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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Computers and Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118441  Higher Certificate in Computers and Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Berea College of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-11-18  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire skills required to perform elementary functions in a Computer and Administration environment. This qualification provides both theoretical and practical training which allows learners to grasp fundamental knowledge in the workings of various software packages and the modern office environment.

The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the business sector. The learners are trained to assist management with various administrative duties. Learners will be able to obtain employment in a range of business administration, clerical, general office administrators, secretarial, receptionist, data entry clerks and related positions.

This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the Computers and Administration environment by providing recognition and further mobility within the field of Business Administration. The qualification supports the philosophy of life-long learning because learners will be able to increase their access to employment since this qualification also caters for individuals who are employed but lack the certification to perform efficiently or to be promoted.

This qualification is the start of a career path in the administration environment. The skills, value attributes, and knowledge reflected in this qualification are building blocks that will prepare learners for progression along the learning ladder.

Rationale:
The current skills deficit across all sectors means that there is a premium placed on staff that is qualified and able to perform across the key areas of management and administration. The current skills' shortage also requires that employees be equipped with skills and knowledge that are key to the transformation of the South African economy and that they can contribute to the positive performance of their employers. Further, there is also a need for entry-level qualifications, which are vocationally, and industry focussed.

Statistics available from the National List of Occupations in High Demand (2018) and the Skills Plan for the Services SETA 2005-2010 reflects a need for skilled Clerical, Office Support, Data entry clerks and Administrative Workers. Computer literacy is a vital skill to function effectively in the business environment due to the increasingly computerized environment in which businesses operates within, both in South Africa and globally.

The qualification offers introductory knowledge to the areas of general business administration and computer skills within an office environment and prepares learners for a range of professional positions in the general business environment. Further, it also provides opportunities for upskilling, certification of skills obtained during on the job training or self-study or further studies.

The qualification is highly relevant and required in today`s business world as it focuses on what is current and in demand, thus making a positive contribution to the South African economy. The qualification further addresses the NQF objectives since it offers learners the knowledge and applied competence including the basic skills required for employment in a range of professional administrative positions in the business environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning, which includes informal, formal learning and work experience. The institution's RPL process is aligned to national RPL Policies. As per the national and institutional RPL policies and procedures, RPL applies to all prospective candidates. The candidate must demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes indicated in the qualification to gain access, obtain credits and/or credit exemptions.

RPL for access:
  • Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an appropriate level may be considered for RPL.
  • The Faculty's policy, derived from the institutional RPL policy, requires that each applicant be assessed on an individual basis.
  • Learners must provide a portfolio containing sufficient evidence of written material, produced independently.
  • The limitation of 10% of the cohort regarding admission applies as stipulated in the Council on Higher Education RPL Policy.

    RPL for credits:
  • Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification study achieved.
  • Credit is granted for RPL when in the assessment of the institution's selection committee, the learner's knowledge and skills correspond to the learning outcomes of the qualification or specific module for which credit is applied.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning learner must comply with all the requirements stated in the learning modules and qualification as well as the institution RPL policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits:
  • Business Communication, 15 Credits.
  • Business Practice, 20 Credits.
  • Call Centre Administration, 10 Credits.
  • Office Administration, 30 Credits.
  • Introduction to Business Management, 25 Credits.
  • Office Computing, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate information reliably, accurately, and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, in written and oral or signed form or in a practical demonstration, including an understanding of and respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism, including the associated legal implications.
    2. Manage and organize electronic and printed documents and data sources to support effective decision making by line managers.
    3. Plan office administration activities and evaluate abilities for the achievement of objectives.
    4. Perform basic human resource management tasks and practices for the effective functioning of a business unit or organisation and key business functions of computer administration practice.
    5. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a range of office equipment and computing devices and applications. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and apply the different methods of communication in a business environment.
  • Describe the different types of communication media.
  • Discuss the importance of effectiveness and accuracy in written and oral communication.
  • Demonstrate the use of the different types of communication media.
  • Explain effective communication.
  • Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate evidence of people skills, such as tolerance, listening skills and empathy.
  • Discuss call centre etiquette.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss the layout and design of the office.
  • Explain filing systems.
  • Discuss document management systems.
  • Explain databases and their application.
  • Explain the different types of documents, used and processed in the office.
  • Collect documentation and data from various sources.
  • Capture and store data and documents accurately using appropriate manual and electronic systems.
  • Retrieve documents efficiently from filing systems as requested.
  • Collect and manage meeting records.
  • Demonstrate the control of petty cash.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain the functions of the office and tasks of management.
  • Discuss methods of controlling external and internal interference in the workplace.
  • Demonstrate effective time management skills.
  • Demonstrate organisation of oneself to be an effective and efficient employee.
  • Discuss meeting procedures.
  • Demonstrate meeting planning, scheduling and administration skills.
  • Demonstrate travel planning, itineraries, scheduling and administration skills.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of meeting and event planning logistics.
  • Discuss call centre administration and management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Describe and explain the elements and components of various organizational types.
  • Discuss organisational types and models.
  • Discuss organisational cultures.
  • Discuss leadership and management styles.
  • Discuss planning, leadership, organising, motivating, and controlling as business activities and functions of managers.
  • Describe the basic Human Resource (HR) legislation and regulations.
  • Explain and apply routine Human Resource operations (recruitment, selection, retention, and Industrial Relations).
  • Explain and apply Human Resource management models and approaches.
  • Explain Human Resource Development.
  • Explain the fundamental accounting terms.
  • Describe accounting documentation (ledgers, journals, source documents).
  • Explain accounting processes.
  • Describe accounting legal requirements.
  • Explain accounting transactions.
  • Explain the accounting cycle.
  • Demonstrate application of basic accounting principles.
  • Explain the basic marketing terms.
  • Describe marketing approaches.
  • Discuss personal selling.
  • Discuss advertising principles.
  • Explain the people, pay, process, and promotion (4Ps).
  • Describe marketing legal requirements.
  • Explain the marketing competition using Porter's model.
  • Demonstrate application of basic marketing principles.
  • Demonstrated public relations skills.
  • Discuss media liaison fundamentals.
  • Discuss call centre Human Resources Management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain the purpose and use of office and computing equipment and devices.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in using the different functions and types of office equipment (fax, copiers, etc.).
  • Demonstrate the use of computer hardware and software applications.
  • Demonstrate the use of the Internet to complete business tasks.
  • Explain Call Centre software and hardware tools and systems. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The institution endeavours to ensure that all qualifications offered compares well with industry standards and requirements on a national and international level. The course content, level and outcomes compare relatively well some of the related certificate qualifications offered in the following two international institutions.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Massey University (MU)
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Business Studies
    Duration: One year

    Comparison:
    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:
    The qualification is offered over one year and includes the following modules/subjects:
  • Communication.
  • Business Administration.
  • Business Functions.
  • Finance.
  • Economics.
  • Law.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: International University of Management (IUM)
    Qualification Title: Higher Certificate in Business Administration
    Duration: One year
    Entry requirements:
    To be registered for any of the courses, candidates must: -
    Hold HIGCSE senior certificate in four subjects with 1- 4 symbols
    OR
    Hold a Grade 12 senior certificate (IGCSE) with a minimum of C symbol in English Language, a pass in Mathematics and a C symbol in three other subjects totalling twenty-five points or more.
    OR
    Enter through flexible learning path - mature age/prior learning with five years relevant experience in various fields of world of work. Apart from a valid IGCSE certificate, applicants must also have attained a minimum of 25 points on the IUM evaluation scale. The achievement of these requirements will not automatically guarantee a place on the degree course, it will be subject to a successful interview/aptitude test (as required) and availability of places.
    OR
    The equivalent of any of the above as determined by the Senate.

    Rationale of the qualification:
    The administration certificate qualification is intended for professionals who want basic administration and managerial knowledge. It will expose the student to the Competencies knowledge and skills needed to function more effectively in a variety of administrative and managerial roles through services organisations.

    Exit Learning Outcomes of the qualification:
  • Demonstrate good communication skills: speaking, listening, writing.
  • Apply appropriate visuals in business communication.
  • Employ investigative and interview skills in business situations.

    Qualification structure:
    This qualification shares similar compulsory modules with those of the new qualification and they include:
  • Business Administration.
  • Business Operations.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • Business Communication.
  • Accounting.
  • Business Law.

    Assessment methods:
    The assessment system comprises the following two components which are similar to formative and summative assessment in the new qualification.
  • Continuous Assessment (CA) attracts 40% of the final grade
  • Formal Exams (FE) attract 60% of the final grade.
    The evaluation system comprises two components:
  • Students will be asked to complete evaluation sheets for each subject studied
  • An external evaluator will evaluate the course in terms of course content, teaching methods, course resources and assessments.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with the above international institutions since the modules are relatively common in content and level except for Economics, Accounting and Law modules. Further, the qualification appears to embed computer skills into other modules. The purpose statement and exit outcomes offered in the IUM certificate are aligned with the proposed qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Computing, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Administration, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Business and Information Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.