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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Information and Communication Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96440  Higher Certificate in Information and Communication Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Higher Certificate has been developed to prepare students for meaningful work in the IT Services sector, but also to allow articulation into the Diploma. Higher Certificate learners who choose to enter the world of work, or who are not admitted to the Diploma, need to be "facilitated" into ICT Services internship opportunities and then into employment.

Learners who successfully complete the (new) Higher Certificate in ICT qualification will either be enrolled at the University of Technology (UoT) for the Diploma in ICT qualification or will qualify for placement as an intern in the IT Services industry. The success modelling of the project is therefore dependent on-firstly, guaranteeing a number of seats for FET learners in the Diploma in ICT; and secondly, securing suitable internship opportunities for FET learners in the IT services industry. It is with respect to the latter imperative that support will be sought from the organised ICT governance sector, e.g. SATN, SACPO, CSIR Meraka, e-Skills Institute, MIC SETA, CITI, and all relevant government structures and NGOs.

Rationale:
The Higher Certificate in ICT is designed to develop the FET sector as a viable feeder pathway into the University of Technology (UoT) for its Diploma in ICT; while providing FETs with a recognised exit level (vocational) qualification that articulates to the UoT sector. The Higher Certificate in ICT is specialised in "IT Services" and is currently aligned to the industry-referenced ITIL qualifications framework. The Diploma in ICT provides the option of specialisation in one of seven areas. The conceptual development of the project is at an advanced stage of completion and the project is currently entering a pilot implementation phase to test aspects of the programme design and courseware model. In the spirit of true collaboration, all parties enjoy equal status and make contribution towards achieving efficacious delivery of the project. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners that do not meet the minimum criteria can apply for access into the program through the PRL process. Learners will have to provide evidence of any additional courses completed or relevant workplace experience. Learners will follow the institutional RPL procedures. Refer to RPL Policy as uploaded for the HEQC online application.

Entry Requirements:
Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of 11 modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Computer Applications 1, 5 Credits.
  • Computer Hardware 1, 15 Credits.
  • Information Technology Services Theory 1, 20 Credits.
  • Quantitative Techniques 1, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Networks 1, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Software 1, 10 Credits.
  • Information Technology Services Practice 1, 20 Credits.
  • Information Technology Services Project 1, 10 Credits.
  • Business Practice 1, 10 Credits.
  • Personal Communication 1, 5 Credits.
  • Strategic Communication 1, 5 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand the purpose and operational imperatives of IT Services Management as a sub-discipline.
    2. Identify the various types of end-users and explore their possible in different IT support environments.
    3. Demonstrate basic project management competence; and engage in a capstone project (independently or as part of a team) that demonstrates understanding of the knowledge, techniques and skills of the IT Services Management industry sector.
    4. Communicate effectively with all role players within the IT Services Management industry sector.
    5. Support end users in the use of existing standardised company software packages.
    6. Troubleshoot and maintain computer devices used by end users.
    7. Solve problems and demonstrate competence in the application IT Services Management concepts.
    8. Manage the operational aspects of IT service centres in alignment with IT policy; and understand the importance of ethical conduct within the IT Services Management industry sector. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Fundamental knowledge of the function, services and environments in relation to computer user support is demonstrated.
  • Fundamental knowledge of the dimensions of customer services skills required by end user support personnel is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Knowledge of support services organisations with respect to user support management, organisational development and training, and procurement of infrastructure is practiced.
  • Knowledge of conducting the process of user needs analysis based on broad environmental considerations is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of planning, authorising, and evaluating end user documentation is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Professional/vocational knowledge of the role and procedures for operating a service a service desk for IT support services and end-user support is demonstrated.
  • Professional/vocational knowledge of "best practices" for developing a project management plan to enable an IT support services is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Reflexive engagement of personal and interpersonal communication and possible barriers is demonstrated.
  • Fundamental knowledge of the nature and scope of media with specific reference to mass media and social media is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Fundamental knowledge of the principles of functional design logic of computer software applications is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of programme design logic in computer software applications development is practiced.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Knowledge of the components of a computer and its functioning is demonstrated.
  • Fundamental knowledge of network fundamentals with respect to commercial connectivity arrangements is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of basic network connectivity approaches with respect IP addressing and troubleshooting is practiced.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Knowledge of mathematical constructs and their application to solving basic computer-related mathematical problems is practiced.
  • Knowledge of basic trigonometry and geometry and its application to solving problems related to the physical environment is practiced.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Fundamental knowledge of the business imperatives of IT support services within a broader operational and commercial organisational setting is demonstrated.
  • Fundamental knowledge of basic concepts of economics, politics and social systems within a business environment is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification will incorporate the following assessment approaches: written and practical tests, portfolio assessment and assignments/projects (individual and team), within a continuous assessment model, to assess the learning that has taken place.
    Underpinning the assessment strategy is not only the evaluation of knowledge, competencies and skills from an academic perspective but a particular emphasis on evaluating the application of learning in the "world of work" or working environment, through the various modalities of work integrated learning (refer CHE document).

    Learners enrolled for this higher certificate will be required to register for a project based offering. This project based subject or module offering is intended to provide learners with an opportunity to integrate learning across the curriculum and deliver an integrated project consistent with industry practice.

    Within the Higher Certificate, the project based offering will focus on:
  • Constructing portfolio evidence (paper-based or electronic), which will not only reflect work done at this level but also serve as a device for recording professional exposure (NQF Level 5). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The HEICTA curriculum development process made use of the published guidelines by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) (www.acm.org). The ACM represents the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. This was supported by member visits to UK and North American institutions in order to benchmark the curriculum. This proposed qualification is therefore similar in both intent and content as other qualifications internationally, but also qualitatively responding to the local industry context.

    In addition to this, further international comparability studies were conducted with qualifications of similar content and curriculum focus. This is in line with the SAQA requirement that local qualification be internationally recognised and comparable. In the United Kingdom, Birkbeck University of London offers a Higher Education Certificate in Information Technology. The qualification consists of 8 modules totalling 120 Credits and it can be done over a period of 1 year or more. The module contents of the qualification mirror the contents of the modules of this qualification.

    Conclusion:
    In developing this qualification a concerted effort was made to ensure that it adheres to and promotes the NQF's objective of life-long learning. To achieve that it means that this qualification must be internationally recognised and be able to articulate and compare with other international qualifications of similar content and structure. The qualification cited above compares very well with this qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification was developed to articulate within and across the sub-frameworks of the NQF. It articulates horizontally with NQF Level 5 registered qualifications with Information Technology as a major subject. It also articulates vertically with NQF Level 6 registered qualifications with Information Technology as a major subject. Some of the qualifications identified include:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Software Testing.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate: Education: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Communication Networks, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Multimedia Applications, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    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.