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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91927  Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration 
ORIGINATOR
CTU Training Solutions 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  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  360  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   2033-06-30  

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:
This Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration (DITNDA) will provide learners with the relevant skills and knowledge required to implement internet working solutions, analyse configurations, recommend solutions and identify shortcomings within own configurations. This will allow learners to work with enterprise level networks, or consult companies with regard to the requirements for their networks.

On completion of this qualification, successful learners will be able to:
  • Understand and configure network infrastructures and enterprise level server environments.
  • Integrate data management systems within an enterprise server environment.
  • Demonstrate business management principles, communication and project management skills.

    Rationale:
    The Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration is a vendor neutral Diploma, designed to provide learners with the insight to analyse, implement and enhance a network infrastructure. Due to the nature of the ICT sector, the Diploma, has been kept vendor-neutral, to accommodate new or updated technologies. This will allow the institution to align it to materials, regardless of the vendor or version. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication Skills at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    This qualification may be obtained in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. Selected applicants will be granted access to the qualification without the pre-requisite academic learning through:
  • Examination of Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Interviews to establish readiness, maturity and academic abilities.
  • Entrance test to establish that prior learning is of a standard to manage the Diploma.
  • Letters of recommendation from colleagues or peers.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Applicants should be in possession of one of the following:
  • National Senior Certificate, granting access to Diploma studies.
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
  • Senior Certificate, with Matriculation exemption. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 and is worth a total of 370 Credits.

    All modules are compulsory and must be successfully achieved in order to be awarded the qualification.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Computer Systems (1A), 15 Credits.
  • Computer Systems (1B), 15 Credits.
  • Networks (1A), 15 Credits.
  • Networks (1B), 15 Credits.
  • Databases (1A), 10 Credits.
  • Databases (1B), 10 Credits.
  • Principles of Project Management (1A), 8 Credits.
  • Principles of Project Management (1B), 8 Credits.
  • Communication in the ICT Environment (1A), 12 Credits.
  • Communication in the ICT Environment (1B), 12 Credits.

    Total modules at NQF Level 5: 120 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Computer Systems (2A, 15 Credits.
  • Computer Systems (2B), 15 Credits.
  • Networks (2A), 17 Credits.
  • Networks (2B), 17 Credits.
  • Databases (2A), 10 Credits.
  • Databases (2B), 10 Credits.
  • Project Management for the ICT Environment (2A), 11 Credits.
  • Project Management for the ICT Environment (2A), 11 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 24 Credits.

    Total modules at NQF Level 6: 130.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Computer Systems (3A), 15 Credits.
  • Computer Systems (3B), 15 Credits.
  • Networks (3A), 15 Credits.
  • Networks (3B), 15 Credits.
  • Databases (3A), 10 Credits.
  • Databases (3B), 10 Credits.
  • ICT Trends (3A), 8 Credits.
  • ICT Trends (3B), 8 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 24 Credits.

    Total modules at NQF Level 7: 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate effective use of computer systems in a business environment.
    2. Identify hardware components and their functions and assemble, repair and maintain computer systems.
    3. Identify, install, support and troubleshoot system and application software.
    4. Design, plan and implement networked systems based on different scenarios, requirements and limitations.
    5. Explain networking components and standards and their applications in the business environment.
    6. Explain databases and data management systems and demonstrate understanding of database design.
    7. Design, use and maintain a database in a corporate environment.
    8. Perform network maintenance, support and security.
    9. Identify and assess emerging technologies and their implications for implementation on computer systems.
    10. Design, plan and implement networked systems based on different scenarios, requirements and limitations.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Assessment Criteria may be applied in an integrated manner to any or all of the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Compare different types of computer systems and explain the role of each in a business environment.
  • Analyse the requirements for software development of a computer system.
  • Define networking concepts and standards and explain networking principles.
  • Distinguish between different network categories, classifications and types.
  • Discuss the role of networking software and hardware components.
  • Discuss the benefits and constraints of different networking system types and topologies for specific scenarios.
  • Discuss server types and selection requirements.
  • Define standard operating procedures for network installation and maintenance.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of a database and the use of simple databases within the ICT environment to support and administer databases.
  • Document the output and communication of a project.
  • Explain the importance of project, time and risk management.
  • Explain business communication structures that may be used to ensure effective communication, including written communication, interviews, presentations and meetings.
  • Explain how processing within computer systems takes place and assemble and install hardware components.
  • Install computer system operating software and application software on a computer system.
  • Discuss how protocols enable the effective utilisation of different networking systems.
  • Explain the role of a network operating system (NOS) and how a networked system is connected to the Internet.
  • Select the appropriate NOS and version thereof for a network server and configure a server with a NOS.
  • Explain a project life cycle using applicable examples from an ICT environment.
  • Apply principles and practices of project management to a series of practical scenarios in an IT environment.
  • Produce a networked system design to meet a client's needs and implement this according to the prepared design.
  • Install and configure physical network connectivity devices.
  • Design and implement a mail infrastructure for a specific network and test the network system to ensure user requirements.
  • Use various techniques to manage networks and their environments locally and remotely (LAN and WAN solutions).
  • Design a maintenance schedule to support a networked system.
  • Explain how networks and network data are protected against unauthorised access and malware and perform network troubleshooting.
  • Evaluate rights and security requirements for a given networked environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment process will comprise of formative and summative assessment methods. Integrated assessment will provide learners with an opportunity to demonstrate practical performance and understanding of concepts and theory across the Exit Level Outcomes to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

    Formative assessment is made up of assignments. These count for 20% toward the final mark.

    Summative Assessment takes place in the form of an examination, which could be made up of a variety of assessment methods. This examination counts 80% towards the final mark.

    International Examination forms part of the qualification. Each international examination has an Exit Level Outcome attached to it, which would be assessed by the provider's own examination process. These examinations have a pass mark of 70%. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration was compared to the following international qualifications:

    The Systems Development Foundation Certificate, offered by the Chartered Institute for IT in Britain:
    The purpose of the Certificate is to provide learners with the ability to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of systems development and delivery with regards to the following areas: life cycle approaches, architecture, business analysis, systems analysis, design, development, testing and implementation.

    The Solutions Development Diploma offered by ISEB, based in the United Kingdom:
    The qualification encompasses a range of tools and techniques used in the analysis and design of IT solutions, covering topics such as systems development, enterprise solutions and architecture and software testing.

    The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computing and Systems Development South Thames College, United Kingdom:
    The Certificate offers a strong sector-related emphasis on practical skills along with the attainment of knowledge and understanding. Key areas covered within this Certificate include computer systems, project design, database design, systems analysis and design and web design.

    Conclusion:
    Based on the comparison the Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration is similar to the international qualifications indicated, as many of the themes included in international qualifications align with those included in this qualification. Similar to international qualifications, this qualification also includes both strong theoretical and practical components to prepare students for successful functioning in systems development within the world of work. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications at NQF Level 6:
  • Diploma in Information Technology.
  • Diploma in Information Technology Network Integration Specialisation (ITNIS).
  • Diploma in Information Technology in Network Management.

    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications at NQF Level 7:
  • Bachelor Engineering Science in Information Technology and Computer Systems.
  • Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment and moderation of assessment will be in accordance with the Institutional policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of assessment and moderation agreements with any relevant professional bodies. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner should possess an equivalent or higher qualification, and have the relevant workplace experience. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. CTU Training Solutions 


    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.