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: 

Demonstrate an understanding of computing systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246658  Demonstrate an understanding of computing systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Telecommunications 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
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
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 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 will contribute to the full development of any learner within the telecommunications environment at NQF Levels 5, 6, and 7. This unit standard is intended:
  • To provide fundamental knowledge of the areas covered.
  • For those working in, or entering the workplace in the area of Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology.
  • As additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered.

    A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Perform algebra operations (adding, subtracting, complements methods).
  • Demonstrate knowledge of logic gates.
  • Convert numbers between different counting systems (Binary, Decimal and hexadecimal).
  • Demonstrate knowledge of multiplexers, registers and counters.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of memory systems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of computer elements.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the electrical engineering and technology environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field of Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the electrical engineering and technology environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following knowledge, skills attitude and/or equivalent:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental mathematics (NQF Level 3).
  • Communication and language studies. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard includes but is not limited to:
  • Logic gates.
  • Counting Systems (numbering systems, including: conversions, arithmetic operations, multiplications, division and complements methods).
  • Operations of registers, counters, multiplexers and microprocessors. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the ability to work with numbering systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Conversions, arithmetic operations, multiplications, division and complements methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The conversion of numbers between the combinations of decimal, binary and hexadecimal are demonstrated in accordance with numbering systems and notations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Arithmetic operations on the counting systems (addition, subtraction, multiplication and complements methods) are performed in accordance with numbering systems and notations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of logic gates. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Including but not limited to; AND; OR; NOT; NAND; NOR; XOR; XNOR. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The symbol, truth table, logic diagram and Boolean expression for logic gates are stated in accordance with computer circuit theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Logic gate functions are identified according to computer circuit theory. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the general principles of logic devices. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Including but not limited to: registers; binary counters, multiplexers and analogue to digital converters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Symbols for logic devices are drawn according to industry conventions as indicated in the outcome range. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different logic device operations are described in accordance with computer circuit theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Logic network expressions are translated to logic functions and vice versa according to computer circuit theory. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of computer memory systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Including but not limited to:
  • Memory systems, storage devices, elements of computer systems, Direct Memory Access (DMA) and interrupts. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Multiplexer functionality is explained in accordance with digital systems theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to:
  • Multiplexers and de-multiplexers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Memory systems are understood in accordance with digital systems theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to:
  • Use, functions and terminologies.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Computer storage devices are described in accordance with computer theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Elements of a computer system are described in accordance with computer theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to:
  • CPU, VDU, Keyboard, Memory, Printers, Disk Drives.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • 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. An example of the standards expected is the standards found in ISO 9000 Certified Organisations.
  • Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, 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.
  • All elements to be completed within the normal range of time and cost that would be expected in a professional environment (eg. In a commercial or government organisation).

    Knowledge that will help me understand and that I will be able to explain:
  • An understanding of counting systems.
  • A basic understanding of logic symbols.
  • A basic understanding of the operation of registers, counters, multiplexers and microprocessors. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify logic systems and use the knowledge in his/her daily activities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of an organisation to solve problems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise activities and manage oneself responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with other team members within the organisation (Describe basic logic system principles as used in computing systems). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners are able to demonstrate an understanding of the logical system principles as a set of interrelated processes. Demonstrate an understanding of the world, as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exists in isolation. 

    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. 

    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 
    Comment on this unit standard should reach SAQA no later than 26 October 2007.
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the learner:
  • Has basic knowledge of some main areas of a discipline/field.
  • Has basic understanding of a discipline/field's key term, rules, concepts, principles and theories.
  • Is familiar with some of the essential methods, procedures and techniques of the discipline/field.
  • Has the ability to use the above to solve routine problems within given frameworks.
  • Has a basic information gathering and analysis skill.
  • Has the ability to communicate information reliably and accurately in the required medium of instruction.
  • Has the capacity to operate within clearly defined contexts, with limited scope for personal decision-making and responsibility.
  • Learn within a well-structured and managed environment.
  • Evaluate own performance against given criteria.

    Legal Requirements:

    Compliance to the following legal requirements and standards are mandatory:
  • Employer's Policies and Procedures.
  • Environmental Management System.
  • Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • National and International Standards.
  • Local Metropolitan Council Regulations.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable and then focuses assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Ensure that the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgments should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the Assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means Assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.
  • Requirements for a portfolio are that it should be valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience, which serves to supplement the assessment of applied competence.

    The portfolio may include:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
  • Relevant certificates or awards.
  • Previous assessment records.
  • Journals/logbook. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59057   Further Education and Training Certificate: Telecommunication Network Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    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. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    2. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    3. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    4. Mpande Technologies cc 
    5. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    6. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    7. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    8. Progressive School of Business 
    9. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    10. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    11. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    12. TELKOM SA SOC LIMITED 
    13. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    14. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    15. Victor Optic Fibre Solutions 
    16. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 


    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.