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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Higher Certificate in Information Technology in Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
83746  Higher Certificate in Information Technology in Information Systems 
ORIGINATOR
CTI Education Group 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher 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  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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:

This qualification is designed to:
  • Instil in learners a solid foundation in the Information Technology (IT) technical field that will enable them to function in the IT industry.
  • Equip learners with the fundamental knowledge of networks, hardware and software systems of a modern computer system.
  • Equip learners with the skills to configure and administer a network.
  • Lay a solid foundation in computer programming and equip learners with essential skills in a visual programming environment.
  • Secure a firm foundation that paves the way for further studies in the IT industry.
  • Provide learners with essential skills that will broaden their career opportunities.

    Rationale:

    South Africa has a great need for qualified persons to work in the Information Technology (IT) technical field. This qualification provides an entry level qualification for the IT technical field. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Access to the Qualification:

    A learner entering this qualification must have achieved a National Senior Certificate or a Further Education and Training Certificate at NQF Level 4 or any other recognised Grade 12 equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules are at NQF Level 5 and are compulsory.

    Modules; Credits:
  • End-user Computing; 12 credits.
  • Introduction to Information Systems; 12 credits.
  • Human Computer Interaction; 12 credits.
  • Introduction to Programming; 12 credits.
  • Hardware and Operating Systems Fundamentals; 12 credits.
  • Networking Concepts; 12 credits.
  • Visual Programming Fundamentals; 12 credits.
  • Visual Programming: 12 credits.
  • Software Development Project; 24 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    After having completed the Certificate: Information Systems: Information Technology, the learner will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate knowledge of different types of information systems.

    2. Manage the basic hardware and operating system components of a modern computer system.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) models and basic design issues.

    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of structured programming and event-driven programming.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    These are addressed throughout the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Types of information systems that can be used in an organisation are discussed.
  • Information requirements of different information systems and functional areas are identified and explained within the system.
  • Organisational information systems are evaluated in terms of support at different management levels.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The hardware components and basic functioning of a computer are described.
  • Basic software and hardware installations are carried out.
  • Network architectural concepts are applied to design and evaluate a basic network.
  • A scaled down computer network is configured and administered.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Human Computer Interaction developments are outlined and explained with examples.
  • A Human Computer Interaction model for a specified application is designed and planned.
  • A user interface is implemented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A suite of event-driven programmes for a scaled-down real-world information system application is designed and implemented.
  • An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to create reliable and efficient software applications is utilised.

    Integrated Assessment:

    During the course of study and particularly at the stage of final assessment, assessment practices include criteria pertaining to all the outcomes for the Certificate to ensure that these outcomes are integrated with one another.

    The qualifying learner must demonstrate that he or she has achieved the Exit Level Outcomes by passing all course requirements within specified time duration for obtaining the qualification.

    Continuous assessment is provided through a whole range of formative and summative assessment methods that includes:
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Workplace assessments and practical workbooks.
  • Written assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Case studies and case presentations.
  • Peer group evaluation.
  • Competency evaluations of clinical skills.
  • Face to face contact with learners.
  • Final examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In terms of topics covered, the level of difficulty and balance between theory and practice, this Higher Certificate in Information Technology compares favourably with similar programmes offered at higher education institutions of good standing in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia.

    In the UK, comparison was made on the basis of outcomes, assessment criteria, degree of difficulty (NQF level), and notional learning hours/time. The institutions used as models are:
  • London School of Business and Management (comparison made on the 1st year of the Advanced Diploma in Information Technology which is also at NQF Level 5).
  • EDEXCEL (comparison made on the content of the Higher National Certificate in Information Technology on NQF Level 5 that forms part of the B TEC HND qualification).

    In Australia, comparison was made on the basis of outcomes, assessment criteria, degree of difficulty (NQF level), and notional learning hours/time. The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology programmes (at NQF Level 5) offered by the following institutions were used as models:
  • Southbank Institute of Technology.
  • Australian Institute of Technology and Management Pty Ltd.

    In general CTI's Higher Certificate in Information Technology: Information Systems qualification and its components compare well with relevant qualifications offered by comparable higher education institutions in the UK and Australia. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally this qualification articulates to NQF Level 5 Information Technology Engineering, Comprehensive Programming, Network Engineering, Software Development and Internet Development Programmes.

    Vertically, learners will be able to enrol for the Bachelor of Science: Information Technology Degree on offer at CTI. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is subject to both internal and external moderation. Assessors would be required to have an Honours Degree or a Masters Degree and relevant teaching experience in the module/s under evaluation or moderation (at least 2 years of experience). 

    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. CTI Education Group 


    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.