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

Plan and design software testing activities 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
386056  Plan and design software testing activities 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Information Systems and Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  NQF Level 05  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this unit standard is able to perform effective software testing and development, enabling the learner to gain better control over the different software testing activities. Learners will also be able to perform effective planning, designing and monitoring of all software testing activities using a systematic approach.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Explaining the principles of software testing.
  • Performing software testing practices.
  • Implementing software testing levels.
  • Generating a system test plan.
  • Explaining test case design techniques.
  • Preparing a systems test design. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the principles of software testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Software testing is defined in terms of its purpose and objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Software test requirements and conditions are explained according to the functionality of the software. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Software test scripts are defined according to international conventions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Software test scripts and procedures are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of testware is explained in terms of relationships with other components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The relationship between testware and software testing process is explored using test requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Generate a system test plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A software test strategy is developed in line with test requirements and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Test documentation is identified and developed according to test requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A systems test plan is created to meet test planning and design requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain test case design techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Strategies for generating test cases are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different types of tests are described with an example of each. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different testing may include but is not limited to positive testing, negative testing, static testing, dynamic testing, black box testing, white box testing and regression testing.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Test case design techniques are executed in accordance with test requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Determine software testing levels. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Levels may include but are not limited to Component testing, Integration testing, Acceptance testing and System testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Various testing levels are explained with an example of each. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The major areas of systems testing are identified and executed according to test cases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    User acceptance is obtained by matching system requirement with the software. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A structured testing pyramid is developed in accordance with testing requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Prepare a systems test design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Test design basics and activities are explained in line with tests to be carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Deliverables, conditions and procedures are explained in terms of outcomes required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Test design specification is prepared and recorded according to organisational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Test design specification preparation may include but is not limited to test conditions, missing business requirements, test cases, data needed, expected results and test cycles.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A systems specification template is created to meet test design specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Perform software testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Test requirements are defined and recorded in terms of the functionality of the software. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tests and test cases are designed to meet software requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The software test process is defined in accordance the specification of the test activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tools are selected to support the test process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools may include but are not limited to Cantata ++, ADA Test 95, Rational Performance Tester (RPT), Rational Functional Tester (RFT), Rational Manual Tester (RMT) and Eclipse Test and Performance Tools Platform (TPTP).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Testing is conducted in accordance with the test plan. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through Recognition of Prior Learning) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Planning techniques. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems relating to the planning and design of software. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in order to enhance the acceptability and outcomes of the test. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities to have alternative plans and designs available in case of failure. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information pertaining to the requirements for software test planning and design. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when sourcing information for software test planning and design and in discussing results of tests. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology to plan and design the software tests and process the results. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems where the level of planning and design has an impact of the outcome of the test. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  83446   National Certificate: Electronics  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Core  83026   National Certificate: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Software Testing  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    2. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    3. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    4. FACULTY TRAINING INSTITUTE PTY LTD 
    5. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    6. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    7. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    8. Terry Computer Services cc 
    9. Visionary Skill Academy 


    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.