SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120688  Higher Certificate in Information Systems 
ORIGINATOR
EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National 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  120  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0512/2  2022-11-22  2025-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-11-21   2029-11-21  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
102780  Higher Certificate in Information Systems  Level 5  NQF Level 05  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
  • To equip the learners with the fundamental knowledge and skills of programming in general, expose them to a database language and a main operating system environment, and provide them with some background in creating Web pages, thus enabling successful candidates to enter the employment market as junior software developers.
  • To secure a basis for further development in one or more of the areas of software development.
  • To equip learners with the fundamental knowledge and skills on current Internet technologies, i.e. acquaint learners with a combination of both hardware and software components that will give them a thorough understanding of all the issues involved in creating content for the Web. More specifically learners will be equipped to write cross-platform applications and applets for the Internet, thus enabling them to qualify for entry level positions in the Internet industry.
  • To secure a basis for further development in one or more of the areas of Internet technology.
  • To equip the learners with sufficient hardware theory, knowledge of systems software and practical experience, enabling them to function in a wide range of positions within the IT industry, including repairs and troubleshooting.
  • To equip learners with a basic programming ability.
  • To secure a basis for further development in one or more of the areas of IT engineering.
  • To equip the learners with the fundamental knowledge and skills of developing software by exposing them to (and gives them extensive practical experience in) a database language and one major programming language, enabling them to enter the employment market as junior programmers.
  • The learners will learn to work in one operating system environment.
  • To secure a basis for further development in one or more of the areas of programming and software development.

    Rationale:

    As a result of the South African legislative and policy requirements and expectation that the higher education system be actively engaged and involved in bridging the skills gap inherent throughout our societies. This qualification is geared towards closing the skills gap between what higher education produces and the kinds of skills required by industry and the South African societies at large. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner entering in any of these programmes leading to this qualification have achieved an FET Certificate at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Learners` prior learning is recognized through a formal process of submission of portfolio of evidence and evaluation by our staff in pursuit to recognize any formal or informal learning that the learner might have achieved previously.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • Open access. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Certificate in Information Systems with specialisations in:
  • Software Development.
  • Internet Development.
  • Engineering.
  • Comprehensive Programming (this includes Programme Languages).
  • Information Development.


    Certificate in Information Systems (Software Development):

    Fundamental Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • End-user Computing; NQF Level 4; 100 Hours; 10 Credits.
  • Computing Concepts; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.

    Core Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • Processing and Logic Concepts; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Program Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Relational Database Modelling and Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Software Engineering (unit 1); NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Object Analysis and Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Hardware Essentials; NQF Level 4; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Main Programming Language; NQF Level 5; 320 Hours; 32 Credits.
  • (one of C++, Java, Visual Basic 6, C#, VB.NET) 2nd Programming Language; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • (one of CSLA, JVTA, VB6A, CSHA, VBNA) Creating Web Pages with DHTML; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Using Linux; NQF Level 4; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • SQL Server 2000; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • Software Development project; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.

    Total = 1260 Hours; 126 Credits.

    Specialisation Area B: (Internet Development):

    Fundamental Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • End-user Computing; NQF Level 4; 100 Hours; 10 Credits.
  • Computing Concepts; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.

    Core Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • Processing and Logic Concepts; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Program Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Relational Database Modelling and Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Software Engineering (unit 1); NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Main Programming Language (Java); NQF Level 5; 360 Hours; 36 Credits.
  • Creating Web Pages with DHTML; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Using Linux; NQF Level 4; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • SQL Server 2000*; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • i-Net+ Preparation*; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • XML Technologies; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Servlets and JSP; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Delivering Web Services; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Internet Development Project; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.

    Total = 1300 Hours; 130 Credits.

    Specialisation Area C: (Engineering):

    Fundamental Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • End-user Computing; NQF Level 4; 100 Hours; 10 Credits.
  • Computing Concepts; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.

    Core Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • Processing and Logic Concepts; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Program Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Relational Database Modelling and Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Software Engineering (unit 1); NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Main Programming Language; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • (one of C++, Java, Visual Basic 6, C#, VB.NET) Hardware and Operating System Essentials*; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • Server+; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Using Linux; NQF Level 4; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • SQL Server 2000; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • Network+ Preparation; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • i-Net+ Preparation; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • Administering Linux; NQF Level 4; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Security+ Preparation; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.

    Total = 1240 Hours; 124 Credits.

    Specialisation Area D: (Programming):

    Fundamental Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • End-user Computing; NQF Level 4; 100 Hours; 10 Credits.
  • Computing Concepts; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.

    Core Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • Basic Maths for Computing; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Processing and Logic Concepts; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Program Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Relational Database Modelling and Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Software Engineering; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Main Programming Language; NQF Level 5; 360 Hours; 36 Credits.
  • (one of C++, Java, Visual Basic 6, C#, VB.NET) Using Linux; NQF Level 4; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • SQL Server 2000; NQF Level 5; 200 Hours; 20 Credits.

    Total = 1220 Hours; 120 Credits.

    Specialisation Area E: (Network Engineering)

    Fundamental Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • End-user Computing; NQF Level 4; 100 Hours; 10 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy; NQF Level 5; 160 Hours; 16 Credits.

    Core Units; NQF Level; Notional Hours; Credits:
  • Processing and Logic Concepts; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Program Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Relational Database Modelling and Design; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Software Engineering (unit 1); NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Main Programming Language; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • (one of C++, Java, Visual Basic 6, C#, VB.NET) Hardware and Operating System Essentials*; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • MS Exchange Server; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Using Linux; NQF Level 4; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • SQL Server 2000 (Configuring Ms Server: Network Infrastructure); NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • Network+ Preparation; NQF Level 5; 120 Hours; 12 Credits.
  • i-Net+ Preparation (Configuring MS Server: Active Directory and Applications Infrastructure); NQF Level 5; 200 Hours; 20 Credits.
  • Administering Linux; NQF Level 4; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Security+ Preparation; NQF Level 5; 60 Hours; 6 Credits.
  • Advance Networking (new module); NQF level 5; 100 Hours; 10 Credits

    Total = 1400 Hours; 140 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    After having completed the Certificate in Information Systems the learner will be:
  • Equipped with the fundamental knowledge and skills of computer based information technology that are required to qualify for entry level positions in the IT Industry.
  • The learner will have the required basic programming skills and sound understanding of the hardware and software development environment in which she/he will operate, and will be able to identify and solve well defined but unfamiliar problems using the correct hardware and software tools and analysis and design techniques.
  • The learner will also be aware that computer based systems do not function in isolation, but interface with end user and other systems.
  • The outcomes also secure a basis for further studies in one or more of the areas of information technology.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The form of assessment used ensure that learners are provided the opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across unit standards to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome;
  • Carry out software and hardware installations.
  • Utilizing programming languages and associated operating systems software to develop computer programmes of increasing complexity to solve information systems problems.
  • Identify all the components of a computer based solution to an information processing problem of low to medium complexity and design and implement a solution using the latest software and hardware tools. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    CTI Education Group has, over and above the HEQC accreditation, validation relationship with the University of Cambridge International Examination. The relationship facilitate recognition and articulation possibilities with whole range of international institutions. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    These qualifications have both vertical and horizontal articulation with related qualification on offer at CTI and our international partners. Vertically, learners will be able to enroll for the NQF Level 5 Diploma in Information Systems that would lead towards the completion of the B. Sc in Information Systems degree on offer at CTI. Horizontally, the qualification is related to other Information Technology and Information Systems courses at the same NQF Levels or Levels below the qualification. This includes the NQF Level 5 IT Engineering, Comprehensive Programming, Software Development and Internet Development Programmes. Also CTI has a cluster of non-formal qualifications that serve as feeder to these NQF Level 5 programmes. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • This qualification is subject to both internal and external moderation, especially at exit points.
  • External moderators are required to undergo the relevant and appropriate assessor training by a credible, accredited and registered ETQA.
  • Assessors would be required to have a Diploma in the relevant field with at least 2 years of teaching experience. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    1. EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd) 


    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.