Q. What is GCC
Answer
GCC (Government Certificate of Competency) is a certification for mechanical or electrical engineers working in factory or mining industries in South Africa. It is issued by the Chief Inspector from the Department of Employment and Labour for factory engineers, and by the Department of Mineral Resources for mining engineers.
The GCC certification ensures that these engineers possess the necessary competencies and technical knowledge to oversee the safe operation of machinery, equipment, and processes in their respective industrial settings. It is an important regulatory requirement that helps maintain high standards of occupational health and safety.
The GCC is sometimes informally referred to as the “Government Ticket” within the engineering community in South Africa. Obtaining this certification is a crucial milestone for engineers seeking to work in the factory or mining sectors in the country.
Q. What is the minimum academic qualification required to write GCC
Answer
- A BSc degree in Electrical Engineering – (Heavy Current)
- A BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering
- B Tech degree in Electrical (Heavy Current) Engineering
- B Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Semester or “S” courses and diploma complete with relevant practical experience towards obtaining a qualification, i.e., P1 and P2
- An Electrical, Fitter and Turner or Electro/mechanical trade and a N6 diploma, acceptable trades and experience. All relevant subjects must be passed at 50% and above
Q. Is foreign qualification accepted?
Answer
Yes, but the qualification must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to determine if there are any additional subjects that need to be passed in order to meet the acceptance requirements. A copy of the evaluation, along with a certified copy of the degree, diploma, or certificate, must be submitted with the application for acceptance.
Q. What are the subjects required to apply for permission to write GCC exam?
Answer: For Electrical Engineering, you’ll need the following 19 subjects:
Engineering Drawing N3
Electrotechnics N4, N5, N6
Industrial Electronics N4, N5, N6
Engineering Science N4,
Mechanotechnics N4, N5, N6
Supervisory Management N4, N5, N6
Mathematics N4
Power Machines N5, N6
Strengths of materials and structures N5
Control System N6
Answer: For Mechanical Engineering, you’ll need the following 18 subjects:
Engineering Drawing N3
Electrotechnics N4 & N5
Industrial Electronics N4
Engineering Science N4
Mechanotechnics N4, N5, N6
Supervisory Management N4, N5, N6
Mathematics N4
Power Machines N5, N6
Strengths of materials and structures N5, N6
Fluid Mechanics N5, N6
Q. How much minimum percentage do you need in the N courses
Answer: You must pass all the prescribed subjects with a minimum of 50% per subject.
Q. I am a Technikon student; what are the minimum subjects required by the Board of Examiners for acceptance to enrol for the GCC exam
Answer: For Electrical Engineering, you’ll need a minimum of the following 19 subjects:
Year 1
1 Communication and Computer Skills
2 Digital Systems
3 Electrical Engineering
4 Electronics
5 Mathematics
6 Mechanical Engineering Drawing
7 Mechanical Technology
8 Mechanics 1
Year 2
9 Electrical Engineering
10 Electrical Machines
11 Electronics
12 Mathematics
13 Mechanical Technology
14 Power Electronics
15 Strength of Materials
Year 3
16 Applied Strength of Materials
17 Electrical Engineering
18 Mechanical Technology
19 Strength of Materials
CONVERSION
You have to do the following year 3 subjects
1 Electrical Distribution
2 Electrical Machines
3 Electrical Protection
4 Power Electronics
5 Project Design
Q. When is the exam written
Answer: June and November
Q. Who conducts the exams
Answer
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in collaboration with the Commission of Examiners of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and the Department of Labour (DoL).
Q. How do I go about applying for DMR annexure E
Answer: You have to apply to the DMR for your training through your employer
Q. What do I have to do to be accepted to write GCC Mines Exam
Answer:
- Have your academic qualifications: BSC/BTech, Diploma or trading in Electrical or mechanical.
- Ensure that the minimum subjects required have been completed
- All degrees and diplomas must be evaluated by approved bodies to ensure that the relevant subjects have been covered for acceptance.
- Apply to the DMR through your employer to commence training as an Engineer
- Complete the training by fully completing Annexure E, signed off by the resident engineer who has been registered with DMR as a mentor.
Q. What is the procedure for application to write GCC mines exam
Answer
- After completing you training, apply to DMR with the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Certified ID document/passport to proof that you have reached 23 years
- Letter of good conduct (sobriety)
- Record of service on mining company’s letterhead with contact details indicating start and end dates of training
- 100% completed Annexure E.
- Arrange documents as per instructions in the application form
Q. How many years is the acceptance letter to write valid for
Answer
- two (2) years or four (4) consecutive examinations.