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: 

Occupational Certificate: Laptop Repairer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122449  Occupational Certificate: Laptop Repairer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MICTSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  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  116  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0624/24  2024-06-04  2029-06-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-06-04   2033-06-04  

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 part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Laptop Repairer.

A Laptop Repairer maintains, tests, diagnoses, and repairs various types of Laptops.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair, and assemble Laptops.
  • Perform maintenance on Laptops.
  • Diagnose and repairing faults in Laptops.

    Rationale:
    As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes how we live, work, and communicate, it is impacting government, education, healthcare, commerce and almost every aspect of life. Mobile computing is at the heart of these changes and the development of the skills and knowledge to thrive in this environment has a great potential for job creation and poverty alleviation in South African communities. It will increase the potentiality of the Laptop Repairers to be employed, while it will ensure the upward mobility of individuals with the entrepreneurial spirit to move confidently towards self-employment.

    Currently, the laptop repair environment is proliferated with individuals who are trained on the job without formal qualifications, hence the need for a formal qualification targeted at people who wish to join the laptop repair industry, or those that are currently working in this industry as salespersons and repairers. They will be performing duties related to fault-finding, repair, and maintenance of electronic equipment such as laptops.

    This part-qualification will empower the learners with the required skills that will allow them to enter this market of laptop repairing with the skills and knowledge to work either in the sales stream or the technical stream. It will permit individuals to increase their employability or become self-employed by starting their own small businesses with a potential of employing others.

    This part-qualification will benefit societies by ensuring better quality products and services. The sector will benefit from laptop repairers with a set of competencies aligned to industry regulated standards for products and services. The economy will benefit from increased revenue due to increased employment opportunities, entrepreneurship due to emerging Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMME's) that will create employment and pay tax. It will also allow the country to embark on localisation of manufacturing of electronic devices and components, once there are enough skilled personnel capable of innovation locally. The availability of suitably qualified laptop repairers will permit quick recovery for faulty computing devices by reducing business interruptions for individuals and businesses and allowing economic activities to carry on.

    Upon completion, the qualification will provide learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader electronic computing device environment, including Mobile Computing Technicians, Senior Technicians, Team Leaders, Master Technicians, Sales Officers, Sales Representatives, Senior Sales Representatives, Mobile Repair Centre Managers, Mobile Devices Warehouse Managers.

    There is no professional registration needed for the Laptop Repairer. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access
  • 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 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 exempted from modules through RPL.

    RPL for Credits
    Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF.

    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 or certifying a work experience record."

    Entry Requirements:
    An NQF Level 3 qualification with Communication. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 672205-001-00-KM-01, Workplace fundamentals, Level 2, 2 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-KM-02, Foundational Concepts for Mobile Computing Device Technician, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-KM-03, End User Computing, Level 4, 4 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-KM-04, Business Communication and Customer Services, Level 4, 2 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-KM-05, Entrepreneurship in the Mobile Computing Device Industry, Level 4, 4 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-KM-06, Introduction to Data Communication and Networking, Level 5, 2 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-KM-07, Basic Electrical and Electronic Principles, Level 4, 4 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-KM-08, Digital Components and Circuits, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-KM-09, Mobile Device Schematic Diagrams, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-KM-10, Fundamentals of Laptops Architecture: Hardware Level 4, 4 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-KM-13, Fundamentals of Laptops, Architecture: Software, Level 4, 4 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-KM-16, Legislation and Guidelines that Governs a Mobile Computing Device Technician,
    Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-KM-17, Diagnosing and Problem Solving, Level 5, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 42

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 672205-001-00-PM-01, Work Safely and Respond to Incidents, Level 2, 2 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-PM-02, Use Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 8 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-PM-03, Calibrate and Test Instrumentation Equipment, Level 3, 4 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-PM-04, Join Materials, Level 4, 4 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-PM-05, Remove, Update and Install Software and Firmware, Level 4, 4 Credits
  • 672205-001-00-PM-06, Remove and Install Components, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-PM-07, Work with Electronic Components, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-PM-08, Maintain and Service Components, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-PM-09, Assess, Dismantle, Repair and Reassemble Laptops: Hardware Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-PM-13, Diagnose and Repair Laptops: Software, Level 5, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 50

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 672205-001-00-WM-01, Optimise Laptops, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-WM-04, Assessing, Dismantling and Repairing Laptops: Hardware, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 672205-001-00-WM-07, Diagnosis and Repairing of Laptops: Software, Level 5, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 24 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to remove, update and install software and firmware used for laptops according to manufacturer's specifications and procedures.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to assess, dismantle, repair, and reassemble laptop hardware according to standard operating procedures.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair Laptops according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Prepare a safe working environment.
  • Source and correctly interpret specific technical information.
  • Select and correctly use the appropriate tools.
  • Install and complete software or firmware within specific parameters.
  • Adhere all relevant safety and environmental criteria.
  • Restore the work area to its original condition and tools safely stored.
  • Identify and report all defects.
  • Carry out correctly the appropriate pre- and post-checks.
  • Apply the general principles and identify critical issues relating to component operations and functional specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Assess, dismantle, repair, and reassemble laptops according to standard operating procedures.
  • Source and correctly interpret specific technical information.
  • Complete the task within the specified time.
  • Select and correctly use the appropriate tools, equipment and replacement components or parts.
  • Adhere to all relevant safety and environmental criteria.
  • Restore the work area to its original condition and tools are stored safely.
  • Carry out correctly the appropriate pre- and post-checks.
  • Apply the general principles and identify critical issues relating to component operations and functional specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Diagnose and repair laptops according to standard operating procedures.
  • Source and correctly interpret specific technical information.
  • Repair and complete the diagnosis within the specified time.
  • select and correctly use the appropriate tools, equipment and replacement components or parts.
  • Adhere to all relevant safety and environmental criteria.
  • Restore the work area to its original condition and tools are stored safely.
  • Follow the appropriate diagnostic process and identify correctly the root cause of the fault.
  • Carry out correctly the appropriate pre- and post-checks.
  • Apply the general principles and identify critical issues relating to component operations and functional specifications.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    The Skills Development Providers 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 leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Occupational Certificate: Laptop Repairer was compared to that of the foremost countries in mobile computing device technology and repairers, such as the United Kingdom and Australia. These countries offer a comprehensive electronics qualification in the specified field of mobile computing devices like, laptops, tablets, cell phones, e-readers, etc. Computing devices are used and repaired all over the world, but these countries have been chosen as they have systems with most similar qualification structures to the Republic of South Africa (RSA). South Africa is the first country to date to develop and include on the National Qualifications Framework, a unique specialised qualification for the mobile computing device environment whereas the rest of the world have very broad qualifications and most of the countries offer a comprehensive electronics qualification and then only short courses in the specified field of mobile computing devices like, laptops, tablets, cell phones, e-readers, etc.

    Qualifications with resembling comparability are found on the Australian and British Qualification Frameworks, between Levels 3-4. These qualifications focused on developing learners towards a broader spectrum of electronic related skill sets including mechanical, electronic, and electrical skills. Learning programs and qualifications registered by a qualification's authority on a national qualifications' framework were selected for this comparison.

    United Kingdom (UK):
    Qualification Title: BTEC National Certificate in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (4322)
    NQF Level: NVQ Level 3
    Credits: 113
    Entry requirements:
  • GCSE grades 4-9 in five subjects including Mathematics, Science, English Language and 2 of the following - Design Technology, Business, and ICT.
    Or
  • BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Engineering with overall MM, and merit in Unit 10 Mathematics for Engineering, with GCSE grades 4-9 in Mathematics.
    Accredited institute: Pearson Edexcel offers this qualification and is internationally recognised.

    Purpose:
    The United Kingdom offers a qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This qualification is for learners who are interested in a career in Electrical/Electronic Engineering.

    Qualification structure:
    This is a 12-unit qualification which is made up of six core Unit Standards which compared favourably with the South African qualification these competencies are as follows:
  • Electrical and Electronic principles.
  • Digital electronics.
  • Analogue electronics.
  • Electronic fault finding.
  • Further Electrical Principles.
  • Health, Safety and Welfare.

    Similarities
  • The 'BTEC National Certificate in Electrical/Electronic Engineering is at the UK NQF Level 3, which has an equivalence level between our NQF Levels 4 and 5-as found in the UK NARIC Benchmarking Report.
  • The comparison was done focusing on the level, content and outcomes of the Qualification that is equivalent to our Level 4 Qualification.
  • The British qualification compares well with the South African qualification in essence it has similar skill sets comparable to the South African Qualification.
  • Both the British and South African qualifications allow for learners to articulate to additional qualifications in similar or related occupations.

    Differences
    The British qualification covers a broader range of disciplines and is not as specialised and defined in such detail as in the South African qualification.
  • The British qualification has 113 credits while the SA qualification has 104 credits.
  • The British qualification requires applicants who completed the BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Engineering or GCSE grades 4-9 while the SA qualification requires applicants who completed the NQF Level 3 (Grade 11) qualification with communication, Maths and Science.
  • Currently, there is no duration cited for the qualification only credit value is listed.
  • The British qualification also has a broader approach to the electronics field in general rather than the more specialized content, which is the case in the South African qualification.
  • The South African qualification supports an industry-specific, fit-for-purpose approach while the generic, wide-reaching approach followed by the United Kingdom does not provide sufficient recognition for the specialised nature of the Mobile Computing Industry and the labour market requirements for a laptop repairer.

    Australia
    Australia offers a qualification: Certificate II in Computer Assembly and Repair- UEE205209 (Level 3) Credits 160.
    The accredited provider- Chisholm Institute
    Entry Requirements- C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent

    Qualification structure:
    The Australian qualification consists of the following core and elective competencies similar to Laptop Repairer.

    The core and elective competencies, like the Laptop Repairer are:
    Core units:
  • Apply work health and safety regulations, codes, and practices in the workplace.
  • Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work.
  • Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components.
  • Participate in development and follow a personal competency development plan.
  • Assemble, set up and test computing devices.
  • Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector.

    Group A: Elective units:
  • Deliver a service to customers.
  • Provide basic instruction in the use of electrotechnology apparatus.
  • Maintain documentation.
  • Receive and store materials and equipment for electrotechnology work.
  • Source and purchase material/parts for installation or service jobs.

    Group B: Elective units:
  • Operate application software packages.
  • Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment.
  • Identify and select components, accessories and materials for energy sector work activities.
  • Solve problems in direct current circuits.
  • Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications.
  • Install and configure a client computer operating system and software.
  • Repair basic computer equipment faults by replacement of modules/sub-assemblies.
  • Repairs basic electronic apparatus faults by replacement of Components.
  • Assemble, enter and verify operating instructions in microprocessor equipped devices.

    Similarities
  • The Australian qualification compares well with the South African qualification in essence it has similar content and skill sets at a comparable level to the South African qualification.
  • Both the Australian and South African qualifications allow for learners to articulate to additional qualifications in similar or related occupations.

    Differences
  • The Australian qualification is registered at Level 3 whereas the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 4.
  • The Australian qualification has 160 credits while the South African qualification has 104 credits.
  • The Australian qualification covers a broader range of disciplines and is not as specialised and defined in such detail as in the South African qualification.
  • Currently, there is no duration cited for the qualification only credit value is listed.
  • The Australian qualification also has a strong focus on generic people skills as well as a broader approach to the electronics field in general rather than the more specialized content, which is the case in the South African qualification.
  • The South African qualification supports an industry-specific, fit-for-purpose approach whereas the generic, wide-reaching approach followed by the Australian qualification does not provide sufficient recognition for the specialised nature of the mobile computing Industry and the labour market requirements for a wearable, accessories, and peripherals repairer.
  • The Australian qualification's structure allows for optional streams or electives whereas the South African qualification does not allow this.

    Conclusion
    The South African qualification does however compare favourably with the United Kingdom and the Australian Qualifications in terms of content and skills set. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This part-qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Mobile Device Repairer, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Wearables, Accessories and Peripherals Repairer, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Occupational Certificate: Mobile Computing Device Technician, NQF Level 4.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Information System, 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 knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

    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: Laptop Repairer: 672205-001-00-01.

    Encompassed Trade:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    MICTSETA

    PARENT QUALIFICATION
    National Occupational Certificate: Mobile Computing Device Technician, NQF Level 4.

    RELATED PART-QUALIFICATIONS
  • Occupational Certificate: Mobile Device Repairer, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Wearables, Accessories and Peripherals Repairer, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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.