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. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: |
National Certificate: Information Technology (Systems Development) |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
48872 | National Certificate: Information Technology (Systems Development) | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Computer Sciences and Information Systems | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
MICTS - Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National 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 | 131 | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered" |
SAQA 06120/18 | 2018-07-01 | 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 |
The purpose of this qualification is to enhance readiness and provide entry into the areas of Systems Development at NQF level 5. It prepares learners for entry into the workplace or as undergraduate study in the Systems Development areas covered, providing them with the necessary knowledge needed for further study in the fields of Information Technology and Computer Sciences at Higher Education level.
The qualification is addressing the need in the workplace for nationally recognised qualifications, based on unit standards, that will allow people with workplace experience in the Systems Development areas covered, to request assessments and get recognition for prior learning. A qualifying learner will be able to communicate effectively with fellow IT staff & users of information technology, understanding the role of technology in a business context and to be able to address business problems with appropriate information technology solutions. Learners will be able to apply the principles of creating computer software by carrying out, under limited supervision, a task of reasonable size to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, techniques & skills needed in one or more area of majoring/specialisation that the qualification offers. A qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded IT professional, building on foundational technical skills acquired at NQF level 4, via the National Certificate in IT Technical Development or equivalent. This qualification is expanding the systems development foundation started at NQF level 4 into specialisation fields within systems development, in one or more of the following disciplines: The qualification is designed to: Rationale of the qualification Similar to the National Certificates in IT at NQF level 4, 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 qualification may be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, either through learnerships or by recognition of prior learning (RPL). Academically this National Certificate is intended to be an entry-level qualification, at the Higher Education band, in the area of Systems Development. The qualification builds on from the National Certificate in Information Technology: Systems Development at NQF level 4, and it also facilitates entry into the Systems Development field from other related fields. It aims to enhance readiness for further study in Information Technology and related fields at the 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 RPL. There are currently no unit standards based registered qualifications for Software Development at the higher education level. However, computer programs are written, installed, maintained and upgraded on a daily basis in a number of different industry sectors. Many areas of training in this field if currently not provided against nationally recognised standards, which this qualification will be addressing. The qualification may be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, through learnerships or RPL. Acquiring the qualification through learnerships or RPL, has the potential of addressing the problems of the past, where newly qualified people getting into the industry struggled to get employment, because they were required to have practical experience. People with workplace experience in the areas covered by this qualification will now also 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 to articulate within the Telecommunications, Information Technology and Electronic Industries and other industries where IT is a key component, like the Financial Services or Insurance Industries. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
It is assumed that the learner must be competent in skills gained at the further education and training band, with Computer Studies as an advantage, but not a requirement. A learning assumption of this qualification is foundational skills in communication and mathematical literacy as required by NQF level 4 qualifications. Further learning assumed is the ability to use a personal computer competently.
The assumed learning can be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace. Acquiring the competencies in a workplace (either via formal skills programmes or normal on-the-job training) has the potential of addressing the problems of the past, where formal qualifications were only obtainable by way of formal study. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) This qualification may be achieved through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Achieving unit standards through RPL Any learner wishing to be assessed to achieve credits in respect of any or all of the unit standards specified in this qualification may arrange to do so without having to attend further education or training. Achieving the qualification through RPL To achieve the qualification through RPL, the learner must submit him/herself to be assessed against the integrated assessment criteria of this qualification. |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
Rules regarding NQF levels of credits
The qualification consists of a minimum of 131 credits and has been designed in accordance with the SAQA rules of combination: Rules regarding Fundamental and Core: 1. All fundamental outcomes are compulsory for this qualification (31 credits). 2. All core outcomes are compulsory (75 credits). Rules regarding Electives: 1. A minimum of 25 elective credits needs to be completed out of one of the elective specialisation fields listed in the table below. If a programming specialisation is chosen, then all the unit standards in the chosen fields must be completed together, to be recognised as a specialisation stream. 2. A learner may specialise in more than one elective stream, as long as the rule listed above has been adhered to. 3. The qualification description will list the fields of specialisation that have been completed (according to the rules of the previous two points) on the qualification document. 4. Additional standards from any other SAQA field or sub-field may be added to the listed electives. |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
A learner will be able to:
The following exit level outcomes will depend on the specialisation field(s) chosen: 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: 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. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
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: 3. Demonstrated by being able to: 4. Demonstrated by being able to: 5. Demonstrated by: 6. Demonstrated by: 7. Demonstrated by:Applying the knowledge of the techniques & skills needed in one or more area of majoring/ specialisation, covering the assessment criteria explained in the unit standards selected in the specialising area. 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 |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
This qualification and associated unit standards have been evaluated with, and are comparable to equivalent qualifications and standards on the following Qualifications Frameworks:
Furthermore, input to the development of this qualification has been compared against international standards and qualifications, specifically those of New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. International and South African support for the proposed conceptual framework and content is evidenced in the following: |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
Upon successful completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will have a thorough understanding of the role of an IT Systems Development person and be able to competently carry out the exit level outcomes of the qualification, in a business environment. The qualification may be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, through learnerships, or by a method of RPL.
A qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded IT professional building on foundational technical skills acquired at NQF level 4, via the National Certificate in IT Systems Development or equivalent. This qualification covers various specialisation(s) into IT Systems Development or to any other related vertical or enabled markets. This qualification was developed to allow for further study in Information Technology and related fields at Higher Education levels. It will allow the qualified learner to progress to further qualifications either in Systems Development or other IT domains, or into related industries where IT is a key component. In particular, this qualification has been designed to allow entry into the National Diploma in Systems Development at NQF level 5 and into current tertiary qualifications at National Diploma level. |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
To ensure that national standards are maintained, the final assessment should be conducted on the following basis, which will be under the control of the relevant ETQA's (ISETT SETA or other relevant ETQA's): |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
The criteria to register as an assessor includes the following:
|
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
This section contains additional information to support the implementation of this qualification. It suggests the ways in which the learning assumed to be in place could by acquired as well as different ways in which learnerships (that will lead to this qualification) could be implemented.
A. Additional notes on learning assumed to be in place for this qualification This qualification has been designed with the assumption that the necessary foundational skills have been acquired at NQF level 4. If a learner has not acquired these skills, they will struggle with some of the concepts of the unit standards covered by this qualification. This qualification has been designed with the assumption that the necessary foundational skills have been acquired at NQF level 4. If a learner has not acquired these skills, they will struggle with some of the concepts of the unit standards covered by this qualification. Although these foundational skill are in many cases stated as a requirement by stakeholders, to make learners more employable, such unit standards could not be included as part of this qualification, as it will lower the standard of the qualification. Because Computer Studies is currently not a compulsory subject in schools, it could also not be assumed that every school leaver will have the necessary fundamental IT skills required for this qualification. It is therefor very important to assist learners to be able to acquire the knowledge that are assumed to be in place for the unit standards attempted in this qualification. Depending on the specialisation stream some additional assumed knowledge might need to be acquired. Examples of such unit standards are the following: The following methods are suggested ways of acquiring the necessary competencies, to the level required for this qualification: 1. Specific "bridging" programmes (short courses) could be used, which could already exist or need to be built. 2. Specific "bridging" programmes could be built into the learnerships that will lead to this qualification, as skills programmes, that will ensure these competencies are achieved 3. The National Certificate in Systems Development at NQF level 4 could be completed. B. Additional notes as ETQA guidelines for learnership implementation of this qualification. This qualification has been designed to accommodate various learnerships in the area of Systems Development. The intention is that different learnerships will be used to cover the different specialisation streams of the qualification, to cover a specific need that arises in the industry. In other words, the intention is that multiple learnerships will be used to lead to this one national qualification. Learnership titles should reflect the necessary specialisation(s) chosen within the qualification, to allow the industry to experience the value of the new unit standard based qualifications, as addressing specific needs highlighted as part of the research in the industry. This is crucial in addressing the perception in the industry that national qualifications are not addressing the workplace needs. In addition, as mentioned in the previous section, learnerships are ideal vehicles for ensuring learning assumed to be in place are covered as part of the learnership. Learnerships will often cover more than national qualifications, to address the specific needs that the learnerhip in trying to address. This could result in learnership-delivery of national qualification being the route that industry prefer, for acquiring national qualifications. C. Additional notes regarding articulation to this qualification It is important to note that although this qualification was designed as part of a broad IT qualifications framework, articulation to this qualification might need additional study in the learning assumed to be in place. It is suggested that additional learning assumed to be in place be acquired in ways explained above, to ensure learners are properly equipped for the area of specialisation chosen. Although the qualification was developed with articulation in mind, the size of the ICT industry results in areas of specialisation that acquire very specialised skills, which cannot be covered adequately in all qualifications. Learners attempting this qualification and/or training providers planning to deliver this qualification (or some of its unit standards) need to pay attention to this fact when articulating into this area. |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 115359 | Demonstrate an understanding of the handling of error in a computer programming environment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 2 |
Core | 115391 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of the internet and the world-wide-web | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
Core | 115358 | Apply information gathering techniques for computer system development | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Core | 115392 | Apply principles of creating computer software by developing a complete programme to meet given business specifications | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Core | 115365 | Apply the principles of designing computer system inputs and outputs | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Core | 114048 | Create database access for a computer application using structured query language | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 9 |
Core | 114049 | Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Database Management Systems | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Core | 115373 | Demonstrate an understanding of sort and search techniques used in computer programming | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Core | 115367 | Demonstrate logical problem solving and error detection techniques | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Core | 115362 | Manage software development source files using appropriate tools | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 115388 | Produce documentation for a computer program to agreed standards | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Core | 115384 | Test a computer program against a given specification | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Fundamental | 114076 | Use computer technology to research a computer topic | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
Fundamental | 116389 | Write a technical report | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Fundamental | 115431 | Analyse feedback contexts and apply constructive feedback techniques | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Fundamental | 114051 | Conduct a technical practitioners meeting | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Fundamental | 114055 | Demonstrate an awareness of ethics and professionalism for the computer industry in South Africa | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Fundamental | 114059 | Demonstrate an understanding of estimating a unit of work and the implications of late delivery | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Fundamental | 114050 | Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Fundamental | 13925 | Present information in a public setting | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 115368 | Apply advanced HTML and associated techniques to build a web site for business applications | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Elective | 115363 | Apply fundamental principles of Object Oriented Programming to solve a given problem | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115386 | Apply the principles of creating batch and interactive computer programs using a procedural programming language | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115390 | Create an application for a single-user personal computer using a fourth generation language | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115364 | Create animation for a multimedia/web-based computer application | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115371 | Create digitised sound for a multimedia/web-based computer application | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115370 | Create digitised still images for a multimedia/web-based computer application | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115375 | Create digitised video for a multimedia/web-based computer application | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115366 | Create graphic elements for a multimedia/web-based computer application | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115379 | Create object scripts for a multimedia/web-based computer application | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 20 |
Elective | 115383 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of designing and building an e-Commerce web site | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115376 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of implementing and managing a web server | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115385 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of implementing and managing an e-Commerce web site | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Elective | 115374 | Demonstrate an understanding of the use of web-sites in business | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 115380 | Demonstrate an understanding of the various types of e-commerce applications | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Elective | 115372 | Demonstrate an understanding of tools and products available for web-site development | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Elective | 115360 | Demonstrate fourth generation language computer programming skills | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 115369 | Design and build a web-site using simple HTML | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 115377 | Explain the IT components of an e-Commerce system | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 115387 | Apply the principles of creating a computer program using a procedural programming language in a GUI environment | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 14 |
Elective | 115381 | Apply the principles of creating a computer program using an OOP language in a GUI environment | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 12 |
Elective | 115382 | Apply the principles of creating computer programs containing advanced algorithms using a procedural programming language | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 12 |
Elective | 115361 | Create digitised text for a multimedia/web-based computer application | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 8 |
Elective | 115378 | Demonstrate an understanding of advanced object-oriented programming | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 14 |
Elective | 115389 | Design a computer application for a single-user personal computer for programming with a 4GL | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 12 |
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. | Answer The Call Skills and Entrepreneurship |
2. | Cape Innovation Technology and Initiative NPC |
3. | Careers IT |
4. | CTU Training Solutions |
5. | IT Labs Consulting |
6. | Learnfast Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd |
7. | Mo Afrika Ithlokomele Education Projects |
8. | NCM Computer and Business Academy |
9. | One and Zero Learning |
10. | Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd |
11. | Shree Institute for Professional Studies Pty Ltd |
12. | Silulo Ulutho Technologies |
13. | Sokwanya Trading (Pty) Ltd |
14. | SpecCon Holdings (PTY) Ltd |
15. | The Finishing College |
16. | The Genix Institute (Pty) Ltd |
17. | Umuzi Photo Club - NPO |
18. | Work Skills Resources CC |
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. |