[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
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: 

Explain computer architecture concepts 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14917  Explain computer architecture concepts 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Information Systems and Technology 
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 4  NQF Level 04  7 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended:
  • to provide a fundamental knowledge of the areas covered
  • for those working in, or entering the workplace in the area of Information Systems & Technology Management.
  • as additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered

    People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain computer architecture elements
  • Explain the organisation of a computer
  • Describe the design constraints in the design of instruction sets for computers
    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 is based on a person having prior knowledge and skills to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental mathematics (at least NQF level 3)
  • Demonstrate PC competency skills (End-User Computing unit Standards, at least up to NQF level 3.)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of types of computer systems. (SGB-ID= IST004). 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain computer architecture elements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Virtual machine, Hardware, Software, Firmware, Functional levels within a computer (at least 3). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation identifies the functions of elements which make up computer architecture. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation outlines the functions of elements which make up computer architecture. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation distinguishes categories of each element and outlines their features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The explanation identifies examples of the application of architecture elements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the organisation of a computer. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Motherboard, Power supply, Storage devices, CPU, Memory, PC Cards, BIOS, Battery, Cables and leads (at least 3). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation identifies the purpose of computer components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation outlines how components achieve their outcomes in terms of their relationships, and the structure of the computer. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the design constraints in the design of instruction sets for computers. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Instruction length, Memory transfer, Word length, Instruction format, Instruction fetch, Operand specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description identifies the constraints, and outlines the issues involved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description outlines how the constraints have been accommodated, by using examples. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programs 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 
    1. 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.
    2. Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
    3. 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.
    4. 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). 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify, solve problems and make decisions in relation to the current systems development environments. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when engaging with systems development. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    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. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
    Computer Operations 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  24294   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2010-01-23  Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  78965   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Core  78964   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Core  24293   National Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2010-01-23  Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  20184   National Certificate: Banking  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  BANKSETA 
    Elective  61591   National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  20185   Further Education and Training Certificate: Banking  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  BANKSETA 


    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. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Academy Training Group 
    3. Acorser Corporate & Business Consulting t/a Acorser Academy 
    4. Action for Blind and Disabled 
    5. Action4 
    6. Affirmations Training 
    7. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    9. All Nation Group Five Trading and Projects 
    10. Amadi Institute of Management And Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Amilak Training Center 
    12. Angie Technologies 
    13. Answer The Call Skills and Entrepreneurship 
    14. ASMO INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AN 
    15. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    16. Assured Vocational Skill Institute 
    17. Assured Vocational Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    18. ATTI (Advanced Technonogy Training Institute) 
    19. ATTI IT SOLUTIONS (Bloemfontei 
    20. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    21. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    22. Balefile Trading and Services 
    23. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    24. baseni 
    25. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    26. Bells Technical College 
    27. Birnam Business College (Pty) 
    28. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    29. Brainwave Project 707 Pty Ltd 
    30. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    31. Brainwave Projects 707 
    32. BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd 
    33. Business Optimization Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    34. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    35. Careers IT 
    36. CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING 
    37. CHILI PEPPER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 
    38. Claas Illustration 
    39. Clean Heat Academy 
    40. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    41. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    42. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    43. CompEd IT Training 
    44. COMPUSTEPS COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    45. CSL Accountants 
    46. CTU Training Solutions 
    47. CYBAX SYSTEMS 
    48. CYBER-CITY IT SOLUTIONS 
    49. dc academy 
    50. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    51. Decade Pulse (Pty) Ltd 
    52. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    53. Delight Computer Training 
    54. Eagle Computer Training 
    55. Eagle High IT Training 
    56. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    57. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    58. ED-U Options Academy 
    59. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    60. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    61. Elangeni Training Institute 
    62. Elchees Software Solutions 
    63. Emalahleni Institute of Techno 
    64. Enter on Stilts 
    65. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    66. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    67. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    68. Fachs Business Consulting and Training 
    69. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    70. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    71. Fourways Private College 
    72. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    73. Genii Institute PTY LTD 
    74. Gert Sibande FET College 
    75. Gigimo Tourism Academy 
    76. Global Institute for Capacity 
    77. Greater Tzaneen Community Foundation 
    78. Growth Management Consulting cc 
    79. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    80. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    81. Hazyview Computer College 
    82. Hectic Productions cc 
    83. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    84. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    85. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    86. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    87. iCollege College 
    88. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    89. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    90. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    91. Imbizo Training and Development Consultants Cc 
    92. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    93. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    94. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    95. IT Academy 
    96. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    97. Iyam Training Services 
    98. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    99. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    100. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    101. Keep The Dream 285 
    102. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    103. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    104. KN Training Specialist 
    105. KT Mobile Services 
    106. Kundani Trading 
    107. L and P Computer Academy Pty Ltd 
    108. Learnfast Training Solutions ( 
    109. Legal Practice Academy 
    110. Leseding Computer Systems 
    111. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    112. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    113. LINDAMAHLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD 
    114. Loomee Group 
    115. LYFE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD 
    116. Makhophila Training 
    117. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    118. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    119. Mash Computer Training 
    120. Matibidi Raphela Investments (Pty) LTD 
    121. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    122. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    123. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    124. MND Training and Projects 
    125. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    126. Moripe Business Training and C 
    127. MORTERBOARD TRAINING SOLUTIONS 
    128. Motlhamme Executive Management 
    129. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    130. MP Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    131. Mpande Technologies cc 
    132. Mthonyama Technologies cc 
    133. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    134. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    135. Nape Angwato Trading 
    136. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    137. NBC Technologies 
    138. NCC - Vereeniging 
    139. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    140. Ndulita Solutions 
    141. New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC) 
    142. New Link Computer Skills 
    143. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    144. Ntamunde Investment 
    145. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    146. NW Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    147. Nyankwavi Inverstment 
    148. Nyathela Business College 
    149. Nyelati Trading Enterprise 
    150. Octopus Training Solutions 
    151. Olrich Home of Technology 
    152. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    153. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    154. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    155. Parkton College of Catering & Tourism Studies 
    156. Peo Entle HIV Wellness Management and Youth Skills Development NPO 
    157. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    158. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    159. Pretoria Technical College 
    160. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    161. Production Management Institute of Southern Africa 
    162. Progressive School of Business 
    163. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    164. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    165. QUALITATIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 
    166. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    167. Ramotec Business College 
    168. Rand Training College 
    169. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    170. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    171. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    172. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    173. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    174. SED Computer Academy 
    175. Sesk Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    176. SIGNA ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    177. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    178. Sinovuyolethu Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    179. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    180. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    181. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    182. Skills Unlimited 
    183. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (PTY) LTD 
    184. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    185. Spina Consultancy 
    186. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    187. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    188. Success Christian Training Cen 
    189. Succinct Investments (Pty) Ltd 
    190. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    191. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    192. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    193. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    194. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    195. Terrawood 
    196. Terry Computer Services cc 
    197. Thalita Koume Directions (Pty) Ltd 
    198. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    199. THE SHERQ CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE PTY LTD 
    200. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORA 
    201. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    202. Tinotel Communications 
    203. Titan Trade Technologies 
    204. Tlou Foundation College 
    205. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    206. Trainers Without Borders 
    207. Tshwane College of Commerce an 
    208. Tsima Consulting Development S 
    209. TSP COLLEGE 
    210. TURFLOOP TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    211. Ubuhlanti Sances Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    212. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    213. Umbrella Training and Development 
    214. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    215. UTHINGO BRITE SERVICES 
    216. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    217. Visionary Skill Academy 
    218. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    219. Vukani Solutions 
    220. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    221. Waterberg TVET College 
    222. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    223. Welltec Academy (Pty) LTD 
    224. Whitestone College 
    225. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    226. Working Solution International 
    227. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    228. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    229. Yonet Training Academy 
    230. Youth Media Movement 
    231. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    232. Zealot Business College 
    233. Zikode Development Trust 
    234. ZIPHELELE RURAL DEVELOPMENT AC 


    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.