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

Higher Certificate: Information Systems - Open Source 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90865  Higher Certificate: Information Systems - Open Source 
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:
The purpose of this qualification is to assist the learner to secure a solid foundation in the IT technical field that will enable learners to function in the IT industry by laying a solid foundation in computer programming and equipping learners with essential skills at an introductory level.

The qualification will therefore focus knowledge and skills in a selection of commonly used languages such as scripting languages, a database query language, mark-up languages, and object oriented programming language, with emphasis on internet-based applications. This in turn will equip learners with a working knowledge of a desktop operating system environment, a database environment and the internet environment. Upon completion the learner will acquire the core foundational knowledge that can pave the way for further studies in the IT field.

Rationale:
This qualification was developed to provide a learner with the core knowledge base that can be further developed further through practical experience and further formal studies for the challenging task of developing contemporary information systems. This qualification prepares learners for a career in software development with an emphasis on database oriented internet-based applications, which is one of the fastest growing specialisation fields in Information Technology.

This qualification aims to assist with the skills shortage by helping produce qualifying learners with the kinds of skills required, relevant to the labour market and South African society at large. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication Skills 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 granting access to Higher Certificate study or a Further Education and Training Certificate at NQF Level 4 or equivalent, with a minimum achievement rating of 3 (Moderate achievement 40-49%) with English. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules are compulsory and are at NQF Level 5:
  • Computer Literacy Open Office, 12 Credits.
  • Processing and Logic Concepts, 6 Credits.
  • Program Design, 6 Credits.
  • Object Analysis and Design, 6 Credits.
  • Database Design Concepts, 6 Credits.
  • MySQL Development, 6 Credits.
  • MySQL Administration, 6 Credits.
  • XML Technologies, 6 Credits.
  • Linux Operating System, 6 Credits.
  • Linux Administration, 6 Credits.
  • Linux Server Administration, 6 Credits.
  • Python Programming, 12 Credits.
  • Main Programming Language, 36 Credits.

    Total: 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The qualifying learner will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of, and skills in utilising an end-user computing system.
    2. Identify and use the concepts and fundamental constructs of a computer programme.
    3. Understand the basic database concepts and the design, implementation, use and administration of a database.
    4. Understand the fundamentals of an operating system and its utilities.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept and use of a mark-up language in general, and an extensible mark-up language in particular, in creating and processing documents.
    6. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of scripting languages, and the use of a scripting language to develop Web applications following the object-oriented approach.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of object-oriented programming, in particular for Web-based applications and the skills to develop introductory level applications.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    These are addressed throughout the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The components and concepts of computer systems are identified and described.
  • A desktop is configured using the functions and utilities of the operating system.
  • Documents are created using a word processor.
  • Spreadsheets and manipulated spreadsheet data are created.
  • Common functions on the internet such as email and search engines are used.
  • A database is defined and the data within the database is manipulated.
  • Presentations are created.
  • Formatting, animation and charts are applied to created presentations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria of Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Operators and data structures used in pseudocode, including arrays and functions, are identified and described.
  • The structure of sequential programmes in pseudocode, including the manipulation of sequential data files, is written and analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The database design process using entity relationship modelling and normalisation is understood.
  • A database is created, populated and queried.
  • The function of a data dictionary and its use is described.
  • Administration functions in a multiple database server environment, including user accounts, are described and implemented.
  • Basic internal and external database security measures are explained and implemented.
  • A database, including preventive maintenance and backup, is maintained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The functions and utilities available through the user interface (desktop) are used.
  • A network interface along with printers and basic network services are configured.
  • Performing maintenance tasks on the operating system is managed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • XML documents are created and validated.
  • XML documents are transformed, for example to create a PDF document.
  • Java, Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) and DOM is used to read an XML document.
  • Through the use of XML, Scalable Vector Graphics are created to be displayed in a web browser.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Using a scripting language dynamic web pages, which can be embedded into a Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) source document, are developed.
  • An object oriented programme and implement controls such as HTML controls, Web forms, and controls to interact with remote services are developed.
  • MySQL database is connected and data manipulation and error handling is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Graphical User Interfaces are created and built.
  • User Events, Threads and Animation and an Applet is written, handled and used.
  • A combination of a variety of Web-related technologies are used to develop dynamic Web-based applications for a scaled down real world information system application.
  • Simple Web Services and applications for use on mobile devices are created.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The form of assessment used ensures that learners are provided the opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across modules to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification.

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

    The qualifying learner mus demonstrate that he or she has achieved the Exit Level Outcomes by passing all course requirements within the time specified for obtaining the qualification. Assessment of this qualification is provided through a whole range of formative and summative assessment methods that include:
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Workplace assessments and practical workbooks.
  • Written assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Case studies and case presentations.
  • Peer group evaluation.
  • Competency evaluations and 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 qualification compares with others offered at international higher education institutions.

    The University of London, Birkbeck in the United Kingdom offers a Certificate of Higher Education in Information Technology which is ideal for learners who want to develop professional IT skills and learn how to apply these skills in the workplace. All modules (except the project) can be taken as stand-alone short courses. Learners are to choose eight modules from the thirteen modules below to complete the one year qualification totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Introduction to Web Authoring using XHTML and CSS.
  • Introduction to Database Technology.
  • Fundamentals of Information Technology.
  • Web Authoring using Dreamweaver.
  • Problem-Solving for Programming.
  • E-Commerce Applications.
  • Developing Multimedia Assets using Fireworks and Flash.
  • XML.
  • JavaScript.
  • Multimedia Web Programming using Flash and Action Script.
  • Web Programming using PHP.
  • Building Web Applications using MySQL and PHP.
  • Project.

    The University of California, Berkeley in the United States has a Certificate in Information Systems and Management which combines theory and practice to give a balanced mix of skills and powerful tools to build a career in information management, systems analysis, computer programming or computer consulting. This qualification will enable the qualifying learner to define, manage and execute a systems approach to the business environment; write computer programs; and design database systems.

    This qualification comprises the following modules:
  • Introduction to Information Systems Analysis and Design.
  • Advanced Business Systems Analysis.
  • Fundamentals of Data Communications and Networking.
  • Managing the Software Development Life Cycle.
  • Introduction to Relational Database Management Systems.
  • Concepts of Relational Database Management Systems.
  • Software Project Management.
  • Software Quality Assurance Methodologies: Practices in the Software Industry.
  • Software Requirements Analysis.
  • UNIX/Linux System Fundamentals.
  • UNIX/Linux System Administration Programming: Shell, C and Perl.
  • Using the UNIX Operating System.

    In the United Kingdom, The London School of Business and Management has a two year BTEC in Information Technology (Higher National Diploma) which is also at NQF Level 5. The comparison was made on the basis of the outcomes, assessment criteria, Degree of difficulty (NQF Level) and notional learning hours/time of the 1st year of this qualification which comprises:
  • Business Skills for E-Commerce.
  • Computer Systems.
  • Networking Technologies.
  • Procedural Programming.
  • Database Design Concepts.
  • Employability and Professional Development.
  • Object Orientated Programming.
  • System Analysis and Design.

    Conclusion:
    The Higher Certificate: Information Systems - Open Source is comparable in duration and content with the qualifications indicated above. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities.

    This Qualification articulates horizontally at NQF Level 5 with:
  • A Higher Certificate: Information Technology.
  • A Higher Certificate: Information Technology: Information Systems.

    The Qualification articulates vertically at NQF Level 6 with:
  • An Advanced Certificate: Information Technology.
  • An Advanced Certificate: Information Technology: Support Services. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is subject to both internal and external moderation. External moderators are required to undergo the relevant and appropriate assessor training through a credible, accredited and registered Quality Council. 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 
    The assessor must have:
  • A qualification in the related field which is at NQF Level 6 or above.
  • At least 4 years' lecturing/work experience in the field. 
    		•

    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 submitted for public comment, or 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.