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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Certificate: Information Technology: Database Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
71869  Certificate: Information Technology: Database Administration 
ORIGINATOR
CTU Training Solutions 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MICTS - Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifying learners with advanced skills and knowledge required to undertake advanced tasks and procedures in office technology. In addition, this will significantly enhance the learner`s prospects of gaining employment by providing a solid grounding in advanced computer skills required in today`s business environment.

The Core Component of the Qualification offers the learner advanced knowledge and skills in the Database Administration field. Learners working towards this Qualification will find that the acquisition of competence in the outcomes, which make up the Qualification, will add value to their jobs. This Qualification is intended to enhance the provision of service within the field of Database administration within all business and non-commercial sectors. The Qualification ensures progression of learning, enabling the learner to meet standards of service excellence required within the Information Technology field of learning, through building day-to-day Information Technology skills as well as general operational and administration competencies. It will provide the broad knowledge, skills and values needed in the Information Technology field for all business and non-commercial sectors and will facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within, education and training.

Rationale:

The Advanced Certificate: Information Technology Professional: Enterprise Application Administrator: Specialisation: Database Administrator, NQF Level 6, is primarily developed and designed to meet the needs of Learners who require advanced Database Administration skills in all sectors of the economy.

As advanced database skills are an essential skill in any business today the qualification is designed to accommodate both learners in formal education and learners already employed. It aims to develop informed and skilled learners that can apply the advanced acquired skills in any industry and should contribute towards improved productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

The need for the Qualification was highlighted by an Information Technology sector study that was done and confirmed by ISETT SETA. The design of the qualification is outcomes based, to allow learners to qualify for an advanced National Qualification by accumulating the required credits via short learning programmes or workplace practical experience or both. It also allows learners to achieve the qualifications through recognition of prior learning, Learnerships or formal training.

The Qualification at this level is advanced, but also allowing maximum mobility between other Information Technology Qualifications. Apart from the workplace needs the qualification will address, it is also designed as an advanced level Qualification into most Further Education and Training fields, because of the specialised application of database administration in the Information Technology environment.

It will allow articulation into further Qualifications in other Information Technology Qualifications, as well as entry into any other Further Education and Training where Computing is required. In addition to the above, Exit Level Outcomes will be utilised to provide depth of specification of the Outcomes ranges and the Assessment criteria and processes. The secondary purpose of this Qualification is to provide qualifying learners with advanced skills and knowledge required to undertake skilful tasks and also routine procedures in office Information Technology technology.

In addition, this will significantly enhance the learner`s prospects of gaining employment by also providing solid advanced computer skills (as above) required in today`s business environment. This Qualification is also designed to meet the needs of those learners both employed or unemployed, who are already involved or wish to become involved in the field of Information Technology, especially Database administration.

There is also a need to develop extended career paths in this field so as to offer people involved in the Information Technology Industry the opportunity to continue with a programme of life-long learning, which will make them knowledgeable and highly skilled employees with enhanced employment opportunities. This Certificate is an Advanced Qualification which offers advanced Computer knowledge and skills to learners who:
  • Have attained the National Certificate: MCITP (Engineering) at NQF Level 5 and wish to continue on a path of life-long learning in Database Development.
  • Were previously disadvantaged or who were unable to complete their schooling and were therefore denied access to Further Education and Training.
  • Wish to extend their range of skills and knowledge of database Development so that they can become knowledgeable workers.
  • Have recently taken up a position in Systems Development and administration. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in skills gained at the National certificate in MCITP at NQF Level 5. (48573). The assumed learning can be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace.

    Acquiring the competencies in a workplace (either via formal Learnerships or on-the-job training) has the potential of addressing the problems of the past, where formal Qualifications were only obtainable by way of formal study.

    This Qualification recognizes, through the submission of portfolios of evidence, the formal/non-formal/informal prior learning which learners who register for the programme leading to the award of the qualification bring to the learning situation.

    Recognition of Proir Learning:

    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the Recognition of Prior Learning option towards gaining a Qualification.

    If the Learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher Levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits towards a Unit Standard.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    Access to the Qualification:

    There is open access to the qualification. However, it is a prerequisite that learners should have acquired the National certificate, MCITP (Engineering) at NQF Level 5.(SAQA ID 48573) Systems Support. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This Qualification is made up of a combination of learning outcomes all of which are compulsory. It consists of a minimum of 120 credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply database implementation and maintenance skills, using a Microsoft SQL Server 2008 program.

    2. Install and implement SharePoint skills.

    3. Install and implement Server skills.

    4. Understand general database theory.

    5. Create database access for a computer application using structured query language.

    6. Understand Computer Database Management Systems.

    7. Administer security systems for a multi-user computer system.

    8. Apply the principles of creating a computer program using a procedural programming language in a GUI environment.

    9. Understand change management for computer systems.

    10. Manage computer-based systems.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. A learner who obtains this qualification can:
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exists in isolation.
  • Contribute to his/her full personal development and the social and economic development of the society at large by being aware of the importance of: reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively, exploring education and career opportunities and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • Identifies and solves problems by planning and organisation in determining a course of action by breaking it down into smaller steps and by planning and resourcing each of these, making allowance for potential problems.
  • Works effectively with others by working co-operatively to achieve a security goals.
  • Organise and manage oneself by taking initiative and being proactive, taking action and anticipating opportunities.
  • Understands the world as a set of related systems by having cross-functional and inter-disciplinary awareness and an understanding the needs, objectives and constraints of those in other disciplines and functions. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Development/design/optimise and maintenance of a data base server infrastructure.
  • Designing and creating database solutions.
  • Create structures to control database access.
  • Implementation and administration of a database.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Configuring of a Microsoft SP Server 2007.
  • Configuring of a Windows SP 3.0 system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Configure/Optimize and maintain an Exchange Server 2007.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply different database types.
  • Understand the relational database model.
  • Apply the properties of data structures in a relational database.
  • Understand the object orientated database model.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Review requirements for database access for a computer application using SQL.
  • Design database access for a computer application using SQL.
  • Write program code for database access for a computer application using SQL.
  • Test programs for a computer application that accesses a database using SQL.
  • Document programs for a computer application that accesses a database using SQL.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Describe data management issues and how it is addressed by a DBMS.
  • Describe commonly implemented features of commercial computer DBMS`s.
  • Describe different type of DBMS`s.
  • Review DBMS end-user tools.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Understand the organization's security policy.
  • Manage security of desktop computers connected to the system.
  • Maintain security systems for a multi-user computer system.
  • Manage security systems for a multi-user computer system.
  • Review security systems for a multi-user computer system.
  • Provide technical support for the use of security systems for a multi-user computer system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a graphical user interface (GUI) environment.
  • Write a computer program using a procedural programming language for a GUI environment.
  • Test a computer program written using a procedural programming language for a GUI environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Describe a change control policy for an organisation.
  • Produce guidelines for the implementation of changes to computer systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Implement procedures pertaining to the operation of computerised information management.
  • Assess the selection of data-input and output hardware/equipment.
  • Determine what modifications/adjustments to be made to overcome problems.
  • Provide input for the development and assisting in the implementation of new systems.
  • Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of new/revised operational procedures.
  • Manage the competent application and utilisation of all workplace computer-based systems.

    Furthermore, the assessment process should also cover the following generic components:
  • Measure the quality of the observed practical performance as well as the theory and underlying knowledge.
  • Use methods that are varied to allow the learner to display thinking and decision making in the demonstration of practical performance.
  • Maintain a balance between practical performance and theoretical assessment methods to ensure each is measured in accordance with the level of the qualification.

    Integrated Assessment Appropriately Incorporated to Ensure that the Purpose of the Qualification is Achieved:

    Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

    This qualification is comprised of the following:
  • Practical competences-what a candidate must be able to do.
  • Knowledge requirements-what a candidate must know.

    There are several ways in which these can be assessed:

    Practical:

    Assessors may be required to use different assessment methods:
  • Competence checklist-observation of performance.
  • Competence checklist-appraisal of a product.
  • Practical assignments.

    Knowledge Requirements:

    Learners will be required to take tests to show that they meet the knowledge requirements.
    These assessments can take the following forms:
  • Written tests-multiple choice.
  • Written tests-short, structured questions.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the modules will be integrated.

    Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques such as realistic working environment including real work timescales and pressures should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies.

    All learners are required to complete an externally set and marked international examination in order to achieve the qualification.

    Assessment should ensure that all outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Qualification and Unit Standards have been evaluated against, and are comparable to core knowledge and specialised knowledge elements found in the following International Qualifications Frameworks:
  • New Zealand NQF.
  • Australian NQF.
  • British NVQs.

    Furthermore input to the development of the Qualification has been benchmarked against International sources, where the Outcomes and Assessment Criteria, degree of difficulty and notional learning time has been compared, as described below.

    For the core skills required, the following sources were referenced:

    International exams from Microsoft:
  • M/S SQL Server 2008-Implementation and maintenance.
  • Design/Optimize and maintain Database Server Infrastructure.
  • M/S SP Server 2007-Configure.
  • Windows SP 3.0-Configure.
  • Exchange Server 2007-Configure.

    We also confirmed that the above certifications are used in many African and SADC countries as benchmark for Information Technology Computing skills in a business environment. Countries referred to include, but are not limited to: Mauritius, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

    For constructing the Qualification structure, the following sources were referenced:
  • NCC Education`s International Certificate in Computer Studies for IT Professionals.
  • Various local short learning programs were also referenced to determine the local demand and structure of the Qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Qualification at this level is foundational and generic, allowing maximum mobility between Qualifications. Apart from the workplace needs the Qualification will address, it is also designed as an advanced-level Qualification into most higher education and training fields, because of the wide application of Information Technology Computing in any environment.

    This Qualification was designed carefully to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation. It was developed to allow for further study in Information Technology and related fields at further education levels. The Qualification was designed as part of a set of Information Technology Qualifications from NQF Level 5 through to NQF Level 6 and higher. Two NQF Level 5 Qualifications (one in the systems support sub-area of Information Technology and one in systems development) have recently been registered on the NQF. This new Qualification addresses the learning assumed to be in place for the two NQF Level 5 Qualifications mentioned, allowing learners' articulation into the Information Technology field.

    As described earlier, many of the competencies used in the Information Technology profession has traditionally been acquired through short courses and on-the-job training, which did not provide formal recognition (at a national level) of the knowledge and skills acquired. This Qualification attempts to address this by allowing articulation into formal fields of study, by recognizing the skills acquired in various means and packaging it as a formal national Qualification, and encourage further study having acquired the Qualification.

    Vertical articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:
  • National Diploma in Accommodation Services: NQF Level 5.
  • National Diploma in Service Management: NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate in Business Administration: NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate in Public Administration: NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered and appointed by the provider according to existing moderation guidelines of the FETQC/ HEQC or relevant ETQA/SETA.
  • Any institution offering learning of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA/SETA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by City and Guilds and relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation should also validate the achievement of competencies and assessment processes as described in Exit Level Outcomes and Integrated Assessment options as described in the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • Interpersonal skills, subject matter expertise and assessment experience.
  • To be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes.
  • The subject matter experience must be well developed within the relevant field and subfield practices.

    The assessor must have completed:
  • A similar Qualification, or from the same family of Qualifications, at or above the Level of the Qualification.
  • A minimum of two years relevant experience.

    The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Assessors need to be registered with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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. CTU Training Solutions 


    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.