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 QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Occupational Certificate: Extended Reality Developer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121296  Advanced Occupational Certificate: Extended Reality 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
Advanced Occupational Cert  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  218  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0820/23  2023-11-14  2028-11-14 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-11-14   2032-11-14  

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 an Extended Reality (XR) Developer.

An Extended Reality (XR) Developer researches, analyses, communicates with stakeholders (internal and external), designs, develops, integrates, programme/codes devices, codes, tests, troubleshoots, maintains, deploys and implements extended reality software and/or applications using different programming languages and platforms for a specific development engine, to support augmented, virtual and mixed realities enabling environments in compliance with the applicable standards, design guidelines and best practice.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Conduct research and establish customer requirements and emerging technologies and solutions.
  • Develop XR Applications and solutions including sub-components that may be required.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot problems relating to XR Software and Applications

    Rationale:
    The digital economy plays a significant role in aspects of the global economy. Currently there is a growing trend among companies especially those in entertainment, gaming, mobile computing and business applications predominantly use immersive technologies to create extended reality (augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality) which involves the use of digital visual elements, sound or other sensory stimuli to engage and delight audiences.

    The qualification will benefit the society, the economy and individuals as extended reality has become more accessible to consumers, and companies continue to expand their programmes boosting their incomes and/or profit margins through increased market share. This has increased the demand for qualified extended reality developers thus creating employment opportunities in the labour market directly contributing to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Typical learners include school leavers, individuals who are already working in the industry who do not have formal qualification, retrenched individuals who wish to start a career in extended reality, qualified learners who are interested in this qualification including education, training and development practitioners or individuals who are passionate about immersive technology wishing to pursue their own projects and become self-employed.

    Qualifying learners will be able to work collaboratively and communicate with multiple teams and develop XR content ideas, create assets for experiences using different programming languages, Software and platforms. The qualification will provide learners with requisite knowledge and skills for researching, evaluating, implementing and testing new and innovative ways of using emerging technologies for extended reality design and animation that develops and produces full motion and animated content.

    Currently there is no similar qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). In addition, no licensing or membership requirements apply to this qualification at the time of development.

    This qualification also allows career pathing to qualifying learners to articulate vertically and horizontally in information technology related qualifications to practice an occupation as Coding Developer and XR Solution Architect. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • RPL for Access to Training/Exemption:

    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.
  • RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) or Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA):

    Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

    For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence.

    Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements:
  • An NQF Level 4 qualification. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 251301-000-00-KM-01, Introduction to the Extended Reality (XR) and Workplace Fundamentals, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
  • 251301-000-00-KM-02, Extended Reality (XR) Content Pipeline, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 251301-000-00-KM-03, Fundamentals of Programming in Extended Reality (XR) Ecosystem, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 251301-000-00-KM-04, Fundamentals of Interactive Application Development in XR, NQF Level 6, 2 Credits
  • 251301-000-00-KM-05, Fundamentals of Mobile Applications Development, NQF Level 6, 2 Credits.
  • 251301-000-00-KM-06, Fundamentals of Immersive XR Systems and Shaders, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • 251301-000-00-KM-07, Documenting XR Software and Applications Development Processes, NQF Level 5, 2 Credits.
  • 251301-000-00-KM-08, Leadership and Self-Management, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 67

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 251301-000-00-PM-01, Determine work package requirements using established System Design Methodologies, NQF Level 6, 3 Credits
  • 251301-000-00-PM-02, Participate in change and release management of XR work packages, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits
  • 251301-000-00-PM-03, Plan and develop XR Software and Applications, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • 251301-000-00-PM-04, Diagnose, Debug and resolve issue/problems pertaining to XR Applications, NQF Level 7, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 58

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 251301-000-00-WM-01, Processes of developing or coding the required work package and designed solutions, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits
  • 251301-000-00-WM-02, Processes of XR Software and Applications development, Deployment and Publishing, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits
  • 251301-000-00-WM-03, Change and release management processes in XR design and development, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits
  • 251301-000-00-WM-04, Processes of Animation for XR Experience/Application, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits
  • 251301-000-00-WM-05, Processes of fault-finding and troubleshooting on XR Software and Applications, NQF Level 7, 38 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 93 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate and develop a functional XR application.
    2. Conduct tests and deploy XR software applications.
    3. Assess and perform fault-finding and troubleshooting problems relating to XR Software and Applications. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and correctly interpret customer requirements.
  • Identify and select software development tools suitable to meet the development task.
  • Evaluate and apply software coding and programming to produce a functional XR application.
  • Adhere to and apply correct coding standards and security measures when developing software application.
  • Implement change management principles and process, and deploy the code correctly into virtualised, physical or containerised environment.
  • Test the completed Application applying the relevant testing methods.
  • Conduct testing the integration on physical device with XR application correctly in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Correctly apply 3D modelling rigging, skinning, texturing, visual and special effects techniques on the relevant images including animation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse and select various types of testing to perform tests on XR software applications.
  • Correctly conduct different methods of testing and introduce bugs that were uncovered as a result of the changes in the software being tested are fixed accurately.
  • Conduct user acceptance test correctly for a specific environment.
  • Write regression test before coding to ensure that the code may automatically detect any problems when making changes on the code.
  • Test and confirm code for the programme to ensure that it does not to affect the environment adversely.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Evaluate and apply processes and methods of fault-finding and troubleshooting in XR software and Applications.
  • Identify deviations and non-conformances through the diagnosis process when testing the XR software.
  • Apply troubleshooting methods to rectify faults pertaining to interactive Applications.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment
    The Skills Development Providers 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 leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

    Summative Assessment

    An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:
    International comparability was conducted to compare the Advanced Occupational Certificate in Extended Reality (XR) with international qualifications or courses. The countries searched were Norway and United Kingdom (UK).

    Norway

    Noroff School of Technology and Digital Media

    Higher Professional Degree: Extended Reality (XR) Development

    The Noroff School of Technology and Digital Media offers a higher professional degree in extended reality development designed for Extended Reality Developers accredited by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). The qualification focuses on the development of practical skills in all aspects of the XR development area, with special emphasis on the role as a programmer and Virtual Reality /Augmented Reality developer. The duration of the qualification is two-years full-time or four-years part-time totalling 120 European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) credits. Learners explore user experiences and user behaviour to create optimised and user-centric applications in addition to interactive functionality through the use of current technology. The entry requirements are Math R1, or S1 and S2, however, these requirements are not required for mature learners over 25 years with relevant experience.

    Modules covered during the first year of study:
  • XR Foundations.
  • Real-Time Rendering.
  • Basic Math for XR.
  • Programming Foundations.
  • VR Development.
  • Programming
  • Project Management.
  • UX Foundations.
  • Mobile AR Development.
  • Project Exam 1.

    Modules covered during the second year of study:
  • Advanced Math for XR.
  • Advanced Programming.
  • UX - Usability Testing.
  • MR Development.
  • Start-up Bootcamp.
  • XR Innovation.
  • Project Exam 2.
  • Portfolio.

    The qualification is similar with the South African qualification in terms of content as it provides competence to develop applications and solutions for Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) platforms encompassing the aspects The qualification provides knowledge on XR technology and content creation. It focuses on mathematical concepts related to interactive 3D and programming. Focusing on visual scripting in a game engine and provides skills on how to develop applications for Virtual Reality (VR) platforms, and Programming focusing on C# skills.

    It also introduces learners to design guidelines for XR devices through User Experience and Design Thinking as well how to develop applications aimed at mobile Augmented Reality (AR) platforms. tree data structures and path-finding algorithms. Learners also learn how to develop, form and pitch a prototype for a business idea, teaches applied skills for designing and developing innovative prototypes for XR applications.

    It is also similar and compares favourably in terms of structure in that learners are required to complete exam projects at the end of each year allowing learners to be part of an industry related project or internship to prepare them for the working life, an equivalent of the workplace experience component of the South African qualification curriculum.

    The qualification differs slightly with the South African qualification in terms of assessment or exam in that the second year is concluded with a project exam and a portfolio.

    United Kingdom

    Sollihull College

    Extended Technical Diploma in Information Technology (IT) (Emerging Technologies Developer)

    Sollihull College offers a two-year diploma in Information Technology (Virtual Reality) at Level 3 which leads to a degree apprenticeship. The entry requirements are a PASS or higher at Level 2 OCR Diploma or BTEC extended certificate and English GSCE at grade C or higher and Mathematics GSCE at grade C or higher or 4 GSCEs at grade 4 (or grade C) or higher including English and Mathematics. The qualification is recognised by industry and carries UCAS points.

    Modules covered during first year of study:
  • Fundamentals of Information Technology (IT).
  • Global Information.
  • Virtual and augmented reality.
  • Project Management.
  • Product development.
  • Media products and audiences.
  • Create a digital animation.
  • 3D digital modelling.

    Modules covered during second year of study:
  • Mobile technology.
  • Social media, digital marketing and globalisation.
  • Internet of Everything.
  • Pre-production and planning for media.
  • Create a media product.
  • Interactive media product
  • Game development.

    The qualification is similar to the South African qualification in terms of structure as it consists of theoretical and practical culminating in either assignments or examinations and has an element of employer involvement with external speakers who are actively involved in the industry.

    Conclusion:

    The Advanced Occupational Certificate: Extended Reality (XR) compares favourably with the qualifications compared in the two international countries. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Software Engineer, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in 3D Animation, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • There are currently no registered qualifications to which articulation may be possible.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Game Design and Development, NQF Level 7. 

  • 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:
  • None.

    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 is: Extended Reality (XR) Developer: 25301-000-00-00

    Encompassed Trades:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • Media, Information Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA) 

  • 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.