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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: |
| Occupational Certificate: Software Developer |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 118707 | Occupational Certificate: Software Developer | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner-MICT SETA | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| - | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Occupational 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 | 220 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | SAQA 107/22 | 2022-02-03 | 2027-02-03 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2028-02-03 | 2031-02-03 | |||
| 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 prepare a learner to operate as a Software Developer. A Software Developer analyses a set of requirements, translates these into a working software solution using a programming language. They test, implement and maintain software applications to meet client specifications as well as functional and technical requirements. A qualified learner will be able to: Rationale: Realising the importance and future impact of the 4IR on the economy of South Africa and its competitiveness, the Minister of Communications gazetted the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR) (Government Gazette No. 42388, 9 April 2019). By March 2020 this Commission delivered a report with wide ranging recommendations for Human Capital Development that will drive the 4IR forward. It clearly indicated the speed at which companies will have to invest in big data analysis, web-enabled market investment and the use of cloud computing and machine learning. Software development is central to these initiatives. Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks. The software developer is the important cog in designing advanced computerised technologies. South Africa has a scarcity of software developers and there is a clear need for a qualification focusing specifically on the training and education of software developers. There are currently similar qualifications registered on the NQF, however, the OC: Software Developer includes content related to 4IR specific competencies. There is an abundance of international research that points to the phenomenal growth in the need for qualified software developers. For example, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), demand for software developers is projected to grow by 22% by 2029. To put that figure in perspective, the average annual projected growth rate across all occupations is about 4%. In South Africa, according to the 2020 list of occupations in high demand: Technical Report (Department of Higher Education and Training) published in 2021 the role of the Software Developer and its synonyms have been identified as pivotal by several Sector Education and Training Bodies (SETAs) as well as being in critical need by industry and academia alike. With so much job growth on the horizon, prospective software developers stand to see a bright future ahead of them. Those with proper training and education not only have great job security and a range of options but a high paying, rewarding career path. Responding to the rapid skills demand by supplying software developers will thus have a positive impact on the economy. It is also important to note that there are great opportunities to become self-employed and the entrepreneurial orientated software developers will form new companies (with the employment creation associated to it). In a 2019 OFFERZEN report on a survey of software developers, 39.5% indicated that within 5 years they want to establish their own companies. This growth in new companies in an environment where digitisation is becoming more and more important, will have a positive impact on society, not only in terms of connectivity, ICT savvy, communications, and the like, but also, as a new industry, the creation of jobs. It should be noted that the Information Technology and Computing industry is highly competitive, and each vendor has its own certification exam. Typically, prospective candidates for the exams will enrol for a vendor specific short course prior to the exam. These certifications are globally recognised within the ICT industry. Within this context it is important to note that this qualification was developed vendor agnostic, thereby preparing the learner for and allowing the learner to enter any of the vendor specific certifications. This is a huge step forward toward inclusivity within the ICT industry of South Africa. This qualification covers the full value chain of a software developer from interrogating and understanding problem statements (from end users) to building logic flows to solve identified problems, execute the necessary programming in an appropriate programming language and finally soft skills issues to function effectively, efficiently, and ethically in the workplace. It is an important qualification in the "suite" of qualifications in the ICT sector. Typical learners include school leavers, graduates from TVET colleges and those currently in employment without formal recognition of competencies or who want to make a career change. No professional registration or licencing is expected for Software Developers to seek employment in the sector. Software developers can find employment as applications developers, ICT programmers, front-end developers, back-end developers, or full-stack developers. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. RPL for Access to the Qualification RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 66 Practical Skill Modules Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 89 Work Experience Modules Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 65 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Interrogate the specification and problem and interpret it into code and articulate in writing.
2. Build a logical flow using industry standard frameworks and methodologies to propose possible solutions to business challenges to meet both functional and technical requirements. 3. Programme effectively using a suitable programming language to develop new solutions and update existing solutions. 4. Test and maintain software and recommend improvements to ensure strong functionality and optimisation to meet both functional and technical requirements. 5. Function effectively, efficiently, and ethically in the workplace to achieve company and team goals and targets. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Integrated Assessment Integrated Formative Assessment: The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment. Integrated summative assessment: An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites in a simulated environment and conducted by an assessor(s) registered with the relevant AQP. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The Occupational Certificate: Software Developer was compared with the training provided in the United States of America and Australia since they appear to be leaders in this aspect.
United States of America (USA) The Software Engineering course is presented by the Flatiron School as a 100% online course with mentor support as well as with an on-campus option. The duration is specified as 800-1000 hours of learning which may be achieved as a full-time, a part-time or self-paced option. Flatiron applies a blended approach which includes labs, lectures, and close collaboration, showcasing progress through Portfolio Projects and being linked to an online community. The course focuses on the Ruby and JavaScript ecosystems and provide content to develop expertise in back-end and front-end programming. Soft skills are acquired through the course, even though it is not highlighted as a module. Course outcomes are: Modules include: Similarities: Both qualifications include knowledge and practical (utilising software platforms) components, and the duration is a full year. The content of both qualifications is similar and similar learning outcomes are achieved. Both qualifications skill learners in front-end and back-end technologies and include a Capstone project as well as soft skills related to professionalism. Differences: The modules on soft skills of the Occupational Certificate: Software Developer are more comprehensive than those of the Software Engineering course and include aspects such as ethics, teamwork, and collaboration. The Occupational Certificate: Software Developer includes refresher and introductory modules, mathematics, and programming. The Occupational Certificate: Software Developer does not require previous programming skills in contrast to the Software Engineering course which requires previous programming skills. The Occupational Certificate: Software Developer carries no vendor specific certification and is vendor agnostic, while the Software Engineering course focusses on Ruby and JavaScript. Australia: The nationally recognised Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50120) is presented by the Upskilled Training Institution which specialises in Information Technology training. The duration is 24 months, and it is presented as an online course. Entry requirements are stipulated as completion of year 12, a qualification at Certificate IV level or higher, or 4 years of relevant experience in the IT industry. The qualification entails 6 core units and 14 elective units. Core units are: Elective units are: Similarities: Both qualifications, Diploma of Information Technology and the Occupational Certificate: Software Developer, are at the same level, namely Level 5. Both qualifications are nationally recognised. Both qualifications entail a theoretical as well as a practical skills component. Entry requirements are similar. Similar units/modules include: Elective units are: Differences: The duration of the qualifications differs. Upskilled offers a simulated working environment, while the OC: Software Developer requires real-time work experience. The OC: Software Developer does not include the following aspects: Conclusion This South African qualification compares favourably with the competencies covered in international programmes. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
| NOTES |
| Qualifying for External Assessment:
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience. Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements: Criteria for the accreditation of providers Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. The curriculum title and code are: Software Developer: 251201-005-00-00. Encompassed Trade: This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD: Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) |
| 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. |