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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: |
| Further Education and Training Certificate: Telecommunication Network Operations |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 59057 | Further Education and Training Certificate: Telecommunication Network Operations | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| SGB Telecommunications | ||||
| 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 | ||
| Further Ed and Training Cert | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Engineering and Related Design | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 132 | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 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 |
| Purpose:
This qualification will equip a person to perform functions in the Network Operations environment within the telecommunications Industry. Telecommunications covers a wide range of specialization areas. These areas are, Management and surveillance of Information and Communication Technology Networks, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol Networks Operations, Installation and Maintenance of Customer Premises Equipment, Operation of Telecommunications Transport Systems, Maintenance of Telecommunication Cables, Installation of Telecommunication Cables , Operation of Telecommunication Lines and Installation of Network Elements. Each specialisation area encompasses a unique, autonomous job function. The qualifying learner will have acquired the knowledge, and be able to function as a competent operations specialist in one of the specialisation areas listed above. Multiple specializations is not a requirement for this qualification although natural progression is desirable and allowed.The competencies required for this qualification may be acquired through learnerships or skills programs. Acquiring this qualification has the benefit of addressing problems historically associated with non-OBE training where newly qualified people struggled to get employment due to a lack of experiential training in the workplace. Rationale: The Telecommunications landscape has been impacted tremendously by the onset of Convergence, Legislation and Regulation, and by the rapid evolution and expansion of new data and network services enabled by Next Generation technologies and telecommunications infrastructure. No qualification in telecommunications networks operations currently exists to accurately address the skills requirements posed by industry evolution and development. This qualification therefore aims to address the skills development needs of specifically the Telecommunications Network Operations environment. The qualification provides prospective candidates with specialization areas from which to elect, in anticipation of career choices in the ICT sector. The knowledge and skills obtained during the learning process towards this qualification provides the learner with a set of competencies that can be applied and are in demand in the ICT environment. This will enhance the learner's opportunities to gain employment in areas as diverse as security systems, data networks, broadcasting and mobile communication. The qualification enables learners to perform first-line installation, operations, and maintenance in the disciplines listed above. This qualification provides learnership opportunities for entrants to the ICT industry and also for current ICT workers to receive recognition for prior learning. This qualification was developed to address the needs of the industry in a format which supports the objectives of the NQF: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| It is assumed that the learner is already competent in maths and communication at NQF Level 3.
Recognition of Prior Learning: This qualification may be achieved through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, non-formal learning and work experience. To achieve the qualification through RPL, the learner must present him/herself to be assessed against the integrated assessment criteria of this qualification. Any learner wishing to be assessed to achieve credits in respect of any of the unit standards specified in this qualification may arrange for an RPL assessment. Access to the Qualification: There is open access to the qualification. An item of consideration is the diversity of functions which are covered. Some of these require colour recognition and/or bipedal mobility which will affect the employment options for someone who acquires this qualification but is handicapped in this way. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| Rules regarding NQF Levels, credits, and qualification.
The qualification consists of a minimum combination of 132 credits. The specialisation area (elected cluster) will determine the actual number of credits required. Rules regarding Fundamentals: All fundamental unit standards are compulsory for this qualification (56 credits). These fundamental credits are made up as follows: Core: All core unit standards are compulsory (65 credits). Electives: There are 9 Elective clusters. 8 of these clusters provide a variety of specialisation areas. The other cluster fulfils the role of supplementary cluster. Each of the 8 clusters: A minimum of 11 credits is required from the elective component to make up 132 credits required to obtain the qualification. The following rules apply for specialisation areas: Elective Cluster 01: Specialisation Area 1 (ICT Network Management and surveillance). This cluster on its own complies with the elective requirements for this qualification. The following unit standards are included: Unit Standard ID; Unit Standard Name; Level; Credits: Elective Cluster 02: Specialisation Area 2 (TCP/IP Networks): This cluster on its own complies with the elective requirements for this qualification. The following unit standards are included: Unit Standard ID; Unit Standard Name; Level; Credits: Elective Cluster 03: Specialisation Area 3 (Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) Installation and Maintenance): This cluster on its own complies with the elective requirements for this qualification. The following unit standards are included: Unit Standard ID; Unit Standard Name; Level; Credits: Elective Cluster 04: Specialisation Area 4 (Transport Systems): This cluster on its own complies with the elective requirements for this qualification. The following unit standards are included: Unit Standard ID; Unit Standard Name; Level; Credits: Elective Cluster 05: Specialisation Area 5 (Telecommunication Cable Maintenance): This cluster on its own complies with the elective requirements for this qualification. The following unit standards are included: Unit Standard ID; Unit Standard Name; Level; Credits: Elective Cluster 06: Specialisation Area 6 (Telecommunication Cable Installation): This cluster on its own complies with the elective requirements for this qualification. The following unit standards are included: Unit Standard ID; Unit Standard Name; Level; Credits: Elective Cluster 07: Specialisation Area 7 (Telecommunication Line Operations): This cluster on its own complies with the elective requirements for this qualification. The following unit standards are included: Unit Standard ID; Unit Standard Name; Level; Credits: Elective Cluster 08: Specialisation Area 8 (Indoor Plant Installation): This cluster on its own complies with the elective requirements for this qualification. The following unit standards are included: Unit Standard ID; Unit Standard Name; Level; Credits: Elective Cluster 09: Specialisation Area 9 (Supplementary): Learners may not elect this cluster or portions hereof as a stand-alone specialisation but may select unit standards from this cluster to supplement any of the other clusters. The following unit standards are included: Unit Standard ID; Unit Standard Name; Level; Credits: Additional standards from this qualification or any other SAQA field or sub-field may be elected for additional credits or competencies over and above the requirements as set out in the rules as stated above. |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| A learner will be able to:
1. List and explain the elements that comprise a current and a next generation telecommunication network. 2. Explain the uses of telecommunication protocols and telecommunication principles. 3. Explain the characteristics and benefits of available telecommunications products and services in both the commodity and value added (VAS) ranges. 4. Commission, maintain, diagnose faults, and repair telecommunication equipment. 5. Function in the workforce management and network management environment. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
1.1 The areas of the telecommunication network are listed and their inter-relationships are explained by means of descriptive schematic diagrams. 1.2 The elements comprising specific areas of the telecommunication network are listed and their inter-relationships are explained by means of descriptive schematic diagrams. 1.3 Functions of the current and next generation telecommunication networks and their elements are listed, explained and compared using comparative tables and written descriptions. 1.4 The concepts and principles relating to the elements comprising a specific Area of the telecommunication network are explained by means of descriptive schematic diagrams and paragraphs. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: 2.1 The uses of concepts and Principles relating to dedicated telecommunication protocols are explained using illustrative diagrams of frame structures and written descriptions. 2.2 Concepts and principles related to electrical and electronic circuits and components are explained and applied in simple circuits. 2.3 The concepts and principles relating to telecommunication connection protocols are explained using diagrams showing frame structures for each of the different protocols. 2.4 The concepts and principles relating to telecommunication service protocols are explained using illustrative diagrams and written explanations. 2.5 The Concepts and principles related to radio transmission circuits and components are explained using diagrams. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: 3.1 Features and advantages of a range of products are listed and described using tables and written descriptions. 3.2 A range of products are compared using tables and written descriptions. 3.3 Features and advantages of a range of services are listed and described using tables and written descriptions. 3.4 A range of services are compared using tables and written descriptions. 3.5 The functions of the various VAS platforms are described using written descriptions. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: 4.1 Customer Premises Equipment was commissioned or maintained or diagnosed and repaired according to requisite operating procedures and standards. 4.2 Network elements or network access devices were installed or commissioned or acceptance tested according to specifications and appropriate standards. 4.3 Operation and maintenance on telecommunications equipment was done according to specifications and appropriate standards. 4.4 The operating status of voice or non-voice systems was monitored diagnosed and rectified using the ICT Network Management platforms and the processes or procedure/s appropriate to the situation. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: 5.1 Functions, procedures and processes used in a workforce management system are listed and explained and applied in the work environment. 5.2 A fault condition is detected, reported, monitored and concluded on a workforce management system. 5.3 A new installation request is captured, scheduled monitored and concluded on a workforce management system according to prescribed work procedures. 5.4 Customer care and support is provided on telecommunication products and services according to agreements, commitments and prescribed work procedures. Integrated Assessment: Integrated assessment of the learner needs to be undertaken using the necessary assessment tools (viz. ETQA approved assessor guides) to ensure consistent integrated assessment. The setting of assessor guides can be performed by the ETQA itself or a nominated body or bodies. Assessment can be institutional and/or workplace based, but must be done by a registered assessor who is a subject matter expert on the unit standards being assessed. These assessments must contain direct evidence of all assessment criteria in the unit standard or standards being assessed or, if evidence is inferred, this inference and supporting evidence must be concisely and clearly substantiated and explained with reference to the individual assessment criteria. External moderation will be undertaken as required, to ensure that the quality of NQF standards are maintained nationally. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The South African telecommunications environment is sophisticated, influenced and responsive to international developments in technology, products and services. It is furthermore impacted by globalization, convergence and regulatory issues. These factors all combine to highlight the requirement for specialist telecommunications qualifications.
The project task team conducted research in numerous countries. No evidence was found of suitable qualifications that would address the emerging needs of operational staff in the telecommunications Network Operations workspace. The study confirmed that a need existed for this qualification, which would offer choices to the learner in specialized work areas as dictated by the industry. Face to face discussions were held with representatives from the following organizations Australia and New Zealand during a visit to these countries in November 2005: In South Africa and abroad, tertiary institutions (both public and private) provide the required theory learning, but there are no providers in formal education that offered skills or experiential learning. As a result, the experiential training of Telecommunications Technicians in South Africa was done in-house by the larger operators and role-players in the local industry and expertise was accumulated through experience. It is the researchers' experience that such training was done in isolation, with no standardization. The CiTNO was compared to qualifications in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. In addition, the African telecommunications training landscape was researched to determine the existence of any similar qualifications. The task team then decided to focus the search on countries using a set of criteria deemed relevant, such as in countries with similar telecommunications infrastructures, demographics and challenges, as well as established academic learning and training infrastructures. It was concluded that the comparison would be most useful in relation to two countries, namely New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Both these countries are aligned to telecommunications standards bodies similar to South Africa, and are researching and rolling out similar Next Generation networks. Sites Researched/Organisations Contacted: Comprehensive scanning of the internet was done and personal interviews were conducted in Australia and New Zealand. This research revealed that telecommunications training is offered widely by a multitude of institutions, both public and private, in the two selected countries. The following organisations, providers and company web sites were browsed to research how telecommunications skills development is done. The sites have been grouped per country. The information obtained from the websites was comprehensive and informative, negating the need for further contact. UK and Ireland: Australia and New Zealand: Telecommunications qualifications in Australia and New Zealand were examined and found to have relevance to the structure of the CiTNO. Also, the qualifications Standards bodies allowed comparison in terms of the appropriate level of the CiTNO. The websites were browsed but no further contact was made. > The unit standards in different streams were downloaded and evaluated; the contents were used to structure and guide our own development of the qualification and unit standards as submitted. > Notwithstanding the structural differences between the unit standards the RSA unit standards are broadly in line with the Australian unit standards in terms of scope and detail. > Thirty-two registered telecommunications qualifications were listed on the NTIS website at the time that the research was conducted. A recent search - 2006-07-17 provided the same results. > A recent search (17th July 2006) revealed that there were no telecommunications qualifications registered on the NZQA. > However, certain unit standards were downloaded and evaluated for the purpose of structuring and guiding development of this qualification. > The RSA unit standards are broadly in line with, but are more detailed than, the NZ unit standards. Africa/SADEC: Other: Comparisons were primarily focused on English-speaking countries and developed economies. This approach was followed for various reasons: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification was developed to allow for further study in Information and Communication Technology and related fields at Higher Education levels once they are developed.
Vertical Options: > Programme in Telecommunications which is currently in the conceptual stage and will address the fields of IP, Fixed Line, Product Development and Mobility. > ID 48872; National Certificate: Information Technology (Systems Development). > ID 48573; National Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Support. Horizontal Options: > ID 24294; FETC: Information Technology: Systems Development. > ID 24293; FETC: Information Technology: Technical Support. |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| 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 |
| Importance of assessment to the standards set to support this qualification:
All unit standards in this qualification's rules of combination are deemed equally important in the awarding of the qualification. To ensure this: |
| UNIT STANDARDS: |
| ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
| Core | 246684 | Demonstrate an understanding of Data Protocols principles and applications | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
| Core | 246674 | Demonstrate an understanding of Telecommunication switching systems | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Core | 246660 | Demonstrate an understanding Telecommunication Products and Services | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
| Core | 246683 | Use a computer based workforce management system | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
| Core | 114977 | Use a spreadsheet package to produce and manage business documents | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Core | 114978 | Use a word processing package to produce business documents | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Core | 246659 | Demonstrate an Understanding of basic electrical and electronic principles | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
| Core | 246658 | Demonstrate an understanding of computing systems | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
| Core | 246655 | Demonstrate an understanding of NGN networks | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 1 |
| Core | 246656 | Demonstrate an understanding of the basic equipment and components used in a telecommunications environment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
| Core | 115391 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of the internet and the world-wide-web | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
| Core | 246670 | Demonstrate an understanding of the value added services platforms used in a telecommunications environment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 2 |
| Core | 120344 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant current occupational health and safety legislation | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
| Core | 10324 | Describe features, advantages and benefits of a range of products or services | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
| Core | 246677 | Perform Wiring and Maintenance on a Main Distribution Frame in the Telecommunications Environment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
| Core | 246679 | Provide customer support on telecommunication services | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
| Fundamental | 119472 | Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 119457 | Interpret and use information from texts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 119467 | Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 119465 | Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 9015 | Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
| Fundamental | 119462 | Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 119469 | Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 9016 | Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
| Fundamental | 7466 | Represent and operate on complex numbers in non-trivial situations | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 2 |
| Fundamental | 12153 | Use the writing process to compose texts required in the business environment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 243829 | Utilise algebraic processes | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
| Fundamental | 119459 | Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
| Elective | 246680 | Demonstrate an understanding of Telecommunications Transport concepts and principles | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
| Elective | 246676 | Perform operational activities on Telecommunication lines in the vicinity of overhead power lines | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Elective | 246685 | Configure and commission electronic equipment for ISDN products and services | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
| Elective | 246673 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of satellite and VSAT satellite | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
| Elective | 246668 | Demonstrate an understanding of- and perform operational activities on Digital Loop Carrier systems | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
| Elective | 246719 | Erect and haul optic cables for telecommunication purposes | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 8 |
| Elective | 246664 | Install an Asymmetrical Digital Subscribers Line | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
| Elective | 246721 | Install distribution point cable | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 10 |
| Elective | 246675 | Install large network elements | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 12 |
| Elective | 246682 | Install small network elements | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 8 |
| Elective | 246661 | Join metallic telecommunication cables | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 10 |
| Elective | 10482 | Perform customer equipment fault clearance | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 24 |
| Elective | 10473 | Perform equipment/software upgrades | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
| Elective | 246722 | Perform indoor optical fibre testing | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
| Elective | 246724 | Perform operational activities on pressurised transmission mediums | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 7 |
| Elective | 246681 | Perform operational activities on- SDH_PDH systems | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 17 |
| Elective | 246665 | Perform operational activities on-Digital Microwave Radio systems | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 15 |
| Elective | 246666 | Perform operational activities on-Multi-channel Optical Fibre Systems | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
| Elective | 10450 | Prepare site for installation | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 12 |
| Elective | 10452 | Recover customer equipment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
| Elective | 10453 | Schedule customer equipment installation | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
| Elective | 246723 | Terminate metallic telecommunication cables | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 8 |
| Elective | 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 |
| Elective | 246657 | Maintain metallic telecommunication cables | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 16 |
| Elective | 246678 | Perform acceptance and commissioning on network elements | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
| Elective | 246720 | Perform operational activities on Non-Metallic Telecommunication Media | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 16 |
| Elective | 246672 | Perform operations on Internet Protocol networks | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 11 |
| Elective | 246663 | Perform surveillance on Information and Communications technology networks | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
| Elective | 12313 | Provide lightning and power protection for structures or equipment | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 24 |
| Elective | 246662 | Test metallic telecommunication cables | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 16 |
| 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. | Kgopotso Computer Training |
| 2. | Mbalenhle Internet cafe |
| 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. |