, naming and version control and word-processing layouts and structured documents. You will record findings, justify decisions and check formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
Safety Health Environment Quality Management. Study the prevention of harm and the control of quality during vocational work. Practice centres on a task risk assessment, inspection record and improvement plan, drawing on hazard identification and exposure routes and risk assessment and control hierarchy. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether controls address the identified hazard rather than relying on labels alone.
Engineering Mathematics 1. Study mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Engineering Mathematics 2. Study mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
National Studies. Study the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Entrepreneurial Skills Development. Study the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.

Practical integration

Project. Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
On The Job Education And Training. Apply your learning through agreed duties in a supervised workplace. You will connect electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills with routine service or production responsibilities. Keep evidence of preparation, work completed and feedback. Review your progress with the supervisor and explain how your decisions affect quality, safety and other people.
Workshop Practice (Skills Proficiency). Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.

Assessment and practical learning

Suggested learning checks: applied questions, calculations or short cases linked to the learning areas.
Suggested practical assessment: demonstrate a procedure and submit a portfolio showing your method, results and quality checks.
Explain your decisions to the assessor and use feedback to improve the completed work.

Practical application

Develop an instrumentation training-rig portfolio with a control diagram, supervised measurements and a calibration or fault-finding report.

Subject descriptions

Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.

Specialist subjects

Electrical Engineering Technology 1

Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.

Learning outcomes

Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.

Main topics

Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
Components, symbols and device behaviour
Analogue and digital signal concepts
Circuit construction and measurement
Fault isolation and interpretation
Documentation, reliability and safe testing

Practical task

For Electrical Engineering Technology 1, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Process Measurement And Control

Study the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.

Learning outcomes

Select a measurement or control approach for a defined variable.
Configure or analyse a supervised training loop.
Evaluate response and document a justified adjustment.

Main topics

Measured variables and sensor characteristics
Signal conditioning and data acquisition
Calibration, uncertainty and records
Feedback, set points and response
Controllers, interfaces and communication
Testing, faults and operating limits

Practical task

For Process Measurement And Control, prepare a measurement or control-loop investigation in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Plant & Equipment Installation And Maintenance

Learning outcomes

Select a measurement or control approach for a defined variable.
Configure or analyse a supervised training loop.
Evaluate response and document a justified adjustment.

Main topics

Measured variables and sensor characteristics
Signal conditioning and data acquisition
Calibration, uncertainty and records
Feedback, set points and response
Controllers, interfaces and communication
Testing, faults and operating limits

Practical task

For Plant & Equipment Installation And Maintenance, prepare a measurement or control-loop investigation in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.

Assessment

Direct observation of the task, the completed output and oral explanation of the method.

Engineering Drawing And Electrical Circuit Designing

Study the communication of technical information through drawings and models. Practice centres on a checked drawing or model portfolio, drawing on drawing conventions, scale and dimensions and views, sections and projection. You will record findings, justify decisions and check dimensional consistency, completeness and usability by another person.

Learning outcomes

Interpret a drawing using scale, dimensions and conventions.
Produce coordinated technical views for a stated purpose.
Check and revise a drawing set using recorded feedback.

Main topics

Drawing conventions, scale and dimensions
Views, sections and projection
Interpreting a technical brief
Manual and computer-aided drawing tools
Detail coordination and revision control
Checking drawings against measurements and specifications

Practical task

For Engineering Drawing And Electrical Circuit Designing, prepare a checked drawing or model portfolio in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of dimensional consistency, completeness and usability by another person.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Programmable Logic Controllers

Learning outcomes

Select a measurement or control approach for a defined variable.
Configure or analyse a supervised training loop.
Evaluate response and document a justified adjustment.

Main topics

Measured variables and sensor characteristics
Signal conditioning and data acquisition
Calibration, uncertainty and records
Feedback, set points and response
Controllers, interfaces and communication
Testing, faults and operating limits

Practical task

For Programmable Logic Controllers, prepare a measurement or control-loop investigation in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Electrical Engineering Technology 2

Learning outcomes

Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.

Main topics

Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
Components, symbols and device behaviour
Analogue and digital signal concepts
Circuit construction and measurement
Fault isolation and interpretation
Documentation, reliability and safe testing

Practical task

For Electrical Engineering Technology 2, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Electronics 1

Learning outcomes

Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.

Main topics

Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
Components, symbols and device behaviour
Analogue and digital signal concepts
Circuit construction and measurement
Fault isolation and interpretation
Documentation, reliability and safe testing

Practical task

For Electronics 1, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Instrument Calibration, Intelligent Devices Configuration/Programming

Learning outcomes

Select a measurement or control approach for a defined variable.
Configure or analyse a supervised training loop.
Evaluate response and document a justified adjustment.

Main topics

Measured variables and sensor characteristics
Signal conditioning and data acquisition
Calibration, uncertainty and records
Feedback, set points and response
Controllers, interfaces and communication
Testing, faults and operating limits

Practical task

For Instrument Calibration, Intelligent Devices Configuration/Programming, prepare a measurement or control-loop investigation in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Electronics 2

Learning outcomes

Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.

Main topics

Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
Components, symbols and device behaviour
Analogue and digital signal concepts
Circuit construction and measurement
Fault isolation and interpretation
Documentation, reliability and safe testing

Practical task

For Electronics 2, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Plant Modification

Learning outcomes

Select a measurement or control approach for a defined variable.
Configure or analyse a supervised training loop.
Evaluate response and document a justified adjustment.

Main topics

Measured variables and sensor characteristics
Signal conditioning and data acquisition
Calibration, uncertainty and records
Feedback, set points and response
Controllers, interfaces and communication
Testing, faults and operating limits

Practical task

For Plant Modification, prepare a measurement or control-loop investigation in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Foundations and shared practice

Communication And Computer Skills

Study the use of digital tools to organise information and produce reliable work records. Practice centres on a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files, drawing on files, folders, naming and version control and word-processing layouts and structured documents. You will record findings, justify decisions and check formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.

Learning outcomes

Create and organise files for a defined work task.
Use a spreadsheet or document tool to process information accurately.
Check outputs and protect the underlying information.

Main topics

Files, folders, naming and version control
Word-processing layouts and structured documents
Spreadsheet calculations and charts
Presentation of findings and supporting evidence
Data entry, validation and checking
Access controls, backup and responsible information use

Practical task

For Communication And Computer Skills, prepare a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Safety Health Environment Quality Management

Study the prevention of harm and the control of quality during vocational work. Practice centres on a task risk assessment, inspection record and improvement plan, drawing on hazard identification and exposure routes and risk assessment and control hierarchy. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether controls address the identified hazard rather than relying on labels alone.

Learning outcomes

Identify hazards and select controls appropriate to the task.
Follow an agreed safe-work and quality-check procedure.
Record an incident or defect and recommend corrective action.

Main topics

Hazard identification and exposure routes
Risk assessment and control hierarchy
Safe work preparation and protective equipment
Environmental impacts and waste handling
Incident reporting and emergency communication
Inspection records and corrective action

Practical task

For Safety Health Environment Quality Management, prepare a task risk assessment, inspection record and improvement plan in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether controls address the identified hazard rather than relying on labels alone.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Engineering Mathematics 1

Study mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.

Learning outcomes

Select a mathematical method suited to a stated problem.
Show calculations with consistent units and clear assumptions.
Check the result against an independent estimate or known constraint.

Main topics

Units, ratios and numerical accuracy
Algebraic relationships and equations
Graphs, tables and interpretation
Geometry and measurement applications
Descriptive statistics and variation
Model assumptions, checking and technical reporting

Practical task

For Engineering Mathematics 1, prepare a worked problem portfolio using occupational data in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Engineering Mathematics 2

Learning outcomes

Select a mathematical method suited to a stated problem.
Show calculations with consistent units and clear assumptions.
Check the result against an independent estimate or known constraint.

Main topics

Units, ratios and numerical accuracy
Algebraic relationships and equations
Graphs, tables and interpretation
Geometry and measurement applications
Descriptive statistics and variation
Model assumptions, checking and technical reporting

Practical task

For Engineering Mathematics 2, prepare a worked problem portfolio using occupational data in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

National Studies

Study the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.

Learning outcomes

Explain the role of public institutions in a community issue.
Compare perspectives using identifiable evidence.
Prepare a reasoned civic or workplace contribution.

Main topics

Constitutional principles and public institutions
Citizenship and civic responsibilities
Zimbabwean history and national development
Cultural diversity and community participation
Work, enterprise and public services
Evidence, public debate and responsible participation

Practical task

For National Studies, prepare a local public-service case review in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Entrepreneurial Skills Development

Study the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.

Learning outcomes

Define a customer need and a practical enterprise response.
Estimate resources, costs and cash requirements.
Revise a business proposal using evidence from a small market test.

Main topics

Customer problems and enterprise opportunities
Products, services and value propositions
Startup resources and operating costs
Pricing, cash flow and basic records
Market testing and customer feedback
Business risks, responsibilities and growth choices

Practical task

For Entrepreneurial Skills Development, prepare a small-enterprise plan and test record in a instrumentation and control setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.

Assessment

Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.

Practical integration

Project

Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.

Learning outcomes

Define a feasible project with clear success criteria.
Develop and evaluate a response using technical evidence.
Present the completed project and defend its conclusions.

Main topics

Project problem, purpose and scope
Review of relevant technical evidence
Plan, resources and milestones
Implementation or structured investigation
Testing, interpretation and limitations
Final report, demonstration and reflection

Practical task

Develop an instrumentation training-rig portfolio with a control diagram, supervised measurements and a calibration or fault-finding report.

Assessment

An approved brief, progress evidence, the final output and an individual presentation are assessed against the stated project criteria.

On The Job Education And Training

Apply your learning through agreed duties in a supervised workplace. You will connect electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills with routine service or production responsibilities. Keep evidence of preparation, work completed and feedback. Review your progress with the supervisor and explain how your decisions affect quality, safety and other people.

Learning outcomes

Complete agreed duties within the supervised role.
Maintain a traceable record of work and feedback.
Evaluate progress and identify specific development needs.

Main topics

Workplace induction and agreed duties
Applying technical knowledge to real work
Work records and evidence of contribution
Team communication and professional conduct
Supervisor feedback and skills development
Reflective review and future learning priorities

Practical task

Complete supervised duties linked to National Certificate in Instrumentation and Control. Keep a logbook, samples of permitted work and supervisor feedback.

Assessment

Assessment uses the agreed work plan, supervisor observation, work evidence and an individual reflective discussion.

Workshop Practice (Skills Proficiency)

Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.

Learning outcomes

Plan and complete an integrated task to agreed criteria.
Demonstrate safe and consistent practical performance.
Explain the result and correct identified weaknesses.

Main topics

Interpreting an integrated work brief
Preparing tools, information and resources
Demonstrating the required technical skills
Checking output against agreed criteria
Responding to faults and assessor feedback
Presenting evidence and explaining decisions

Practical task

Develop an instrumentation training-rig portfolio with a control diagram, supervised measurements and a calibration or fault-finding report.

Assessment

Direct observation, the completed output, a quality-check record and oral questions provide the evidence for this subject.

Instructors

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