Higher Certificate in Information Technology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with basic level of higher education knowledge and competence in a particular field or occupation that will enable learners to apply such knowledge and competence in an occupation or role in the workplace.

A qualified learner will be competent in

• Supporting users using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems.
• Ensuring the efficient functioning of modern ICT systems.
• Meeting specified industry needs, primarily in the Central region of South Africa.

Rationale

This qualification is an entry-level higher education qualification that is primarily vocational in nature, and has a strong industry-oriented focus. This qualification provides learners with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques for higher education studies in the field of Information Technology (IT) user support. It emphasises selected general principles, together with more specific procedures and the application thereof.

The National Development Plan 2030 states that South Africa can benefit from rapid growth in developing countries that leads to increased demand for commodities and the expansion of consumer markets. At the same time, these trends pose challenges for middle-income countries as a result of greater competition in manufacturing and certain IT-enabled services. The National Development Plan 2030 further states that the skills profile of the public service mirrors the national skills profile. There are critical shortages of quality Doctors, Engineers, IT Professionals, Forensic Specialists, Detectives, Planners, Accountants, Prosecutors, Curriculum Advisors, etc.

The world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. It is vitally important that the Institution adjusts its current qualifications accordingly, to ensure that learners are trained in these cutting-edge technologies.

Furthermore, there is a high demand, both nationally and internationally, for qualified IT user support staff. Today, every business makes use of computer hardware and software - a statement that is confirmed by the Scarce Skills List of the Department of Labour (DoL), as well as the Industry Advisory Board. Quality IT professionals are also included in the list of critical skills shortages contained in the National Development Plan 2030. This qualification will address this critical skills shortage.

The knowledge, competencies and experience of IT User Support attained will enable successful learners to enter a number of career paths, such as the following:

• IT Helpdesk - communicating effectively to identify and solve users' IT-related problems.
• Computer Technologists - maintaining hardware systems.
• Software Technologists - installing and maintaining software systems.
• Operating Systems Maintenance - installing and maintaining operating systems.

This qualification will include a sufficient practical component that would enable learners to gain knowledge on, and practical experience in analysing problems and supporting IT users within IT laboratories.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Selection of such learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the institution. A functional system for RPL is in place at the Institution. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work learning. The decision of the assessment of the portfolio against the relevant learning outcomes may lead to the learner accessing admission to the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement into this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)) with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 totalling 132 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Academic Literacy and Communication Studies, Level 6 Credits.
• Academic Literacy and Communication Studies, Level 6 Credits.
• Information Systems IA, 18 Credits.
• Information Systems IB, 18 Credits.
• Information Technology (IT) Technical Support IA, 18 Credits.
• IT Technical Support IB, 18 Credits.
• System and Application Software IA, 12 Credits.
• System and Application Software IB, 12 Credits.
• User Support IA, 12 Credits.
• User Support IB, 12 Credits.

1. Apply the various theoretical concepts of hardware and software in different contexts.
2. Install, configure and maintain hardware and software in a modern Information Technology (IT).
3. Use troubleshooting strategies and techniques to solve a variety of IT hardware and software problems.
4. Select and apply best practice in IT user support services in ways that meet the needs of end-users.
5. Communicate effectively with IT end-users in various contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Describe personal computer systems.
• Describe and critically analyse contexts requiring the replacement of computer components.
• Describe hardware configurations for task-specific computers.
• Explain the purpose and basic rules of preventative maintenance and the troubleshooting process.
• Use an operating system.
• Acquire knowledge on network principles, standards and purposes.
• Review the components of a basic laptop.
• Describe the many features and capabilities of mobile devices.
• Describe attacks that threaten the security of computer equipment and data, and how to mitigate those threats.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Comply with safe laboratory procedures and standards when assembling a personal computer, using appropriate tools.
• Assemble a desktop computer from compatible components.
• Upgrade a computer system to meet the basic standard requirements.
• Install an operating system effectively.
• Install application software for different purposes, such as for printers, scanners etc diagnose and solve hardware and software problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply basic problem-solving techniques in a networked computing environment, using basic office software packages.
• Use a word-processing software package effectively.
• Use a spreadsheet software package effectively.
• Use a database management software package effectively.
• Use a presentation software package effectively.
• Use the concepts of internet communication effectively.
• Use a computer system software environment, e.g. Windows, effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Illustrate an understanding of the role of the user support environment within a business or organisation.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with end-users.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to interact effectively with end-users.
• Effectively apply Information Technology (IT) skills to troubleshoot, and provide solutions to, problems encountered by end-users.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Acquire a range of academic vocabulary that can be used in different IT contexts.
• Develop, analyse and interpret different types of texts, which are logical and coherent, in order to convey meaning in the relevant IT contexts.
• Respond appropriately to different types of texts, such as letters, faxes,

e-mails and other business documentation; and interpret, use and produce information presented in different formats, such as graphic or visual format.

Integrated Assessment

Provision is made for Integrated Assessment in its entirety. The underpinning principle for the achievement of integrated assessment is ensuring that all work and assessments are directed at enabling learners to commence with situations and required decisions in an end-user support environment. Both formative and summative forms of assessment practices are accommodated.

Furthermore, as this qualification is practice-oriented, the theory acquired is put into practice. This synergy between theory and practice are achieved via:

• Addressing a number of outcomes together.
• Clustering a number of assessment criteria together.
• Promoting and raising awareness of the connections and relationships between the knowledge, processes and skills inside the different modules.
• Using a combination of several different assessment methods, instruments and tools to achieve outcome(s).

Finally, work done in the module IT Technical Support will specifically integrate all outcomes of this qualification, by means of learners developing a workable software system for the subject's software project.