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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in PC Support and Networking 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96707  Diploma in PC Support and Networking 
ORIGINATOR
Berea College of Technology (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
Diploma (Min 360)  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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2033-06-30  

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 
The programme is highly relevant to today's business world as it focuses on what is current and in demand. It caters for learners who are computer technology focused, and allows it learners to grasp fundamental knowledge in the workings of various software packages and the modern office environment. This programme also caters for individuals that might be employed but lack the certification to be promoted. These programmes satisfy/meets the needs of learners that are technically minded. To impart to the learner the ability to find diagnosis faults and repairs faults in a computer as well ability to build and maintain networks and the associated software. There has been a rapid development and a need for graduates with this qualification.

The learner will have acquired the following attributes at the exit of this qualification:
  • Able to repair a computer.
  • Assemble a computer.
  • Having a good understanding of operating platforms.
  • Able to build a network - using various topologies.
  • Able to run the network using various network operating systems.
  • Able to know and understand programming languages e.g., VB, Turbo C.
  • Able to understand the various software packages e.g. Microsoft office.
  • Able to build complex circuits.
  • Understand how the printers and monitors function.
  • Able diagnosis faults in printers, monitors, CPU, etc.
  • Able to understand the different architecture of computers.
  • Understand web designing.

    This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner with in the PC and Network Engineering Environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability with in the field hardware, networking and engineering the skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the PC and Network Engineering sector.

    The unit standards in the qualification are intended as building blocks that will make the learner a more Skilled, knowledgeable, informed, and efficient worker in the PC and Network Engineering industry.

    Rationale of the Qualification:
    This qualification is a continuation of the coursework done at the past two levels. The knowledge gained will be more in depth in comparison to the other two levels. This qualification is for learner who wants to gain more knowledge in their pursuit of their careers in the PC Network Engineering Field. It is to design to meet the current demands of today's business world. Learners will gain far more competency in the workings of various software packages and technical aspects of computer technology. The qualification satisfies the needs of learners that are technically minded, and knowledge gained will be applied to diagnose faults and repairs required in computers, maintain network systems in businesses. The learners who pursue this qualification play an important role in the smooth functioning of businesses.

    This qualification is the start of a career path in the PC and Network Engineering. The skills, value Attributes, and knowledge reflected in this qualification are building blocks that will prepare learners for progression along the learning ladder (eg. B-Tech). Such a qualification will also provide opportunities for current employees in the industry to seek recognition for prior learning, gained in the workplace or through other studies, against the outcomes of the unit standard in this qualification.

    The qualification enhances the qualifiers access to employment and it serves as a benchmark to employers to gauge the competency of potential employees. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • The learner must have the capacity to learn from written material, and be able to gather information and conduct an analysis of information.
  • Prior learning is taken into consideration on the merit of each learner and the unique circumstances of each learner.
  • Grade 12/Mathematics.

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL):
    The qualification can be obtained by means of RPL. The learner has to provide proof of prior learning through references of work experience and tasks carried out. The prior learning may be informal, formal and non formal learning and work experience. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit - level outcomes:

    On completion of the qualification the learner should:
  • The learner will be able to explain in-depth knowledge of electronics.
  • Demonstrate functioning of Hardware components - fault finding and repairs.
  • Able to perform the networking function.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with local knowledge and contexts in performing technical tasks, applying themselves to well defined tasks under supervision, displaying knowledge of technical components, systems and equipment.
  • Execute role and responsibilities with understanding of concepts, read and interpret diagrams, apply understanding of the importance of technology within the world of work.
  • Communicate with peers, customers and management/ supervisors through utilizing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to express themselves in clearly written and spoken form.
  • Apply solutions to familiar and well defined problems related to the work being performed.
  • Summaries, predict and apply technical operations using the fundamental systems, procedures and equipment required when working.
  • Work in a disciplined manner, organise and analyze significant information and use theories or principles.
  • Calculate requirements and demonstrate ability to utilize entrepreneurial opportunities.

    Critical Cross Field Outcomes:
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community.
  • Organize and manage oneself and ones activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyze, organize and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Reflecting and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Developing Entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • Identify and solve problems. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • The core concepts and principles of the discipline are identified, described.
  • The limitations of basic techniques used in a discipline are appraised.
  • An understanding of how information and ideas become generally accepted is explained.
  • Appropriate procedures are selected and applied with consideration for ethical and safety requirements.
  • Data is collected and recorded accurately.
  • Logical thinking is demonstrated.
  • Evidence of successful and effective work is provided.
  • Organizational skills are applied, time management is demonstrated by meeting deadlines
  • Written and oral feedback is provided with regard to equipment and sub standards in terms of specified requirements.
  • Problem related issues regarding technology are identified, described and discussed which will enable the learner to identify problems in the work place.
  • Maintenance and operation of components is performed according to instructions.
  • Areas for improvement in the organizations computer systems is evaluated.
  • Reflecting and exploring strategies to learn effectively and be a informed worker.
  • Work and communicate with co- workers effectively and efficiently.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The integrated assessment gives learners the ability to integrate concepts across the unit standards to achieve Competency for the purpose of the qualification. Integrated assessment is to assess the quality of performance Thinking and understanding. It is applicable to formative and summative assessment, which is both practical and theoretical. The integrated assessment must enable learners to display capabilities in integrating practical performance, concepts and theory. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is unique to our institution, therefore comparison was difficult. Nevertheless the qualification was benchmarked against the A+, N+, I+, of the COMPTIA and the (MCSE) Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer of Microsoft. There were certain comparability with some of the unit standards but not all. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    With this particular programme learners can further there learning both horizontally and vertically. Learners can receive credits at our institution and move onto other programmes offered at our Institution or they may obtain credits from public institutions and progress vertically. The Professional training obtained from this programme allows our learners entrance to additional qualifications the credits obtained can be used as evidence for RPL for other qualifications. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation ensures that learners who are being assessed are assessed in a consistent, accurate and well designed manner. We ensure that all moderators who moderator a particular unit standard of qualification Using comparable assessment methods and are making similar and consistent judgments about Learner's performance. The moderators are responsible for the moderation of question papers, the marking process and marked scripts. External examiners conduct the moderation.

    To ensure that the moderation is credible, we make sure that the following guidelines are followed:
  • To ensure that the assessment covers, the unit standards completed in the training programme.
  • To verify that the assessments are fair, valid, reliable and practicable.
  • To identify the need to redesign an assessment if need be.
  • To provide an appeals procedure for the dissatisfied learners.
  • To evaluate the performance of assessors.

    Recommendation of a moderating body or bodies:
    Moderators are used for assessments. Moderators are normally appointed from outside the Institution I.e. either from a public tertiary institution or industry, where the qualification of the moderator must be relevant to and a higher qualification level than that of the level of the programme they are responsible for moderating. As a quality control mechanism the moderators must provide certified copies of there Qualifications. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Berea College of Technology (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.