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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 Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 122683 | Higher Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - MICT SETA | ||||
| 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 | ||
| Higher Occupational Cert | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Engineering and Related Design | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 227 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0426/24 | 2024-08-22 | 2029-08-22 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2030-08-22 | 2033-08-22 | |||
| 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 qualification shall enable Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officers to install, maintain, and repair wireless telecommunication equipment and systems. Qualified learners can establish own business and create employment for others. A qualified learner will be able to: A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: Rationale: The Higher Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer has been designed to meet the growing need in South-Africa for an entry level Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer qualification focused on installing, maintaining, and repairing wireless telecommunication equipment and networks. The qualification addresses the specific competencies required by the following wireless telecommunications equipment focus and sub-sectors: In addition to the specific competencies required by the above-mentioned focus areas the qualification also focuses on technical officers' ability to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices through a combination of wireless and fixed infrastructure to form client and industry defined network topologies. People with this qualification work in a variety of industries, which includes telecommunications, broadcasting, transportation, and mining. There is no similar qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework. With the growing demand for wireless communication services, qualified technical officers are in high demand. The Higher Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer will enhance employability in the telecommunications industry. The qualification was developed to enhance entrepreneurial skillsets which has the added benefit that learners are equipped to start their own wireless telecommunication services businesses, contributing to economic development. The qualification was developed to cater for a wide range of wireless technologies and a focus on connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the network topology. These integrated skillsets will benefit the sector and society as it ensures technical officers are competent to deploy wireless networks, reducing operational costs and improving service delivery. The South African geographical landscape makes the deployment and maintenance of physical communications networks very difficult and expensive. Wireless networks offer better connectivity even in remote or underserved areas, bridging the digital divide in society and promoting the potential for economic growth by providing access to information, education, and healthcare services, improving the overall quality of life. Secure and well-maintained wireless networks improve the overall security of communication systems, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring safe transactions. The qualification provides for development of datacentres skills sets. Wireless networks linked to datacentres provide industry and the economy with the ability to collect, analyse and utilise the information communicated via wireless network topologies to inform management decisions, update maintenance schedules, and monitor safety and security statuses on land, at sea and in the air. Typical learners include people who are already working within the telecommunications environment and those who wish to enter the field. Representatives working in all spheres of the wireless telecommunications industry were consulted in the review of the qualification. The qualification was developed in collaboration with the relevant industry professional body to ensure the relevant technical competencies are covered in the qualification. Upon completion, candidates may be required to be registered by the professional body for professional recognition. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| 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 which 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 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. 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. 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: An NQF Level 4 qualification with Communication and Mathematical Literacy. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 73 Practical Skill Modules Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 125 Work Experience Modules Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 29 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Conduct installation and configuration methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment and relevant devices.
2. Apply troubleshooting and repairing methods, procedures and protocols on wireless telecommunication equipment. 3. Apply maintenance and equipment inspections and upgrades methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment. 4. Conduct business management support functions to address business sustainability. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Conduct installation and configuration methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment and relevant devices. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Apply troubleshooting and repairing methods, procedures and protocols on wireless telecommunication equipment. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Apply maintenance and equipment inspections and upgrades methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Conduct business management support functions to address business sustainability. 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, 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. 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. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification was compared with qualifications related to Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officers or Technicians in the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia.
Australia The Certificate III in Telecommunications Fixed Wireless Installation is offered in Australia by the Milcom Institute. The qualification has been designed as a two-year qualification. The qualification has no specific entry requirements. This qualification reflects the role of an operator in the telecommunications industry who can apply a broad range of competencies using a defined range of skills where some discretion and judgement is required in the selection, installation and configuration of equipment in convergence technologies that integrate radio, optical and internet protocol (IP) based applications. The qualification scope includes the following: Similarities Both qualifications cover similar purpose, scope of content and duration. Differences The qualification does not cover satellite communication, radar integration with data centre operations and has no specific entry requirement. The Australian qualification is offered as a two-year qualification while the South African qualification is offered as a one-year qualification. United Kingdom. The Advanced Apprenticeship - Level 3 Wireless Technology Technician (Radio Network Technician Level 3 qualification) is presented by The Colleges' Partnership Limited for Cotel in the United Kingdom. The qualification is offered over a period of two years. Learners need to have completed an A-Level qualification, which is typically taken by students aged 16 -18 years, after completing their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or equivalent qualifications. A BTEC or equivalent / Information Technology qualification is "desired" but not compulsory. Competencies covered by the qualification range from wireless specific to team interaction and business administration. The following is a summary of aspects covered in the qualification: Similarities Both qualifications share similar purpose, content, entry requirements. Similarities The qualification offered in the UK does not cover satellite related wireless system. The qualification also does not offer integration of wireless systems with data centre operations. The qualification in the UK is offered for a period of two years while the South African qualification is a one-year qualification. The UK qualification is Level 3 which is equivalent to NQF Level 5 in South Africa. Conclusion: The topics or content of the Higher Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer compare favourably with the two international qualifications used for the comparability study. The satellite and broadcasting and media specific skillsets offered in the South African qualification makes the newly develop qualification more comprehensive. The integration of wireless systems with data centre operations is also not covered by the qualifications in the UK and Australia. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| 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: Criteria for the accreditation of providers: Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres, will be accredited, is found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below: The curriculum title and code is: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer: 672207-001-00-00. Encompassed Trade: Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) |
| 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. |