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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

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
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 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   

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  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  61755   General Education and Training Certificate: Business Practice  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "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. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Academy Training Group 
    3. Action for Blind and Disabled 
    4. Action4 
    5. Affirmations Training 
    6. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    7. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    8. Amilak Training Center 
    9. ASMO INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AN 
    10. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    11. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    12. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    13. Balefile Trading and Services 
    14. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    15. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    16. Bells Technical College 
    17. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    18. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    19. Business Optimization Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    20. Careers IT 
    21. CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING 
    22. CHILI PEPPER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 
    23. Clean Heat Academy 
    24. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    26. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    27. COMPUSTEPS COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    28. CSL Accountants 
    29. CTU Training Solutions 
    30. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    31. Decade Pulse (Pty) Ltd 
    32. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    33. Delight Computer Training 
    34. Eagle Computer Training 
    35. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    36. ED-U Options Academy 
    37. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    38. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    39. Elangeni Training Institute 
    40. Elchees Software Solutions 
    41. Emalahleni Institute of Techno 
    42. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    43. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    44. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    45. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    46. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    47. Fourways Private College 
    48. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    49. Gigimo Tourism Academy 
    50. Global Institute for Capacity 
    51. Greater Tzaneen Community Foundation 
    52. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    53. Hazyview Computer College 
    54. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    55. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    56. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    57. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    58. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    59. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    60. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    61. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    62. IT Academy 
    63. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    64. Iyam Training Services 
    65. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    66. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    67. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    68. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    69. KN Training Specialist 
    70. KT Mobile Services 
    71. L and P Computer Academy Pty Ltd 
    72. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    73. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    74. LINDAMAHLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD 
    75. Loomee Group 
    76. LYFE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD 
    77. Makhophila Training 
    78. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    79. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    80. Mash Computer Training 
    81. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    82. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    83. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    84. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    85. Motlhamme Executive Management 
    86. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    87. Mpande Technologies cc 
    88. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    89. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    90. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    91. NBC Technologies 
    92. NCC - Vereeniging 
    93. Ndulita Solutions 
    94. New Link Computer Skills 
    95. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    96. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    97. NW Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    98. Nyathela Business College 
    99. Olrich Home of Technology 
    100. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    101. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    102. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    103. Peo Entle HIV Wellness Management and Youth Skills Development NPO 
    104. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    105. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    106. Pretoria Technical College 
    107. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    108. Progressive School of Business 
    109. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    110. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    111. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    112. Ramotec Business College 
    113. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    114. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    115. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    116. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    117. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    118. SED Computer Academy 
    119. Sesk Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    120. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    121. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    122. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    123. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (PTY) LTD 
    124. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    125. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    126. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    127. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    128. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    129. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    130. Terrawood 
    131. Terry Computer Services cc 
    132. Thalita Koume Directions (Pty) Ltd 
    133. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    134. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    135. Titan Trade Technologies 
    136. Tlou Foundation College 
    137. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    138. TSP COLLEGE 
    139. TURFLOOP TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    140. Ubuhlanti Sances Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    141. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    142. Umbrella Training and Development 
    143. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    144. UTHINGO BRITE SERVICES 
    145. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    146. Visionary Skill Academy 
    147. Vukani Solutions 
    148. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    149. Waterberg TVET College 
    150. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    151. Whitestone College 
    152. Working Solution International 
    153. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    154. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    155. Yonet Training Academy 
    156. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    157. Zealot Business College 
    158. Zikode Development Trust 


    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.