Higher Certificate in Information and Communication Technology

Purpose

The Higher Certificate has been developed to prepare students for meaningful work in the IT Services sector, but also to allow articulation into the Diploma. Higher Certificate learners who choose to enter the world of work, or who are not admitted to the Diploma, need to be "facilitated" into ICT Services internship opportunities and then into employment.

Learners who successfully complete the (new) Higher Certificate in ICT qualification will either be enrolled at the University of Technology (UoT) for the Diploma in ICT qualification or will qualify for placement as an intern in the IT Services industry. The success modelling of the project is therefore dependent on-firstly, guaranteeing a number of seats for FET learners in the Diploma in ICT; and secondly, securing suitable internship opportunities for FET learners in the IT services industry. It is with respect to the latter imperative that support will be sought from the organised ICT governance sector, e.g. SATN, SACPO, CSIR Meraka, e-Skills Institute, MIC SETA, CITI, and all relevant government structures and NGOs.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate in ICT is designed to develop the FET sector as a viable feeder pathway into the University of Technology (UoT) for its Diploma in ICT; while providing FETs with a recognised exit level (vocational) qualification that articulates to the UoT sector. The Higher Certificate in ICT is specialised in "IT Services" and is currently aligned to the industry-referenced ITIL qualifications framework. The Diploma in ICT provides the option of specialisation in one of seven areas. The conceptual development of the project is at an advanced stage of completion and the project is currently entering a pilot implementation phase to test aspects of the programme design and courseware model. In the spirit of true collaboration, all parties enjoy equal status and make contribution towards achieving efficacious delivery of the project.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners that do not meet the minimum criteria can apply for access into the program through the PRL process. Learners will have to provide evidence of any additional courses completed or relevant workplace experience. Learners will follow the institutional RPL procedures. Refer to RPL Policy as uploaded for the HEQC online application.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC).

The qualification consists of 11 modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Computer Applications 1, 5 Credits.
• Computer Hardware 1, 15 Credits.
• Information Technology Services Theory 1, 20 Credits.
• Quantitative Techniques 1, 10 Credits.
• Computer Networks 1, 10 Credits.
• Computer Software 1, 10 Credits.
• Information Technology Services Practice 1, 20 Credits.
• Information Technology Services Project 1, 10 Credits.
• Business Practice 1, 10 Credits.
• Personal Communication 1, 5 Credits.
• Strategic Communication 1, 5 Credits.

1. Understand the purpose and operational imperatives of IT Services Management as a sub-discipline.
2. Identify the various types of end-users and explore their possible in different IT support environments.
3. Demonstrate basic project management competence; and engage in a capstone project (independently or as part of a team) that demonstrates understanding of the knowledge, techniques and skills of the IT Services Management industry sector.
4. Communicate effectively with all role players within the IT Services Management industry sector.
5. Support end users in the use of existing standardised company software packages.
6. Troubleshoot and maintain computer devices used by end users.
7. Solve problems and demonstrate competence in the application IT Services Management concepts.
8. Manage the operational aspects of IT service centres in alignment with IT policy; and understand the importance of ethical conduct within the IT Services Management industry sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Fundamental knowledge of the function, services and environments in relation to computer user support is demonstrated.
• Fundamental knowledge of the dimensions of customer services skills required by end user support personnel is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Knowledge of support services organisations with respect to user support management, organisational development and training, and procurement of infrastructure is practiced.
• Knowledge of conducting the process of user needs analysis based on broad environmental considerations is demonstrated.
• Knowledge of planning, authorising, and evaluating end user documentation is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Professional/vocational knowledge of the role and procedures for operating a service a service desk for IT support services and end-user support is demonstrated.
• Professional/vocational knowledge of "best practices" for developing a project management plan to enable an IT support services is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Reflexive engagement of personal and interpersonal communication and possible barriers is demonstrated.
• Fundamental knowledge of the nature and scope of media with specific reference to mass media and social media is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Fundamental knowledge of the principles of functional design logic of computer software applications is demonstrated.
• Knowledge of programme design logic in computer software applications development is practiced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Knowledge of the components of a computer and its functioning is demonstrated.
• Fundamental knowledge of network fundamentals with respect to commercial connectivity arrangements is demonstrated.
• Knowledge of basic network connectivity approaches with respect IP addressing and troubleshooting is practiced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Knowledge of mathematical constructs and their application to solving basic computer-related mathematical problems is practiced.
• Knowledge of basic trigonometry and geometry and its application to solving problems related to the physical environment is practiced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Fundamental knowledge of the business imperatives of IT support services within a broader operational and commercial organisational setting is demonstrated.
• Fundamental knowledge of basic concepts of economics, politics and social systems within a business environment is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification will incorporate the following assessment approaches: written and practical tests, portfolio assessment and assignments/projects (individual and team), within a continuous assessment model, to assess the learning that has taken place.

Underpinning the assessment strategy is not only the evaluation of knowledge, competencies and skills from an academic perspective but a particular emphasis on evaluating the application of learning in the "world of work" or working environment, through the various modalities of work integrated learning (refer CHE document).

Learners enrolled for this higher certificate will be required to register for a project based offering. This project based subject or module offering is intended to provide learners with an opportunity to integrate learning across the curriculum and deliver an integrated project consistent with industry practice.

Within the Higher Certificate, the project based offering will focus on

• Constructing portfolio evidence (paper-based or electronic), which will not only reflect work done at this level but also serve as a device for recording professional exposure (NQF Level 5).