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: 

Advanced Certificate in Information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
82906  Advanced Certificate in Information Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Richfield Graduate Institute Of Technology (Pty) Ltd. (previously known as PC Training And Business College (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
Advanced 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  130  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

While the growth in demand for IT services continues to rise, professional skills are in short supply in SA. This qualification is vocational and industry oriented for the level where newly qualified people enter the industry for employment. This qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in the IT field and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in System Development or Technical Support field. It also equips them to undertake more specialized and intensive learning. This qualification has a work integrated learning component requires learners to have practical experience. A qualifying learner at this level can specialize in Systems Development or Technical Support.
A qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Communicate effectively with fellow IT staff and users of Information Technology.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Systems Development and Design.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of e-Commerce.
  • Apply principles for creating computer software.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Databases and Database Management Skills.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Network Administration Skills.
  • Demonstrate a solid knowledge of Network Technical Skills.

    Rationale:

    This qualification has been formulated such that it reflects the workplace needs of the Information Technology Industry as expressed by its stakeholders. Their input has been used to ensure that the qualification provides the learner with accessibility to employment in the IT industry.

    This Advanced Certificate aims to enhance readiness for further study in Information Technology and related fields at the Higher Education Level as well as providing for initial employment in the computer industry.

    The qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to work and study in the Telecommunications, Information Technology and Electronic Industries and other industries where IT is a key component, like the Financial Services Industry.

    The Advanced Certificate: Information Technology benefits the South African economy by ensuring that the people responsible for performing work related to Information Technology are skilled and competent people. This is essential for organisational success in every sector of the economy, from the public sector to industry and business arenas.

    The Advanced Certificate: Information Technology gives learners access to enter the IT field. This covers all sectors from the public sector to the private sector including manufacturing, tourism and retail. Every sector needs the support of skilled, competent IT staff to cater for its Information Technology needs. Self-employment in which the person supplies services to small businesses is also an option for holders of this qualification.

    Those holding the qualification can work in all sectors of the economy in a number of positions, including Programmers, Network Technicians, Web Developers and Help Desk Support. Many progress to become more senior in the IT field and move on to hold positions such as System and Business Analysts. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners seeking admission to this qualification possess the knowledge and skills offered in IT qualifications at NQF Level 5.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The assumed learning can be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace. Acquiring the competencies in a workplace (via normal on-the-job training) has the potential of addressing the problems of the past, where formal qualifications were only obtainable by way of formal study.

    Many of the competencies used in the Information Technology profession have traditionally been acquired through short courses and on-the-job training, which did not provide formal recognition of the knowledge and skills acquired. These competencies are still today viewed by most industries as invaluable, with the sad reality that there is no formal recognition. The nature of the Information Technology field means that competence is developed experientially, therefore the assessment processes should recognise experience versus theoretical knowledge. Recognition of Prior Learning will allow people with these valuable competencies to be assessed and recognised formally.

    Any learner wishing to be assessed may arrange to do so without having to attend further education or training. For recognition of prior learning the learner will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence of relevant experience, in a prescribed format, to be assessed for formal recognition. The assessor and learner will decide jointly on the most appropriate assessment procedures, subject to the assessment rules of the relevant quality assuring body. Learning assumed to be in place must be assessed by the assessor prior to any assessment relating to this qualification.

    The ultimate responsibility for granting Recognition of Prior Learning is vested with the Senior Programme Director of Information and Communications Technology.

    Access to the Qualification:

    A learner wishing to enrol for this qualification must be in possession of one of the following:
  • A Higher Certificate: Information Technology.
  • Any qualification in the Information Technology field at NQF Level 5.

    Any learner not complying with the requirements for admission may be granted admission through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules all at NQF Level 6.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Information Systems A, 15 credits.
  • E-Commerce A, 10 credits.
  • Database Systems A, 10 credits.
  • Information Systems B, 15 credits.
  • E-Commerce B, 10 credits.
  • Database Systems B, 10 credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 10 credits.

    Total compulsory credits = 80.

    Elective Modules:

    A Modules:
  • Visual Programming A, 15 credits.
  • Technical Programming A, 10 credits.
  • PC Engineering A, 15 credits.
  • Network Technical Skills A, 10 credits.

    B Modules:
  • Visual Programming B, 10 credits.
  • Technical Programming B, 15 credits.
  • PC Engineering B, 10 credits.
  • Network Technical Skills B, 15 credits.

    Learners are to choose Elective Modules totalling a minimum of 50 credits (25 credits from A Modules and 25 credits from B Modules) to give a total of 130 credits for the qualification. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge in system analysis and design.

    2. Demonstrate understanding of e-Commerce.

    3. Demonstrate understanding of Databases and Database Management Skills.

    4. Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Programming Principles.

    5. Understand the fundamentals of security in information technology.

    6. Demonstrate knowledge of network administration skills.

    7. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of Information Technology with a strong focus on System Development and Technical Support skills.

    8. Work effectively with others.

    9. Demonstrate a solid knowledge of Technical Support skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The way in which an analyst can provide valuable insight to an organization is understood and explained.
  • The various tasks in systems analysis are explained using examples.
  • The various tasks in system design are explained using examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • E-Commerce architecture is described.
  • The way in which an e-Commerce website is developed is explained.
  • An e-Commerce management framework is explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The need of Databases in an organization is understood explained.
  • Database programming is carried out.
  • SQL commands are described.
  • Data is created, edited, deleted and inserted into a database.
  • Database administration skills are demonstrated.
  • Databases are demonstrated and constructed using prescribed database management software.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Computer programming principles are demonstrated by producing programme segments explaining various principles.
  • The basics of programming are understood.
  • The way in which a simple GUI programme is created is explained.
  • Simple programmes are created.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Computer security is understood and explained in terms of risks and safe guards.
  • The way in which a system can be secured is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Network connections are understood.
  • Network topologies are understood.
  • Different network media are used to connect systems.
  • An understanding of Network Operating Systems is demonstrated.


    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • The basics of installing, configuring, optimizing and upgrading an operating system are understood.
  • Sound knowledge of personal computer components is demonstrated.
  • Basic knowledge of programme development and programming languages is demonstrated.
  • A database application is used effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Computers are used in the work environment.
  • Oral and written communication skills and techniques are used to communicate effectively.
  • Possible solutions to a business problem are identified and recommended.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Troubleshooting of day to day hardware and software related problems is carried out.
  • Knowledge of computer architecture is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of operating systems is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated Assessment at this level of qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across modules to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

    Integrated assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpins the demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will be of a more practical nature while others will be more theoretical in nature. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the type and level of the qualification.

    During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Input to completing the Integrated Assessment typically makes use of combinations of the following assessment methods:
  • Time-constrained written examinations.
  • Coursework Evaluations.
  • Continuous Evaluation.
  • Practical Evaluation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification and learning outcomes have been evaluated against, and are comparable to core knowledge and specialised knowledge elements found in qualifications on the following International Qualifications Frameworks:
  • New Zealand NQF.
  • Australian NQF.
  • British NVQs.

    Furthermore input to the development of the qualification has been compared with the following International sources, where the outcomes and assessment criteria, degree of difficulty and notional learning time has been compared:
  • Maldives College of Higher Education.
  • Cosmopoint International College of Technology in Malaysia.

    There is fair evidence of similarities with the Advanced Certificate: Information Technology and those mentioned above. 
    		•

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

    Learners can progress vertically to a related Bachelors Degree at NQF Level 7.

    Learners can articulate horizontally to a related Diploma at NQF Level 6. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Moderation of learners' achievements and overall award of the qualification at the exit level must be based on the well- established procedures of using external examiners (external to the provider) from accredited Institutions.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification.
  • Moderation of assessment can be institutional and work based. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    1. Richfield Graduate Institute Of Technology (Pty) Ltd. (previously known as PC Training And Business College (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.