Higher Occupational Certificate: Database Administrator

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to function as a Database Administrator.

Database Administrators maintain the security and quality of digital databases in organisations by ensuring the availability of data, protection of data against loss and ensuring the optimum validity of data on the database. They also monitor and facilitate the ease and security of accessibility of data according to organisational policies, procedures, and standards and within the prevailing legislative requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Deploy the required database servers and install all required database software.
• Perform regular database backups and ensure recovery from database failures.
• Maintain existing database protocols and ensure the optimum security of the database.
• Monitor the performance of the database and take action to optimise database performance and maintenance.

A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes

• Attention to Detail
• Compliance Orientation
• Analytical problem solving
• Sense of Urgency
• Tenacity and
• Adaptability.

Rationale

In South Africa, the need for an occupational qualification for Database Administrators is paramount. Databases are the backbone of modern organisations, containing critical data that drives decision-making, innovation, and competitiveness. Database Administrators play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity, security, and efficiency of these systems.

The complexity and importance of database management require specialised skills and knowledge. This qualification will bridge the skills gap, enhance employability, and empower South African businesses with a pool of qualified Database Administrators to support their growth and data-driven success.

In an era of digital transformation, cybersecurity threats, and data privacy concerns, a dedicated qualification for Database Administrators is not only necessary but essential for safeguarding our digital infrastructure and fostering economic development. It will contribute to the professionalization of the field, benefitting both individuals seeking rewarding careers and organisations seeking skilled database management expertise.

The Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner, NQF Level 5, 185 Credits, SAQA ID 118708 is registered on the NQF. The purpose of this registered qualification is to prepare learners to operate as a Data Science Practitioners. Data Science Practitioners take custody of data and make the data available in a structured form for the Data Scientist to use. They support the data life cycle by collecting, transforming, and analysing data and communicating results to solve elementary business problems. They transform data into robust, comprehensive data sets, aligned with the problem identified in the statement of work and ready for storage. The Higher Occupational Certificate: Database Administrator, however, has a different focus and specifically targets the development of professional database administrators who can become the custodians of the safe and effective operation of all databases within organisations.

The development of this qualification will also benefit society in general. It will help to improve the quality of services provided by businesses and organisations, leading to better customer satisfaction. Additionally, it will create job opportunities for individuals who have an interest in data management and wish to pursue a career in this field.

The qualification will be particularly beneficial to South African economy, where there is a high demand for skilled professionals in the IT industry. The development of a standardised qualification will help to bridge the skills gap and provide opportunities for job creation in the country.

Typical learners include those who have completed a matric qualification or equivalent, as well as individuals who are currently employed in the IT industry and wish to upskill or gain formal recognition of their skills and knowledge in the field of database administration.

Collaboration with relevant stakeholders

Various stakeholders in the database administration environment were consulted during the development of this occupational qualification.

A person with a Higher Occupational Certificate: Database Administrator will be qualified to operate in various occupations, including:

• Database Administrator
• Database Analyst
• Database Developer
• Database Security Specialist
• Data Warehouse Administrator
• Database Supervisor

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access

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

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. 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

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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 programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme 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 Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment.

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.

For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence.

Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 4 qualification with Computer Literacy.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 252101-001-00-KM-01, Establishing Databases, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-KM-02, Database Maintenance, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-KM-03, Database Compliance, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-KM-04, Personal Growth and Development, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 44

Practical Skill Modules

• 252101-001-00-PM-01, Deploy database servers, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-PM-02, Perform Database Backups, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-PM-03, Recover Data after System and or Hardware Failure, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-PM-04, Manage and Maintain Database Operations, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-PM-05, Manage and Report on Database Performance, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 40

Work Experience Modules

• 252101-001-00-WM-01, Processes for deploying Database Servers and Commissioning the Database for Use, NQF Level 5, 9 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-WM-0,2 Processes for Database Backup and Recovery, NQF Level 5, 9 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-WM-03, Processes for Maintaining Existing Databases, NQF Level 5, 9 Credits.
• 252101-001-00-WM-04, Processes for Managing and Improving Database Performance, NQF Level 5, 9 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 36

1. Apply an informed level of knowledge and understanding of the theories and concepts of database administration to deploy database servers and install required database software.
2. Select and apply standard methods, procedures, and techniques to perform regular database backups and ensure recovery from database failures.
3. Process defined, routine, and new problems associated with database performance by continually maintaining existing database protocols and ensuring the optimum security of the databases.
4. Access, process and manage appropriate information to monitor the performance of databases and take action to optimise database performance and maintenance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Apply an informed level of knowledge and understanding of the theories and concepts of database administration to deploy database servers and install required database software.

• Define and document purpose and technical requirements of specific databases.
• select and modify Suitable database management system according to customer and technical requirements.
• Install database operating and management systems according to customer requirements and database design specifications.
• Configure database servers by setting up security, network access and storage according to customer requirements and design parameters.
• Import and integrate databases and data tables into the database system.
• Set up database backup and recovery procedures according to the database design requirements.
• Test set up database deployment and follow processes to obtain customer acceptance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Select and apply standard methods, procedures, and techniques to perform regular database backups and ensure recovery from database failures.

• Scope of the backup is determined, backup method and location is selected and agreed according to design parameters.
• Verify and set up backup schedules.
• Test and document backup processes.
• Identify critical databases and determine the maximum up and down time.
• Determine potential causes of data corruption, and select and apply data recovery strategy, method, and location.
• Compile detailed data recovery procedures, and appropriately document a disaster recovery plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Process defined, routine, and new problems associated with database performance by continually maintaining existing database protocols and ensuring the optimum security of the databases.

• Identify, describe and document end user roles.
• Identify and evaluate and solve problems.
• Create and assign permissions database user accounts.
• Monitor database access and enforce security measures.
• Document and maintain security protocols and guidelines to ensure ongoing database security and compliance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Access, process and manage appropriate information to monitor the performance of databases and take action to optimise database performance and maintenance.

• Identify database performance benchmarks and create appropriate performance metrics.
• Extract database performance reports and analyse the effectiveness and reliability of the database.
• Report database performance with improvement recommendations.
• Document database performance information and maintain performance history for ongoing analysis and decision making.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

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.

Summative Assessment

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification, or occupational skills programme, 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, part-qualification, or skills programme.

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.

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

OR

The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components.