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 UNIT STANDARD: 

Describe the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safe manner 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117925  Describe the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safe manner 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Computer Sciences and Information Systems 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
7546  Describe the application and impact as well as social implications of information technology  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5  Complete 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for people who need a fundamental understanding of the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) either as a user of computers or as basic knowledge for a career needing this competency, like the ICT industry. People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the components of Information and Communication Technologies.
  • Describe the hardware components of a personal computer.
  • Describe software for personal computers.
  • Describe information networks in relation to ICT.
  • Describe ergonomic principles for computer workstations.
  • Explain health and safety when working with computers.
  • Setup a computer workstation taking ergonomic principles and health and safety issues into account.

    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit value of this unit standard is calculated assuming a person is competent in the following:
  • Mathematical literacy and communication skills at least at NQF level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the components of Information and Communication Technologies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of computers are described in terms of their size, application, and relation to each other. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of computers - at least five of: mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, network computers(thin clients), laptop computers, multimedia computers, personal digital assistants (PDA).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The components of a personal computer are described in terms of their role in the system as a whole is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Input, output, storage, peripherals, ROM, Ports (Serial, Parallel, USB).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The major components of ICT is described in terms of their relationship to each other. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components include but is not limited to: Client computers (typically PCs), Various Networks (LANs & WANs), server computers, the Internet.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the hardware components of a personal computer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is described in terms of its purpose and functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The Memory of a personal computer is defined in terms of memory size, the types of memory and their purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of: Memory types: RAM, ROM, ROM-BIOS, Video memory, PROM.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Input devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least six of: Mouse, keyboard, trackball, microphone, touchpad, light pen, scanner, joystick, digital camera.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Output devices are identified and described in terms of the variety, their purpose and functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least four of: Monitors (Visual Display Units (VDU)), printers, plotters, speakers, speech synthesisers, microfilm (microfiche).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Input/output devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and function. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Touchscreen, modem.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Storage devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose, capacity and functioning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least three of: Floppy/stiffy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape streamers, CD-ROM, ZIP drives and cartridges, flash disks.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe software for personal computers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of software are described in terms of purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operating system software, applications software.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Operating system software is defined in terms of its function, providing examples of current OS software commonly in use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Functions include but not limited to: Interface to hardware, interface between application software, interface to printing.OS software include but is not limited to: MS Windows, UNIX, Lunix, Macintosh.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Applications software is defined and examples of applications software types and the specific application for each is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least 3 of: word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, desktop publishing, multimedia applications, internet applications.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe information networks in relation to ICT. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    "Data communication" is defined in terms of its different forms of data communication and examples given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The networking of computers are explained in terms fo its use, advantages and disadvantages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The terms LAN and WAN are explained in terms of their scope and usage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Distinguish between same graphical area and wide spread area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different types of telephone network connections used for access to the Internet are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any 2 of: Analogue (Pulse), Digital (Tone), ADSL (Direct), Wireless.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe ergonomic principles for computer workstations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ergonomic principles for computer workstations are explained in terms of their application and purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Environmental conditions relating to ergonomics of computer workstations are explained in terms of their impact on personal well being. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: environmental conditions: lighting, ventilation, VDU positioning, VDU glare, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse), breaks away from the computer.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain health and safety when working with computers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Current legislation related to health and safety in the ICT environment are identified and explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal injuries related to incorrect ergonomics when working with computers are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: back pain, neck pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI), eye strain.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Common precautions that can be taken when working with computers are explained in terms of how they ensure safe working environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: trailing power leads and/or cables, insecure power leads, worn or frayed power leads, overloaded power points.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    ICT working practices are explained in terms of ways to minimise the effect of working practices on the immediate environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: recycling paper, recycling ink/toner cartridges, redundant peripheral devices, low power options on devices, use of "standby" or "sleep" modes for devices, digital formats for communication and storage of documents. Effects can be harmful or positive.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    A computer workstation is set up taking ergonomic principles and health and safety issues into account. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The computer workstation is set up taking ergonomic principles into account. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ergonomic principles include but are not limited to: lighting, VDU position, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A computer workstation is set up taking health and safety issues into account. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Health and safety issues include but are not limited to: Power leads, cables, power points.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programmes of education and training assessed against unit standards.

    Moderation Process:
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour.
  • Performance of all elements complies with the laws of the country operating in, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
  • All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/ or regulatory requirements.
  • Performance of all elements is to be completed within the normal range of time and cost that would be expected in a professional environment (e.g. In a commercial or government organisation).
  • Organisations in South Africa responsible for standards for health and safety when working with computers is identified such as SABS. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by understanding the impact of using a computer in an unsafe manner. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by ensuring that the correct ergonomic structures are in place before using a computer. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by using a computer in a safe and secure manner. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has replaced 7546 which was " Describe the application and impact as well as social implications of information technology", Level 2, 5 credits.

    Supplementary Information:

    a. Assessor Notes:
  • Common GUI functions like printing, using a pointing device and using the HELP facility are covered in a generic unit standard (ID 117902) and should be assessed as part of the mentioned standard.
  • Possible laws applicable to this standard could include acts like Access to Information Acts; Copyright Acts, Constitution of the Country being assessed in.

    b. Abbreviations:
  • PC - Personal computer.
  • CD - Compact disk.
  • GUI - Graphical User Interface.
  • LAN - Local area network.
  • ISP - Internet Service Provider.
  • CPU - Central Processing Unit.
  • RAM - Random Access Memory.
  • ROM - Read Only Memory.
  • VDU - Visual Display Units (Monitor). 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61591   National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2021-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  61755   General Education and Training Certificate: Business Practice  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Reregistered  2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.
     
    1. Abetech 
    2. Abinet (PTY)LTD 
    3. Academy of Training and Development 
    4. AccTech Systems (PTY)LTD 
    5. Acol Computer Training PTY LTD 
    6. Act of Grace 97 
    7. Added Advantage Academy (Durban) 
    8. Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Affirmations Training 
    10. AFRICALEADS ACADEMY 
    11. All Connections cc 
    12. Amitek Business College 
    13. Anderson College (Pty) Ltd 
    14. Angie Technologies 
    15. Ankalite (Pty) Limited 
    16. Arise Business Centre 
    17. Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    18. ATTI IT SOLUTIONS BLOEMFONTEIN 
    19. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    20. AUM IT Solutions 
    21. Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies 
    22. Believers Care Society 
    23. Best Information Solutions 
    24. Beth Horner & Associates 
    25. Birnam Business College (Pty) Limited 
    26. Bokamoso Competence (Pty) Ltd 
    27. Bonalesedi Computer Training 
    28. Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    29. Broadband College of Technology 
    30. Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd 
    31. Calandra Trading 523(PTY) 
    32. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    33. Cape Town Society for the Blind 
    34. Careers IT (Pty) Ltd 
    35. Centretech Broadcasting 
    36. Certified Workforce Trainers cc. 
    37. Clean Heat Academy 
    38. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    39. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    40. Commerce and Computer College of South Africa 
    41. CompEd IT Training 
    42. Competence computer and business management 
    43. Computer Technology Dev Institute 
    44. Creative Minds Worcester 
    45. Critical Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    46. CTU Training Solutions 
    47. Cyber College of Business and Technology 
    48. CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED 
    49. Daily Training Cc 
    50. Damelin 
    51. Damelin - Randburg 
    52. DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd 
    53. Delcom Training Institute 
    54. Delight Computer Training 
    55. Denwin's Computer & Business School 
    56. DIGMAC PTY LTD 
    57. Ditlotlo Trading Enterprise Cc 
    58. DVG Property (Pty)Ltd 
    59. Eagle Computer Training 
    60. Eagle High IT Training 
    61. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    62. Egsibit Training and Development 
    63. Ekasi IT Solutions CC 
    64. Ekukhanyeni Community Development Centre 
    65. Ekurhuleni Computer College 
    66. Elchees Software Solutions 
    67. EOH Abantu (Pty) Ltd 
    68. Eskilz College (Pty) Ltd 
    69. Fachs Business Consulting and Training 
    70. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    71. False Bay College 
    72. Far North Education & Training Trust (FNETT) 
    73. Far North Youth Development Initiative 
    74. Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc 
    75. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    76. Fort Hare Solutions (PTY) LTD 
    77. Foster-Melliar 
    78. FSM Source of Success Youth Development 
    79. FURNITURE BEDDING UPHOLSTERY INDUSTRY BARGAINING COUNCIL 
    80. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    81. Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre 
    82. Gauteng Central College PTY LTD 
    83. Gauteng College of Engineering and Technology (PTY) LTD 
    84. GDE Science Education Centre 
    85. Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc 
    86. Gijima Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    87. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    88. Goldfields TVET College 
    89. Goodwill Institute Of Technology 
    90. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    91. Hazyview Computer College 
    92. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    93. I.C.E Computer College 
    94. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    95. Imbalenhle Learning Academy 
    96. Imvana Training College 
    97. In Excess Trading 22 T/A ATTI Polokwane 
    98. Indonsa Consulting and Training cc 
    99. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    100. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    101. ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE 
    102. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    103. IT Certification Academy 
    104. IT SA Computer Services Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    105. IT Schools Innovation (Pty) Ltd 
    106. Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies 
    107. Johannesburg Institute of Engineering & Technology 
    108. John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust 
    109. Jonda Learning Academy 
    110. Kaelo Computer Training cc 
    111. Keep The Dream 285 
    112. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    113. Kezla Investments 
    114. Khuphulanani Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    115. KIB College (Pty) Ltd 
    116. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    117. Konani Training and Development Institute 
    118. Kondi Computer Training 
    119. Kumani Computer College 
    120. KWAZULU NATAL AVUXENI COMPUTER AND TRAINING CENTRE (PTY) LTD 
    121. Kylix Information Systems 
    122. LA Gomme Training Centre 
    123. Leading Edge Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    124. Leanco Business Services & Training Centre CC 
    125. Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    126. Lesedi Consulting 
    127. Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd 
    128. LGIT Smart Solutions 
    129. Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd 
    130. LMoss Trading cc 
    131. Loja Trading cc 
    132. Loxtion Server CC 
    133. M-cot Corporate Training 
    134. Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd 
    135. Madzahisi College 
    136. Makau Tours and Skills Development 
    137. Makhophila Business Enterprise 
    138. Masana Brainstorm Conferencing cc 
    139. Mash Computer Training 
    140. Mass Computer Training And Printers 
    141. Mkoneni Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    142. Modise Computer College 
    143. Mokk Consultants Cc 
    144. Molomo wa Tau Telecommunications Centre and Academy Pty Ltd 
    145. Mosadikago Trading Cc 
    146. Motheo TVET College 
    147. Mourema Computer Training Centre 
    148. MP Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    149. Mpande Technologies cc 
    150. Mpisholo Training Solutions 
    151. Mpondo Zengwenya Trading Cc 
    152. MSC Education Holdings Pty Ltd 
    153. Mthonyama Technologies cc 
    154. Mveelaphanda Development and Projects cc 
    155. Mvelelo Graphic Design cc 
    156. Ndabezitha Life Skills Training Institute 
    157. Neftin Computers & Electronics 
    158. NET2G Technologies (Pty) Ltd t/a IT SCHOOL 
    159. NetCampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    160. New Link Computer Skills 
    161. Nextgen Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    162. Ngubeni Corporation 
    163. Nicoflora Computers & PC Engineering (Pty) Ltd 
    164. NW Avuxeni Computer academy 
    165. Nyankwavi Inverstment 
    166. Ocule IT cc 
    167. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    168. Options In Training (Pty) Ltd 
    169. Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    170. PEARSON EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    171. Pillays Computer and Careers 
    172. Presentation Software Training 
    173. Prestige Business College 
    174. Prompt It Solutions 
    175. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    176. Protech Business and Computer College Pty Ltd. 
    177. Pulakgadi Training Consulting 
    178. Qhakaza Management Services 
    179. Rand Training College 
    180. Regent-Comp 
    181. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    182. Rivoni Training N Communications 
    183. Ron and Becky Trading 
    184. Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd 
    185. Sankin Computer Training Pty Ltd 
    186. Sas Institute Pty Ltd 
    187. Sed General Trading Enterprise 
    188. SEDIBENG 
    189. Setlagole Telecentre 
    190. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    191. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    192. Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre 
    193. Siyafunda Community Technology Centre 
    194. Software Support And Training 
    195. South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    196. Southern Africa Youth Project NPC 
    197. Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty) 
    198. Speccon (Pty) Ltd 
    199. Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd 
    200. Star Light Consulting 
    201. T Mabuya and Associates 
    202. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    203. Taballos Business Services 
    204. Technology Corporate Management (Pty) Ltd 
    205. Terry Computer Services cc 
    206. The Graduate Institute of South Africa 
    207. The Ulwazi Computer Training Center 
    208. Tira Telecoms 
    209. Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    210. Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd 
    211. Tshedza Training Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    212. Tshiredo Training Academy Cc 
    213. Turfloop Training Services Cc 
    214. Turnstone Trading 183 (Pty) Ltd 
    215. Umbrella Training and Development 
    216. Vukani Solutions 
    217. Vuthlari Marketing Consulting (PTY)LTD 
    218. Waterberg TVET College 
    219. Whispers ETD Consulting 
    220. Whitestone College 
    221. Work Skills Resources 
    222. WW.IT-IQ Training & Solutions 
    223. Xtensive ICT Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    224. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    225. Y2K COLLEGE 
    226. Yonet Training Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    227. Zealot Business College cc 
    228. Zinjiva Trading 
    229. ZJ Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 


    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.