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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Internet-of-Things Developer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119262  Occupational Certificate: Internet-of-Things Developer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-MICT SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  141  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-06-21  2025-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31   2029-12-31  

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Internet-of-Things Developer.
An Internet-of-Things Developer coordinates all components of an Internet-of-Things (IoT) solution that includes sensors, devices, actuators, networks, and other infrastructure to aggregate and disseminate data, store the data on the cloud and make it available to the data scientist for decision making, thus being responsible for the full cycle from data collection to data delivery.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Deploy an IoT solution by connecting sensors, devices, and things to a wired or wireless network.
  • Collect, aggregate, disseminate and store large amounts of unstructured and structured data generated by these devices.
  • Integrate collected data with the existing systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) of an organisation for consumption and use.

    Rationale:
    In the broadest sense, the term Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses everything connected through the internet, but it is increasingly being used to define objects that "talk" to each other. Simply, the Internet of Things is made up of devices, from simple sensors to smartphones and wearables - connected together". The IoT is one of the fastest growing fields in the world of digitalisation. It was projected by Gartner that a total of 4.2 billion things would be connected by 2019 and a total of 25 billion in 2021. Moreover, the GSM Association predicted the growth of IoT devices to about 25.1 billion by 2025. This expectation presents a huge opportunity for businesses to harness data, optimise their operations and deliver more relevant experiences to users. South Africa will similarly be affected by the growth in IoT, and the MICT SETA recognises the need for a qualification to enable qualified to find employment and engage with IoT related matters.

    There is no similar qualification on the National Qualifications Framework. The above is recognised by the Presidential Commission on 4IR (PC4IR) when it states that "The central and urgent agenda as the country transitions into and attempts to shape the 4IR is the re-skilling and re-integration of this demographic. Indeed, the country must prioritise a human-centred agenda to the 4IR, thereby capitalising on the unique advantage of a youthful population; put simply, realising a dormant demographic dividend. To achieve the necessary advances, it is necessary to restructure the human development ecosystem, placing people at the centre." By centralising 4IR in human development, the qualification will have a positive socio-economic impact, especially amongst the youth who are growing up in a digital era and who can benefit from developments in this regard - in terms of developing their skills, secure employment and creating entrepreneurial opportunities.

    IoT has become an integral part of the life of the individual, providing advantages and benefits in terms of leisure, socialising, healthcare, better user experience, to name but a few. IoT is a big driver in big data analytics, providing magnitudes of data in real-time used for real-time decision making for various economic sectors. Healthcare, Agriculture and Manufacturing and many other industries will benefit immensely because of the availability of big data to help making well-versed, on-time decisions. For example, IoT enables real-time alerting, tracking, and monitoring, which permits hands-on treatments, better accuracy, apt intervention by doctors and improved complete patient care delivery results. This qualification aims to prepare those who engage in IoT in broad areas of sensors and sensor nodes, connectivity and networks and analytics and applications and in the process benefit the development of the ICT sector.

    This qualification, together with the cluster of qualifications newly developed through the MICT SETA, will contribute to fulfilling the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on the 4th Industrial Revolution (PC4IR). The PC4IR report forefronts human capital and the future of work and refers to growing skills instability. It states that work will change, and that robotic process automation (RPA) will play a more pivotal role in the execution of tasks. The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a fusion of advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, process automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), genetic engineering, quantum computing, cyber security, cloud computing, and data science.

    Typical learners include school leavers, qualified learners from TVET colleges and those currently in employment without formal recognition of competencies. No professional registration or licencing is expected for an Internet-of-Things Developer to seek employment in the sector. Internet-of-Things Developers can be employed in any organisation as IoT Systems Administrators, IoT Practitioners, IoT/Cloud Software Developers, or IoT Infrastructure Architects. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to the Qualification:
  • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or is workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
  • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.

    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
  • Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • NQF Level 3 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 251201-003-00-KM-01, Introduction to Internet of Things, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-KM-02, Computers, Devices and Computing Systems, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-KM-03, Building Blocks of Internet of Things, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-KM-04, Internet of Things Design and Development Considerations, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-KM-05, Data, Databases and Visualisation, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-KM-06, 4IR and Future Skills, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-KM-07, Design Thinking Principles for Innovation, Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 251201-003-00-KM-08, Basic Electronic Principles, Level 3, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 39

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 251201-003-00-PM-01, Apply Basic Scriptwriting for Internet of Things Toolsets, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-PM-02, Access, Analyse and Visualise Structured Data using Spreadsheets, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-PM-03, Implement the Internet of Things Solution Infrastructure and Deploy Edge Devices, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-PM-04, Provision and Manage Devices, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-PM-05, Process and Manage Data in an Internet of Things Solution, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-PM-06, Monitor, Troubleshoot and Optimise Internet of Things Solutions, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-PM-07, Implement Security Measures for Internet of Things Solutions, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-PM-08, Participate in a Design Thinking for Innovation Workshop, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-PM-09, Function Ethically and Effectively in the Workplace, Level 4, 3 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 60

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 251201-003-00-WM-01, Internet of Things Solution Deployment Processes, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-WM-02, Data Collecting, Aggregating, Disseminating and Storing Processes, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 251201-003-00-WM-03, Data Integration Systems and Processes, Level 4, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 42 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge to connect things to internet through gateways and edge technologies for communication.
    2. Apply methods and procedures to maintain seamless connectivity and security of things in an IoT ecosystem throughout the entire lifecycle.
    3. Interpret and apply operational requirements to accurately collect large amounts of unstructured data according to the requirements of the context, aggregate and disseminate data, and store data in cloud infrastructure or intermittent local storage data base in terms of the IoT solution.
    4. Apply application programming interfaces (API) to integrate data with the existing systems for effective data usage. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand the requirements of the specific IoT technologies for private or public communication networks over the internet.
  • Apply relevant networking protocols to connect field devices and things through internet gateways.
  • Connect remote sensors, actuators, and all field devices using inputs and outputs to establish connectivity and communication.
  • Collect, store and exchange data over the internet.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Use standard protocols to ensure the security, interoperability, processing capabilities, scalability, and availability of IoT ecosystems.
  • Ensure device registration, activation, authentication, and device firmware updates during deployment.
  • Monitor, diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimise IoT solutions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Collect, process and send data to the cloud through a relevant network to the target system.
  • Collect data from IoT devices and pre-process for further processing.
  • Maintain the security of the data collected and stored.
  • Prepare the stored data in the required format for visualisation and decision making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Understand data integration requirements.
  • Clean data up for data integration.
  • Use a middleware integration tool for effective data integration.
  • Use API to exchange data among things.
  • Monitor seamless exchange of data.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites in a simulated environment and conducted by an assessor(s) registered with the relevant AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Occupational Certificate: Internet-of-Things Developer was compared with the training provided in the India and United States of America to establish commonality and uniqueness.

    India:
    The IoT Control Room Operator course is registered by the Indian Government under the National Skills Qualifications Framework as a level 5 Certificate. Anticipated volume of training required to complete the qualification is 310 hours that translate to 110 hours' theory and 200 hours practical. Individuals in this occupation are responsible for ensuring regular software and firmware updates for devices, monitoring working environment and making sure it meets requirements for health, safety and security. They will need to inculcate strong work ethic, maintain a healthy working environment, and provide data and information in standard formats for further processing. The entry requirements are stated as Graduate in any discipline preferably Science/ Computer Science / Electronics and Engineering / Information Technology.

    The purpose of the IoT Control Room Operator course is to help individuals to perform the support of command control centre operations and oversee the day-to-day activities of IoT solutions. The qualification will also provide them with the appropriate problem-solving ability, help them be better organised and apply good attention to detail. Learning outcomes includes:
  • Perform physical installation and configuration of networks and devices.
  • Adopt prescribed physical security measures while installing and configuring networks and devices.
  • Authenticate, provision, configure, monitor, and maintain the device firmware and software that provides its functional capabilities.
  • Establish and maintain the health, connectivity, and security of IoT devices.
  • Ensure comprehensive device management for IoT solutions.
  • How to commission and decommission devices.
  • How to manage the inventory of IoT assets (including network and device components).
  • How to perform remote repair services.
  • How to ensure physical security of IoT assets.
  • Perform timely installation of patches and updates of solution software and firmware.
  • Perform over-the-air updates of devices.
  • Perform post-update activities such as activating updated code.
  • Monitor unauthorized access attempts to IoT devices, customer data, and backend systems.
  • Continuously monitor device usage and performance and collect relevant data.
  • Detect and respond to unusual device behaviour based on near real-time data.
  • Trigger device action, monitor meta data, or stream and process incoming and outgoing data.

    Similarities:
    All the above learning outcomes of the IoT Control Room Operator are covered in Occupational Certificate: IoT Developer content. Another similarity refers to an inclusion of both knowledge and practical skills components.

    Differences:
    The IoT Control Room Operator course includes aspects which are not included in the Occupational Certificate: IoT Developer and relate to:
  • Manage teams working in Command Control Centres.
  • Present actionable information to the right person, and at the right time.
  • Lead to results in performance improvements when personnel take corrective action.

    The IoT Control Room Operator course is shorter in terms of hours than the OC: IoT Developer which is justified in terms of the entry requirements stated as qualified learner in any discipline preferably Science / Computer Science / Electronics and Engineering /Information Technology. Qualifying learners from the IoT Control Room Operator will also assume a more managerial role, while the South African qualification is prepared for an entry level job. The OC: IoT Developer is at NQF Level 4 while the IoT Control Room Operator course is at National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level 5.

    United State of America:
    The Florida International University presents a fully online undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Science on the Internet of Things (IoT). The degree is summarised as offering learners the mastery needed for IoT engineer and IoT developer jobs and to be able to work on microcontrollers and sensors. In addition, they will be able to troubleshoot IoT devices as software engineers and will learn how to program smart devices. The IoT degree allows qualifying learners to apply their knowledge as wireless communication specialists and focus on how IoT devices communicate with each other. They will play a crucial role in interpreting the data generated by these devices and in the creation of business models. Graduates will also be well versed in cybersecurity, protecting data, keeping consumers safe from hackers and safeguarding organizations' liability as they ensure best practices. The course has a total of 120 credits which includes categories of modules from which learners may select various combinations. The B.Sc. Degree is aimed at matriculants.

    The categories include:
  • Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering.
  • IoT Core Courses.
  • Network.
  • Forensics & Cyber Security.
  • Data System Software.
  • Entrepreneurship.

    In terms of this comparability study, a number of modules were selected as best practice. These are:
  • Discrete Mathematics (MAD 2105).
  • Programming in Java (COP 2250).
  • Fundamentals of Cybersecurity (CTS 1120).
  • Data Analysis (CGS 2518).
  • Computer Operating Systems (CGS 3767).
  • Introduction to Security of Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems (EEE 4717).
  • Introduction to Internet of Things (TCN 2720).
  • Introduction to Circuits & Electronic Hardware (EGN 2271).
  • Microcontrollers for IoT Devices (CNT 3142).
  • Introduction to Wireless Communications for IoT (CNT 3162).
  • Sensors for IoT (CNT 3122).
  • Network Protocols for IoT (CNT 4165).
  • Programming (COP 2210, 3337, 4338).

    Differences:
    In the case of the B.Sc. on the Internet of Things (IoT), learners will graduate as IoT Engineers, Software Engineers and IoT Developer which is a more senior position in the world of work, but in the case of the Occupational Certificate: IoT Developer, learners will become IoT developers on completion of the qualification, which is an entry level into the world of work in IoT. The B.Sc. degree course includes aspects on programming, entrepreneurship, forensics, and cyber security in contrast to the South African qualification. The mode of delivery is fully online in the case of the B.Sc. in Internet of Things (IoT) which is not the case with the OC: IoT Developer. The OC: IoT Developer has knowledge, practical skills and work experience modules which is not the case with the B.Sc. Degree. The B.Sc. Degree is aimed at matriculants while the entry requirements for the OC: IoT Developer is an NQF 3 qualification.

    Similarities:
    Similarities between the two qualifications refer mostly to the module content. Even though the B.Sc. is at a higher level and in terms of content more comprehensive, the Occupational Certificate: IoT Developer will smoothly articulate with the B.Sc. Degree. The Occupational Certificate: IoT Developer is a subset of the Degree program, as such our graduates can enrol into the B.Sc qualification and acquire the required credits and complete this degree. The modules with which there are similarities are:
  • Fundamentals of Cybersecurity (CTS 1120).
  • Data Analysis (CGS 2518).
  • Computer Operating Systems (CGS 3767).
  • Introduction to Security of Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems (EEE 4717).
  • Introduction to Internet of Things (TCN 2720).
  • Introduction to Circuits & Electronic Hardware (EGN 2271).
  • Microcontrollers for IoT Devices (CNT 3142).
  • Introduction to Wireless Communications for IoT (CNT 3162).
  • Sensors for IoT (CNT 3122).
  • Network Protocols for IoT (CNT 4165).

    Conclusion
    This South African qualification compares favourably with the competencies covered in international qualifications cited above. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Cloud Administrator, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code are: Internet-of-Things Developer: 251201-003-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • MICT SETA. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.