A Qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded entry-level Systems Support professional with a good fundamental knowledge of the Information Technology field, coupled with interpersonal and business skills, allowing for specialisation in one of the following Systems Support fields:
- Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Personal Computers
- Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Office Products
- Data Communications and Networking
- (and any new field not specified yet, allowing for new specialisations in this area)
The qualification is designed to:
- Provide learners with an entry level for further study in Information Technology and related fields, as well as for initial employment in the computer industry.
- Allow many of the listed unit standards to be used in Learnership Schemes in the Information Systems and Technology sector, as well as other sectors where Information Technology is a key requirement.
- Provide a foundational qualification for people who are pursuing a career in the computer industry, or related fields. People with this qualification have an introductory level of understanding about computer industry concepts and/or are able to work in areas of Information Technology with little technical complexity. Examples of the areas covered are entry-level hardware, software, electronics and network support, on mainly (but not limited to) desktop and hand-held devices and local area networks.
- Allow the credits achieved in the National Certificates in Information Technology (Level 2 & 3) to be used as foundation (i.e. learning assumed to be in place) for the requirements of this qualification.
- Have a flexible structure to allow for changing requirements in the computer industry, and to allow providers to create learning programmes with a predominantly Information Technology Support component but tailored to meet the local, national or international needs.
Rationale of the qualification:
This qualification has been formulated such that it reflects the workplace-based needs of the Information Technology Industry as expressed by its stakeholders.
The input has been used to ensure that the qualification provides the learner with accessibility to be employed within the IT Industry.
The introduction of national qualifications in Information Technology based on unit standards will allow learners to qualify for a national qualification by accumulating the required credits via short learning programmes or workplace practical experience or both. It also allows learners to achieve the qualifications through recognition of prior learning and/or learnerships schemes, overcoming past barriers in the methods of achieving formal qualifications.
Academically this National Certificate is intended to be an entry-level qualification in the area of Systems Support. The qualification builds on knowledge areas covered in National Certificates and short learning programmes at NQF level 2 to 4, and it facilitates entry into the Systems Support field. It aims to enhance readiness for further study in Information Technology and related fields at the Further Education level, provides a pathway into further study at Higher Education level, as well as providing for initial employment in the computer industry.
One of the most important needs for this qualification is to provide for the recognition of prior learning. There are currently no unit standards based registered qualifications in the Systems Support area. However, hardware and networks are being installed, maintained and upgraded on a daily basis in a number of different industry sectors. People with workplace experience in the areas covered by this qualification will now be allowed to request assessment and get recognition for prior learning.
The qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to articulate in the IT environment with a wide variety of specialisation options and articulation within the Telecommunications, Information Technology and Electronic Industries and other industries where IT is a key component, like the Financial Services Industry.
Introduction
The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.
To be awarded the Qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 163 credits as detailed below.
Fundamental Component
The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
- Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits
- Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits
- Communication in a Second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits
It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3
All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.
The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 56 credits all of which are compulsory.
Core Component
The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 77 credits all of which are compulsory.
Elective Component
The elective component consists of a number of specialisations. Learners are to choose a specialisation and complete unit standards totalling 30 credits from those listed for the specialisation.
Below is a list of the elective unit standards that are grouped per specialisation field. A minimum of 30 credits from any one specialisation field is needed to be recognised as a specialisation field. Depending on the credits achieved, more than one specialisation field might be printed on the qualification certification documentation.
Specialisation Field: Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Personal Computers.
14922; Demonstrate knowledge of principles of electronic logic for computing ; L4; 9 credits
14929; Describe Computer Cabling ; L4; 4 credits
14934; Demonstrate an Understanding of Hardware Components for Personal Computers or Hand-held Computers ; L4; 7 credits
14939; Assemble a Personal Computer or Hand-held Computer and peripherals from modules ; L4; 7 credits
14935; Repair Peripherals for a Personal Computer or Hand-held Computer to Module Level; L4; 9 credits
14940; Repair a Personal Computer or Hand-held Computer to module level ; L4; 12 credits
14950; Install a Personal Computer or Hand-held Computer and Peripherals ; L4; 7 credits
14943; Install system software and applications software for a Personal Computer or Hand-held Computer; L4; 5 credits
Specialisation Field: Data Communications & Networking Support.
14922; Demonstrate knowledge of principles of electronic logic for computing ; L4; 9 credits
14928; Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of telecommunications ; L2; 7 credits
14932; Describe Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication with Computers ; L3; 6 credits
14947; Describe data communications ; L3; 4 credits
14942; Demonstrate an understanding of computer network communication ; L4; 9 credits
14931; Install networked computer application software ; L4; 5 credits
14953; Install a Local Area Network ; L4; 10 credits
14937; Apply the Principles of Supporting Users of a Local Area Network ; L4; 7 credits
Specialisation Field: Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Office Products.
14922; Demonstrate knowledge of principles of electronic logic for computing ; L4; 9 credits
14936; Describe and install scanning systems ; L4; 3 credits
14946; Describe and install photocopier machines. ; L4; 3 credits
14952; Describe and install a facsimile machine. ; L4; 2 credits
14945; Describe and install computer printers. ; L4; 2 credits
14941; Describe and install colour copiers/printers ; L4; 4 credits
14948; Describe and install high-volume photocopier machines. ; L4; 4 credits
Learners choosing this specialisation are to choose additional unit standards from the other specialisations to the value at least 3 credits.
|
Exit Level Outcomes:
A learner will be able to
1. Communicate effectively with fellow IT staff & users of information systems.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of problem solving techniques, and how to apply them in a technical environment.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Technology Principles.
5. Select and use materials and equipment safely for technological purposes.
6. Work effectively as a team member within a support team.
7. Carry out, under supervision, a small size task to demonstrate knowledge of techniques & skills needed in one or more of the following areas of majoring/specialisation:
- Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Personal Computers
- Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Office Products
- Data Communications and Network Support
In addition to the above, unit standards will be utilised to provide depth of specification of the outcomes ranges and the assessment criteria and processes.
|
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes
In particular, assessors should check that the learner is able to demonstrate an ability to consider a range of options and make decisions, meeting the following criteria:
1. Effective Communication is demonstrated with fellow IT staff & with users of information systems, in the form of written and verbal communication.
2. An understanding of different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business is demonstrated, being able to describe the different computers systems and associated hardware and network configurations and investigate (sometimes under supervision) its use within organisations.
3. The ability to identify different problem solving techniques, and when and how to apply them, is demonstrated.
4. A fundamental understanding of Computer Technology Principles are demonstrated by explaining computer architecture, networking and operating systems concepts, as well as different data storage methods.
5. An understanding of use of equipment safely for technological purposes is demonstrated, being able to install, maintain and upgrade hardware or infrastructure in areas of specialisation, according to customers' Service Level Agreements, manufacturers' recommendations and safety regulations.
6. Working effectively as a team member within a support environment, taking part in team activities and understanding different roles within different support teams.
7. The knowledge of the techniques & skills needed in one or more areas of specialisation is demonstrated by carrying out a small size task that is covering the assessment criteria explained in the unit standards selected in the specialising area being assessed in.
In addition to the above, unit standards will be utilised to provide depth of specification of the outcomes ranges and the assessment criteria and processes.
Furthermore, the assessment process should also cover the following generic components:
- Measure the quality of the observed practical performance as well as the theory and underpinning knowledge behind it;
- Use methods that are varied to allow the learner to display thinking and decision making in the demonstration of practical performance;
- Maintain a balance between practical performance and theoretical assessment methods to ensure each is measured in accordance with the level of the qualification; and
- Ensure that the relationship between practical and theoretical is not fixed but varies according to the outcomes being assessed.
Assessment of Critical Cross-field Outcomes:
To ensure applicability of Fundamental and Critical Cross-field Outcomes this should be assessed as part of Core and Elective assessments.
Integrated Assessment:
Development of the competencies may be through a combination of formal and informal learning, self-learning, training programmes and work-based application.
The practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies demonstrated for the group of assessment criteria in this qualification, must prove that the whole competence is more than the sum of the parts of the competencies.
Providers should conduct diagnostic and formative assessment. Formative, continuous and diagnostic assessments should also take place in the work place, if applicable. The learner should also be able to assess him or herself and determine readiness for a summative assessment against this qualification.
During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies. Input to completing the Integrated Assessment typically makes use of combinations of the following assessment methods:
1. Time-constrained written examinations
2. Coursework Evaluations
3. Continuous Evaluation
4. Practical Evaluation
5. Evaluation of Portfolios of Evidence
|
