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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: |
| Advanced Certificate in Information Technology |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 82906 | Advanced Certificate in Information Technology | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Richfield Graduate Institute Of Technology (Pty) Ltd. (previously known as PC Training And Business College (Pty) Ltd) | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Advanced 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 | 130 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0733/25 | 2024-06-30 | 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 Advanced Certificate in Information Technology (IT) represents a strategically designed educational pathway that builds upon foundational IT knowledge to develop advanced technical professionals capable of addressing sophisticated organizational technology challenges. This qualification serves as a critical bridge for learners who have completed the Higher Certificate in Information Technology or equivalent certifications and seek to advance their expertise to a higher NQF Level 6 standard. Thequalification is specifically engineered to provide learners with the advanced skills and comprehensive knowledge required to function as effective professionals across diverse IT-related roles within business, government, and community organizations, with particular emphasis on leveraging information technology for enhanced organizational productivity and strategic advantage. The qualification encompasses specialized competencies in advanced information systems concepts, sophisticated e-commerce applications, comprehensive visual programming methodologies, complex database management systems, and enterprise-level network technical support. The qualification is structured to develop professionals who can navigate the intricate technological landscape of modern organizations, enabling them to understand and implement various types of IT communications systems while demonstrating intellectual engagement with cutting-edge concepts in information technology. Through its 120-credit framework distributed across two intensive semesters, the program ensures graduates acquire both theoretical depth and practical expertise necessary for immediate deployment in senior technical roles, while simultaneously preparing them for potential progression to diploma-level studies. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: The qualification addresses South Africa's urgent need for highly skilled ICT professionals who can manage, optimize, and innovate within complex digital environments. With the increasing reliance of businesses, government, and society on advanced information systems, e-commerce platforms, and enterprise-level network infrastructures, there is a pressing demand for professionals who combine advanced technical competencies with strategic IT management capabilities. This qualification responds to that need by producing graduates who are equipped to support digital transformation and organizational competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). At a sectoral level, the qualification benefits the ICT industry by producing graduates who can manage advanced databases, implement enterprise-level network solutions, and support organizational IT governance. For society, it promotes digital literacy at a higher level, strengthens the skills pipeline for advanced IT roles, and supports the development of local technological capacity. From an economic perspective, it contributes to national productivity and global competitiveness by ensuring a steady supply of professionals who can implement scalable IT systems, secure digital assets, and drive innovation in both established and emerging industries. The typical learners for this qualification are those who have completed a Higher Certificate in Information Technology or an equivalent NQF Level 5 programme, as well as working professionals seeking formal recognition of their skills and career progression into more senior IT roles. Graduates of the qualification are likely to enter roles such as Database Administrator, Network Specialist, Application Developer, IT Project Coordinator, and Systems Analyst, while also providing a foundation for future leadership positions in IT governance and management. Employment opportunities exist across industries such as banking, telecommunications, education, healthcare, and government, where advanced IT systems form the backbone of operations. The qualification also creates clear learning and career pathways. Horizontally, learners can articulate into cognate qualifications such as Advanced Certificates in Software Development, Network Engineering, or Database Administration. Vertically, graduates may progress into degree-level studies including the Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Information Systems, or Bachelor of Software Engineering. Diagonal articulation is also possible into related areas such as Business Information Systems, Technology Management, and Digital Innovation, thereby ensuring career mobility and lifelong learning opportunities. The qualification addresses the critical skills gap in South Africa's technology sector by producing highly specialized IT professionals capable of managing complex technological infrastructure and driving digital transformation initiatives within contemporary organizational frameworks. As businesses across all sectors increasingly depend on sophisticated information systems, advanced e-commerce platforms, and integrated network architectures, there is an urgent demand for qualified professionals who possess advanced technical competencies combined with strategic thinking capabilities. This qualification directly responds to this demand by delivering a curriculum that integrates comprehensive theoretical foundations with practical, industry-aligned applications, ensuring graduates can contribute meaningfully to organizational technology governance and operational excellence within competitive market environments. The qualification emphases advanced information systems, visual programming, and complex database management reflects the sophisticated nature of modern enterprise technology challenges, where effective solutions require advanced systems thinking and interdisciplinary technical knowledge. For instance, proficiency in advanced database optimization and enterprise network technical support is essential in financial services for maintaining transaction processing integrity and system reliability, while visual programming competencies are critical in manufacturing for developing sophisticated automation interfaces and control systems. The curriculum's integrated approach, incorporating IT Project Management alongside core technical subjects, ensures that graduates develop not only advanced technical skills but also the project management and stakeholder communication capabilities essential for IT leadership roles. The qualification supports the institutional mission to deliver education that empowers learners to address complex organizational and societal technology needs through advanced innovation and professional excellence. By equipping graduates to solve sophisticated infrastructure challenges, implement advanced e-commerce solutions, and manage complex database and network environments, the program contributes significantly to South Africa's digital infrastructure development and economic competitiveness, producing professionals prepared to excel in senior technology roles within dynamic organizational environments. The qualification's work-integrated learning component further ensures that graduates gain practical experience directly applicable to professional contexts, aligning with industry expectations for immediately deployable IT professionals capable of driving technological innovation and operational efficiency. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of prior learning is implemented via processes through which the prior knowledge and skills of a person are made visible, mediated, and assessed for formal recognition for the purposes of credits, access to a learning programme, or advanced standing following access to a learning programme, exemption from modules that contribute towards a particular qualification. The prior learning can be informal, non-formal, or formal. Previous learning will be governed by institutional and regulatory policies, procedures and frameworks. The qualification cannot be obtained based entirely on recognition of prior learning. The RPL process ensures that individuals who possess relevant competencies but may not meet traditional academic entry requirements are provided with a pathway to further their education. RPL allows candidates to gain access to programme based on their previous learning experiences, which may have occurred outside formal education systems. This includes work experience, relevant certifications and informal training that align with the knowledge and skills required for the programme. In cases where prior learning will be recognized for gaining entrance into the programme, no more than 10% of the learner intake for the programme will be from RPL. A maximum of up to 50% of the credits of a completed qualification can be transferred to another qualification at the Institution or from another institution. No final year modules will be credited. RPL for access: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6,120 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Critically evaluates advanced organizational technology infrastructure problems and needs to design and implement sophisticated database, network, and application solutions using cutting-edge methodologies.
2. Identify and critically examine advanced tools, techniques, and methodologies in information technology management and apply them to build efficient, scalable enterprise systems that support organizational objectives. 3. Examine current and emerging industry trends in IT infrastructure and critically apply them to various organizational contexts and business environments, demonstrating adaptability to technological evolution. 4. Critically assess the complex legal, ethical, and security considerations about the design, deployment, and maintenance of advanced information systems and applications within contemporary regulatory frameworks. 5. Critically evaluate organizational IT strategy, policies, and procedures to ensure they address advanced technology requirements and are strategically integrated to enable superior operational performance and competitive advantage. |
| 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 The Advanced Certificate in Information Technology programme employs a sophisticated integrated assessment framework designed to evaluate students' advanced theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ability to apply learning in complex organizational technology contexts. Integrated assessment combines formative and summative components, including advanced assignment-based work, comprehensive academic examinations, sophisticated IT projects, work-integrated learning (WIL), and other integrative methods to ensure comprehensive evaluation of advanced competencies. This structure aligns with the programme's purpose of preparing graduates for senior roles in Database and Systems Administration, Network Administration, Application Programming, and IT Management by developing advanced technical proficiency, analytical thinking, and industry-relevant problem-solving capabilities. Formative Assessment Formative assessments monitor learners' ongoing development, integrating theoretical understanding with practical application throughout the programme's focus areas of database management, network administration, and application development. Written Assignment Learners complete written assignments, including technical documentation, system analysis reports, and solution presentations. Assignments require learners to synthesize theoretical concepts with practical applications in database design, network configuration, or application development, fostering interdisciplinary problem-solving and professional communication skills essential for IT management roles. Continuous Assessment (CA) Test The CA Test comprises practical laboratory exercises, system configuration tasks, programming assessments, and technical problem scenarios. Tests integrate theoretical principles with hands-on skills, simulating professional tasks such as database optimization, network troubleshooting, or application debugging, preparing students for real-world IT infrastructure challenges. Formative Assessment Contribution: Summative Assessment Summative assessment evaluates learners' comprehensive mastery of the programme's core information technology domains. It contributes 60% to the final grade. Examination: A 3-hour online examination conducted via Moodle, including technical case studies, system design scenarios, database management problems, network configuration challenges, and programming implementations. The examination combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, requiring learners to demonstrate holistic competency across database administration, network management, and application development domains. Total Summative Assessment Weighting: 60% of final grade Final Marks Calculation The final mark reflects the integrated assessment approach, combining formative and summative components: Formative Assessments: 40% of final mark Summative Assessment: 60% of final mark Total Final Mark: 100% Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and IT Projects WIL and the IT project are integral to the qualification, particularly for exit-level learners, bridging academic learning with professional practice in organizational technology environments. The IT project, a mandatory requirement for exit-level learners, involves identifying an organizational technology infrastructure problem and developing a functional solution incorporating database design, network implementation, or application development components. WIL involves integrating students into workplace environments to gain hands-on experience in database administration, network management, application programming, or IT management roles, ensuring graduates develop practical competencies directly applicable to professional contexts. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The Advanced Certificate in Information Technology compares favourably with international qualifications such as the Advanced Certificate in IT at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Canada), the Higher National Certificate in Computing and Systems Development at the University of Hertfordshire (UK), and the Graduate Certificate in IT Governance at the Australian National University. Like these programmes, it provides advanced competencies in network administration, database management, programming, and IT governance, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready and academically competitive. Differences are mainly in duration, scope, and entry requirements: international programmes are often shorter and more narrowly focused, while Richfield's qualification integrates technical proficiency, strategic IT management, and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) to provide broader skills. This alignment with global best practices ensures that graduates are internationally comparable, regionally relevant, and able to articulate into higher-level qualifications within national and international frameworks.
Country: Canada Institution: Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Name of Qualification: Advanced Certificate in Information Technology Purpose of Qualification: The Advanced Certificate in Information Technology programme at SAIT is designed to prepare students for senior-level positions in information technology through advanced hands-on training and specialized industry-relevant skills development. Students develop advanced competencies in network administration, database management, system support, and application development to meet the sophisticated demands of modern enterprise IT environments. Similarities: Both qualifications emphasize advanced practical, hands-on training with specialized industry-relevant skills development. The curriculum aligns closely with Richfield's Advanced Certificate programme, particularly in advanced Network Administration, Database Management, System Administration, and Application Development. Both programmes focus on preparing graduates for senior-level entry into the IT workforce with advanced practical competencies. Differences: The SAIT qualification focuses primarily on technical implementation skills, while Richfield's qualification includes broader IT management and organizational strategy elements integrated with work-integrated learning components. Outcomes Both produce graduates with advanced IT competencies. Richfield further develops leadership and governance capabilities. Assessment Criteria SAIT relies heavily on practical demonstrations. Richfield applies integrated assessments combining theory, projects, and WIL. Modules Both qualifications cover advanced networking, databases, and application development. Richfield additionally includes IT Project Management and WIL. Entrance Requirements SAIT requires high school completion plus IT prerequisites. Richfield requires a Higher Certificate in IT or equivalent NQF Level 5 qualification. Duration SAIT - 1 year (certificate); Richfield - 1 year (120-credit NQF Level 6). ICountry: United Kingdom Institution: University of Hertfordshire Name of Qualification: Higher National Certificate in Computing and Systems Development Purpose of Qualification: The Higher National Certificate in Computing and Systems Development at the University of Hertfordshire is designed to develop students' advanced technical and professional skills in computing and information systems, preparing graduates for senior technical roles in systems development and IT support within organizational environments. Similarities: Both qualifications contain advanced subjects such as sophisticated database design, networking technologies, systems analysis, programming, and project management. Both emphasize integration of advanced technical skills with professional development and include substantial project work. Differences: The UK qualification follows the BTEC framework with different assessment methodologies, while Richfield's programme provides broader coverage of advanced IT management and organizational strategy with integrated work-based learning components. Outcomes Both prepare graduates for senior IT support and systems development roles. Richfield also prepares learners for strategic and managerial progression. Assessment Criteria Hertfordshire uses continuous coursework assessments. Richfield applies a mixed approach with projects, exams, and WIL. Modules Core alignment in programming, networking, systems design, and databases. Richfield extends this to IT governance and integrated project management. Entrance Requirements Hertfordshire requires A-Levels or equivalent. Richfield requires a Higher Certificate in IT or equivalent at NQF Level 5. Duration Hertfordshire - typically 1 year (full-time HNC); Richfield - 1 year (120-credit NQF Level 6). Country: Australia Institution: Australian National University Name of Qualification: Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Governance Purpose of Qualification: This qualification provides students with advanced skills and knowledge required to work as senior IT governance professionals in various organizational settings, with emphasis on advanced governance frameworks, risk management, and regulatory compliance for leadership roles in technology governance. Similarities/Differences Similarities: Both qualifications include advanced IT Governance, Risk Management, Compliance Oversight, Cybersecurity Governance, and Strategic Technology Management. Both qualifications emphasize advanced governance frameworks and include comprehensive project work and practical application. Differences: The Australian qualification follows the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) with different governance standards and regulatory requirements, while Richfield's programme includes comprehensive work-integrated learning components and specific focus on developing market governance challenges. Outcomes Both prepare graduates for roles in IT governance and senior systems support. Richfield additionally supports pathways into advanced technical occupations. Assessment Criteria ANU applies AQF-aligned assessments with a strong governance orientation. Richfield integrates theory, technical projects, and WIL. Modules Both include governance and management frameworks. Richfield extends to advanced programming, database systems, and networking. Entrance Requirements ANU requires a bachelor's degree. Richfield requires a Higher Certificate in IT or equivalent (NQF Level 5). Duration: ANU - typically 6-12 months (graduate certificate); Richfield - 1 year (120 credits at NQF Level 6). |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for diagonal, vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
| As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
| 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. |
| 1. | Richfield Graduate Institute Of Technology (Pty) Ltd. (previously known as PC Training And Business College (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. |