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 QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: |
National Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Support |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
48573 | National Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Support | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Information Systems and Technology | ||||
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 | 147 | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered" |
SAQA 9999/99 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-06-30 | 2029-06-30 |
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 |
In summary, the purpose of this qualification may be stated as:
To develop learners with the requisite competencies against the skills profile for the systems support career path (The overarching aim being to develop a broader base of skilled ICT professionals to underpin economic growth) The qualification may be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, through learnerships. Acquiring the qualification through learnerships has the potential of addressing the problems of the past, where newly qualified people getting into the industry struggled to get employment, because they were required to have practical experience. The workplace experience can now be gained while acquiring the qualification through the various learnership schemes that are planning to use this qualification. A qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded IT professional building on foundational technical skills acquired at NQF level 4, via the National Certificate in IT Technical Support or equivalent. This qualification is expanding the specialisation(s) started at NQF level 4 into the core field of networking and support, with further specialisation(s) into IT Support fields or in any other related vertical or enabled markets. The qualification is designed to: Research has indicated that in order to qualify for this qualification, learners will need to demonstrate competence in the following: 1. Ability to use logical methodology to troubleshoot the common types of hardware and software problems typically encountered in the day-to-day operations of an organisation. 2. Ability to understand the role of technology in the business context. 3. Ability to create integrated technology-based communication systems for improved business effectiveness. 4. Ability to store, manage and retrieve knowledge (data) efficiently and effectively to meet organisational requirements. 5. Ability to ensure secure information systems that will serve to protect the business from data loss and breaches of integrity. 6. Ability to design and reflect business structure in IT Systems appropriately in order to optimise operating efficiencies, flows of data and resource utilisation within the structure. 7. Ability to mobilise technical and technology-based resources to solve business problems in a specified context. 8. Ability to perform cost effectively and efficiently in technology-based projects. 9. Ability to manage customer relations appropriately. 10. Ability to operate effectively within a change, release and configuration process. 11. Ability to utilise technology-based research tools and knowledge-base repositories. 12. Ability to identify and communicate business opportunities appropriately. 13. Ability to install, support and maintain end-user applications NB This qualification has been developed within a CONTEXTUAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK ie electives indicate the context in which the overall learning programme will be designed and assessed. The core components will be the generic base which is expected to be contextualised to meet the unique and specific issues for the ICT sector, and the range of enabled ( vertical ) markets. Finally, this qualification has been developed to assist with professionalisation across the Information Technology Industry. It is intended to allow qualified learners to gain membership of registered professional bodies in the ICT industry. Rationale of the qualification An increasing dissatisfaction of industry employers with the stated lack of ability of the `paper` certified graduates seeking employment in the field of systems support and networking has precipitated a review of the competencies desired by industry. Three years of research in the sector has revealed the need for entry level candidates who are capable of applying a range of institutionally acquired skills in the workplace, in the field of systems support, in a manner that adds business value. The stated requirement is for the formation of a new set of skills and competencies, within the specific focus of networking/systems support, contextualised as appropriate for a wide range of related industry sectors. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
It is assumed that the learner must be competent in skills gained at the further education and training band. A learning assumption of this qualification is foundational skills in English and Mathematics at NQF level 4. Further learning assumed is the ability to use a personal computer competently.
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 skills programmes or normal 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. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) This qualification may be achieved through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Achieving unit standards through RPL Any learner wishing to be assessed to achieve credits in respect of any or all of the unit standards specified in this qualification may arrange to do so without having to attend further education or training. Achieving the qualification through RPL To achieve the qualification through RPL, the learner must submit him/herself to be assessed against the integrated assessment criteria of this qualification. |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
Rules regarding NQF levels of credits
The qualification consists of a minimum of 147 credits and has been designed in accordance with the SAQA rules of combination Rules regarding Fundamental, Core and Electives 1. All fundamental outcomes are compulsory for this qualification (40 credits) 2. All core outcomes are compulsory (77 credits) 3. A minimum of 30 elective credits need to be completed. |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
Exit Level Outcomes
A learner will be able to: 1. Use a logical methodology to troubleshoot the common types of hardware and software problems typically encountered in the day-to-day operations of a department in an organisation. 2. Understand the role of technology in the business context. 3. Demonstrate basic application support skills 4. Demonstrate operating system support skills 5. Demonstrate network support skills 6. Relate business problems and information technology solutions 7. Demonstrate appropriate technical reporting skills 8. Demonstrate appropriate customer care in the context of IT support 9. Function appropriately in a change management process within a support team 10. Demonstrate hardware support skills for server computers 11. Demonstrate an understanding of Systems Support contextualised within a selected work area. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
In particular, assessors should check that the learner is able to demonstrate an ability to consider a range of options and make decisions, meeting the following criteria:
1. Ability to use a logical methodology to troubleshoot the common types of hardware and software problems is demonstrated by finding a range of problems typically encountered in the day-to-day operations of a department in an organisation, through the appropriate identification/application of different problem solving techniques, knowing when and how to apply these techniques. 2. An understanding of different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business is demonstrated, being able to: 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The knowledge of the techniques and skills needed for the qualification is demonstrated by carrying out a medium sized task that covers the assessment criteria outlined in the Unit Standards selected, and applying them in a chosen work area. Furthermore, the assessment process should also cover the following generic components: Assessment of Critical Cross-field Outcomes To ensure applicability of Fundamental and Critical Cross-field Outcomes, this should be assessed as part of Core and Elective assessments. Integrated Assessment Development of the competencies may be through a combination of formal and informal learning, self-learning, training programmes and work-based application. The practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies demonstrated for the group of assessment criteria in this qualification, must prove that the whole competence is more than the sum of the parts of the competencies. Providers should conduct diagnostic and formative assessment. Formative, continuous and diagnostic assessments should also take place in the work place, if applicable. The learner should also be able to assess him or herself and determine readiness for a summative assessment against this qualification. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies. Input to completing the Integrated Assessment typically makes use of combinations of the following assessment methods: 1. Time-constrained written examinations 2. Coursework Evaluations 3. Continuous Evaluation 4. Practical Evaluation 5. Evaluation of Portfolios of Evidence |
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:
Furthermore, input to the development of this qualification has been compared against international standards and qualifications, specifically those of New Zealand, Australia and Scotland. International and South African support for the proposed conceptual framework and content is evidenced in the following: |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
Upon successful completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will have a thorough understanding of the role of an IT Systems Support person and be able to competently carry out the exit level outcomes of the qualification, in a business environment. The qualification may be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, through learnerships.
A qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded IT professional building on foundational technical skills acquired at NQF level 4, via the National Certificate in IT Technical Support or equivalent. This qualification is expanding the specialisation(s) started at NQF level 4 into the core field of networking and support, with further specialisation(s) into IT Support or in any other related vertical or enabled markets. This qualification was developed to allow for further study in Information Technology and related fields at Higher Education levels. It will allow the qualified learner to progress to further qualifications either in Systems Support or other IT domains, or in related industries where IT is a key component. In particular, this qualification has been designed to allow entry into the National Diploma in Systems Support at NQF level 5 and into current tertiary qualifications at National Diploma level. |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
To ensure that national standards are maintained, the final assessment should be conducted on the following basis, which will be under the control of the relevant ETQA`s (ISETT SETA or other relevant ETQA`s): |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
The criteria to register as an assessor include the following:
|
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
Supporting documentation to this document has been created to suggest ETQA guidelines for learnership implementations of this qualification. It contains additional information to support the implementation of this qualification, for example, it lists the knowledge areas covered by the qualification, the ways in which the learning assumed to be in place can by acquired, different ways in which learnerships (that will lead to this qualification) can be implemented, etc. |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 114054 | Administer a local area computer network | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Core | 114074 | Demonstrate an understanding of different computer network architectures and standards | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 114046 | Demonstrate an understanding of issues affecting the management of a local area computer network (LAN) | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Core | 114060 | Demonstrate an understanding of local area computer networks, by installing a networked workstation | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 114058 | Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of Multi-User computer Operating systems | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Core | 114061 | Demonstrate an understanding of Wide Area Computer Networks (WAN`s), comparing them with Local Area Networks (LAN`s) | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 114052 | Demonstrate appropriate customer care in the context of IT support, according to a Service Level Agreement | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Core | 114056 | Describe enterprise systems management and its role in IT systems support | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Core | 114075 | Design a local area computer network for a departmental office environment | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 114072 | Install and commission a local area computer network | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 9 |
Core | 114047 | Install and configure a multi-user networked operating system | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 9 |
Core | 114053 | Monitor and maintain a multi-user networked operating system | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Core | 114066 | Test Networked IT systems against given specifications | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Fundamental | 114076 | Use computer technology to research a computer topic | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
Fundamental | 10135 | Work as a project team member | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 8 |
Fundamental | 114183 | Apply the principles of resolving problems for single-user and multi-user computer operating systems | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Fundamental | 114051 | Conduct a technical practitioners meeting | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Fundamental | 114055 | Demonstrate an awareness of ethics and professionalism for the computer industry in South Africa | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Fundamental | 114059 | Demonstrate an understanding of estimating a unit of work and the implications of late delivery | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Fundamental | 114050 | Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Fundamental | 8252 | Writing business reports in Retail/Wholesale practices | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Elective | 114062 | Assemble a server computer and peripherals from modules | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 114048 | Create database access for a computer application using structured query language | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 9 |
Elective | 114049 | Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Database Management Systems | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 114063 | Install a server computer and peripherals | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 114064 | Install and commision multi-user application software for a server computer | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 114073 | Install and commission multi-user system software on a server computer | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 114057 | Install high-volume/Hign-Speed computer cabling for server computer system | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 114065 | Maintain and repair a server computer to module level | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 114042 | Maintain and repair colour photocopiers/printers | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 114182 | Maintain and repair computer printers | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Elective | 114067 | Maintain and repair facsimile (fax) machines | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Elective | 114070 | Maintain and repair high-volume photocopier machines | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 114071 | Maintain and repair photocopier machines | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 114068 | Maintain and repair scanning systems | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 114077 | Maintain and repair server computer peripherals to module level | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 114045 | Operate an enterprise server computer system | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Elective | 114043 | Support a local area computer network | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 114069 | Administer security systems for a multi-user computer system | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 15 |
Elective | 114044 | Demonstrate an understanding of change management for computer systems | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 3 |
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. | Answer The Call Skills and Entrepreneurship |
2. | Careers IT |
3. | CTU Training Solutions |
4. | IT Labs Consulting |
5. | Kaelo Computer Training cc |
6. | Learnfast Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd |
7. | Mo Afrika Ithlokomele Education Projects |
8. | MPONDO ZENGWENYA TRADING/ta-CICIT ICT and Business College |
9. | One and Zero Learning |
10. | Puisanong Investment Enterprises (Pty) Ltd t/a Executrain |
11. | Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd |
12. | Silulo Ulutho Technologies |
13. | SISEKO TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD |
14. | Sokwanya Trading (Pty) Ltd |
15. | SpecCon Holdings (PTY) Ltd |
16. | The Genix Institute (Pty) Ltd |
17. | TSHWANE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY |
18. | Work Skills Resources CC |
19. | Working Solution International |
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. |