Higher Occupational Certificate: Computer Technician

Purpose

The qualification outcomes cover types of software, hardware, components, upgrading and troubleshooting a computer, formatting and partitioning hard drives, and network topologies. Green technology, maintaining records of daily problems and remedial actions, and preparing evaluations for system performance. These shall enable learners to practice, establish their own business and employ others.

This qualification will provide the learners with an opportunity to progress into career paths in Information Communication Technology (ICT), Telecommunications, Computer or Network Support Technician, System Administrator, Project Manager, and other related occupations. The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Computer Technician. Computer Technician provides technical assistance to users, including diagnosing and resolving issues and problems with software, hardware, computer peripheral equipment, networks, databases, systems and the internet.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Support application of the potential green technologies.
• Processes and procedures for a sustainable computer environment in an organisation.
• Set up a computing device.
• Install peripheral equipment for a user.
• Solve hardware and/or software problems of a computing device.

Rationale

With the increase in personal computers, home computers, and computers in schools and businesses, it is important that future computer technicians are trained to be able to maintain and upgrade computers and their components. The swift migration in the use of computers in education, training, social and business activities taking place digitally and online necessitates the skills to support users of computers as they become the main tool of trade. Computers are the lifeline of economies, as such end-user support with a competent computer technician is critical. The qualification will enable the development of Computer Technicians with computer hardware and software hands-on troubleshooting and repair skills. Computer technicians benefit society by providing support to computer users through answering questions, resolving technical problems and maintaining organisations and individuals' network, software and computer equipment. Support can be provided in person, online or remotely. Computer technicians benefit the sector as they can work for computer software or hardware companies, assisting customers with products. More generally, computer technicians can work in an organisation's IT department, providing computer support to employees. These technicians are responsible for maintaining the organisation's computer services (network and equipment).

Their duties can include troubleshooting to detect and solve technical problems, installing or updating required hardware and software. They can also recommend computer products or equipment to improve organisations' productivity. The qualification presents an opportunity for students, upon completion, to start their own business to repair, upgrade, install, and maintain computer systems. The economy will benefit from increased optimisation of the ICT service in organisations. This would enable more businesses to invest and grow, which would increase employment opportunities.

The qualification provides progression possibilities in occupations related ICT qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Computer technicians benefit society by providing support to computer users through answering questions, resolving technical problems and maintaining organisations and individuals' networks, software, and computer equipment. Support can be provided in person, online or remotely.

Computer technicians benefit the sector as they can work for computer software or hardware companies, assisting customers with products. More generally, computer technicians can work in an organisation's IT department, providing computer support to employees. These technicians are responsible for maintaining the organisation's computer services (network and equipment). Their duties can include troubleshooting to detect and solve technical problems, installing or updating required hardware and software. They can also recommend computer products or equipment to improve organisations' productivity.

The qualification presents an opportunity for learners, upon completion, to start their own business to repair, upgrade, install, and maintain computer systems. The economy will benefit from increased optimisation of the ICT service in organisations. This would enable more businesses to invest and grow, which would increase employment opportunities.

The qualification provides progression possibilities in occupations related to ICT qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Typical learners include individuals who want to enter the ICT industry or those already working in the industry without formal qualifications. Occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate are PC Repair Technician, ICT Support Technician, Computer Support Specialist, IT Support Specialist, Server Junior Technician, Data Center Technician, and Help Desk Support (IT).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification.

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider that offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

RPL for exemption from modules

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for credits

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA, in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

NQF Level 04 qualification with Maths and Computer Literacy.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill, and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 351201-001-01-KM-01, Introduction to Data Communication and Networking, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-02, Foundational Concepts for a Computer Technician, NQF Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-03, End User Computing, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-04, Business Communication and Customer Services, NQF Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-05, Entrepreneurship in the Computing Device industry, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-06, Basic Electrical and Electronic Principles, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-07, Digital Components and Circuits, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-08, Computing Device Schematic Diagrams, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-09, Fundamentals of Computing Device Architecture: Hardware, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-10, Fundamentals of Computing Device Architecture: Software, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-11, Legislation and Guidelines that Governs a Computer Technician, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-12, Diagnosing and Problem Solving, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-KM-13, Ready for Work Standards, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 49

Practical Skills Modules

• 351201-001-01-PM-01, Remove, Update and Install Software and Firmware, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-PM-02, Remove and Install Components, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-PM-03, Maintain and Service Components, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-PM-04, Assess, Dismantle, Repair and Reassemble Computing Device: Hardware, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-PM-05, Troubleshoot computer and network faults, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-PM-06, Diagnose and Repair Computing device, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-PM-07, Maintain Computer and Network Security, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-PM-08, Provide Support to End Users, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 61

Work Experience Modules

• 351201-001-01-WM-01, Processes of Responding to user inquiries regarding fault request, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-WM-02, Setting up equipment for users, check operating system performance and ensure proper installation of cables and software, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-WM-03, Processes of maintaining computer systems and peripherals, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 351201-001-01- WM-04, Selection of potential green technologies, processes and procedures for cost effective application and create a sustainable computer environment to reduce e-waste, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 351201-001-01-WM-05, Maintenance of records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 65

1. Support computer applications for potential green technologies, processes and procedures.
2. Set up the computing device and install the peripheral equipment.
3. Maintain hardware and/or software of a computing device.
4. Support the organisation's network system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Support computer applications for potential green technologies, processes and procedures

• Analyse and identify the need for potential usage of green technology in the IT department.
• Raise awareness on the usage of green technology according to company's standard operating procedures.
• Recommend potential e-waste recycling, green computing, and environmentally responsible products according to set standards.
• Support application and implementation of potential e-waste recycling, green computing, and environmentally responsible products within the organisation's parameters.
• Apply occupational health and safety in the use of computing devices, systems, and networks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Set up the computing device and install peripheral equipment

• Install operating system.
• Create administrative user account according to the specified requirements.
• Connect computing device to the organisation's domain network within specified parameters.
• Created standard user account for the end user according to role specifications.
• Install software according to specifications.
• Configure settings according to user account specifications.
• Connect peripheral components to the computing device according to user requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Maintain hardware and/or software of a computing device

• Analyse user requests or queries within the scope of the Computer Technician.
• Resolve scenarios against standard industry practices.
• Work solutions out, including repair, upgrade, download applicable software, format, install or uninstall software and hardware to industry standards.
• Apply solutions including repairing, upgrading, and downloading applicable software; formatting, installing or uninstalling software and hardware; rebooting the computer to optimise performance.
• Apply time-management techniques to the various tasks in the service of computer technical assistance, and delays are managed to optimise performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Support the organisation's network system

• Analyse software requirements.
• Configure and install network operating systems.
• Install and configure client-server applications and services.
• Install and configure an internetwork is chosen.
• Install and configure UNIX/LINUX-based networked computers.
• Install and configure network systems for internetworking.
• Integrate multiple computer operating systems on a client server local area network.
• Install and configure Structured programs to control external devices.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Formative Assessments conducted internally

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should Implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating:

The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules.