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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98911  Higher Certificate in Information Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher 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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide entry into the field of Information Technology (IT). A qualifying learner will be a well-rounded IT practitioner with foundational technical skills and specialisation in:
  • Web Development/e-Commerce.
  • Networking and Solutions Development.

    A qualifying learner will have an informed understanding of the different areas of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). They will be computer and e-literate and will be able to plan, manage and implement solutions to problems. They will also be able to evaluate different solutions to specific problems. They will be able to access, process and manage information, especially from electronic sources and will demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues involved in using ICT.

    Rationale:
    South Africa is increasingly moving to a Knowledge based economy and society. In order to support and to give impetus to this drive, there is a need for competent entry level Information Technology (IT) practitioners.

    Society and Industry require employees to be competent users of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The qualifying learner will be a well-rounded IT practitioner with foundational technical skills across the many sub disciplines and fields within the Information Technology field. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Care will be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the Recognition of Prior Learning option towards gaining a qualification.

    Recognition of Prior Learning may also be used to grant access to the qualification to those learners who do not meet the admission requirements.

    RPL is to be done in accordance with standard Durban University of Technology policies and procedures.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Database Administration, 12 Credits.
  • e-Commerce, 12 Credits.
  • Hardware Support, 12 Credits.
  • Networking, 12 Credits.
  • Software Support, 12 Credits.
  • Solutions Development, 12 Credits.
  • Web Project, 24 Credits.
  • Web Technology, 12 Credits.
  • DUT Cornerstone Module, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform basic information processing tasks competently and reliably.
    2. Apply knowledge of the techniques and demonstrate an adequate measure of the skills needed to install, test and maintain software applications.
    3. Apply knowledge support for a range of core technologies.
    4. Implement and administer databases.
    5. Discuss the principles of Enterprise development.
    6. Undertake basic networking tasks competently and reliably.
    7. Master basic web site development.
    8. Apply the principles of programming.
    9. Apply the principles of internet programming. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • All common basic information technology hardware and software is used.
  • Written reports are produced.
  • Meetings are conducted and presentations with business clients are done.
  • Information is analysed and documented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • An understanding of the types of software used in current computer systems is demonstrated.
  • Application software is installed, configured and supported.
  • Application software is supported on a range of devices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The functions of an Operating System (OS) and the facilities offered by an OS are described as well as the restrictions imposed.
  • Basic understanding of current core technologies used in a range of business environments is demonstrated.
  • Categories of computing devices currently available, and the functions, characteristics and applications of each are described.
  • The types of hardware used and facilities available to support local, national and international communications are described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Data, information and knowledge are distinguished.
  • Basic understanding of data types and data flows is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of how to implement and administer a database is developed.
  • Database Development topic areas such as Data Access Objects are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Knowledge of the four basic business processes: information dissemination, data capture, promotion and marketing, and transacting with stakeholders are applied.
  • Knowledge of security implications is applied.
  • Knowledge of the governance of e-Commerce, e.g. ECA, and Cyber laws is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • A local area network in a multi-platform environment is designed and implemented.
  • The ability to use hardware to its full potential by understanding the technical operation of hardware and to control it on a low level is demonstrated.
  • Appropriate hardware and software solutions for specific business problems are implemented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • A suitable practical web application is selected to be developed.
  • Suitable tools to develop a web application are planned, designed and selected.
  • The design and test the functionality of the web application is implemented.
  • Usability of the web application is assessed.
  • Process is documented and a comprehensive report is presented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • An understanding of current software design principles that apply to programming is demonstrated.
  • Current software design methods are applied using simple examples.
  • Knowledge of programming is demonstrated.
  • The use of Intrinsic Controls is described in the programming language chosen.
  • The range of the available techniques and aids for the thorough testing of software from initial design are described to implementation and operational performance.
  • Different types of data structure and the manipulation of data with these structures is understood.
  • The need for documentation of programs is understood to agreed standards.
  • Properties of common high level programming languages and their suitability for specific applications are described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Basic principles of the Internet are explained.
  • Technologies and supporting tools that enable Web Development are identified.
  • Solutions are developed to demonstrate knowledge of Internet Programming tools.
  • Graphics package is applied to development of animation and sound, using simple examples.
  • A simple Web site is created and published.
  • Interactive content for a web site is created.
  • Basic security in a web site is implemented.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • This qualification makes use of assessment practices that are integrated as far as possible with other aspects and makes use of practical contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods are used in assessment and tools and activities that are appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work.
  • Theoretical and practical components are assessed together. Formative and summative assessment tools are used to assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.
  • Assessment practices ensure that all the outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification in terms of its generic core modules has been compared internationally against the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) framework. The content, structure and focus of the qualification meet many of the requirements set out in the UNESCO framework.

    Further, the qualification was also compared with qualifications from United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, India and the United States of America. The qualification naming systems used varied markedly between institutions, with the use of "Certificate in ...", "Higher Certificate in ..." and "Higher National Certificate". Some institutions also differed between highly focussed and specialised vocationally oriented Information Technology certificates to more general qualifications that provided an entry level certificate in IT. The duration required to complete these "certificate" qualifications ranged from 1-12 months.

    In particular the Higher Certificate in Information Technology was found to compare favourably with the following international qualifications:
  • Certificates offered in Information Technology at University of Missouri (USA).
  • Certificate in Information Technology, University of Virginia (USA).
  • Certificate in Information Technology, University of Sheffield (UK).
  • Higher National Certificate in Information Technology, (EDEXCEL, UK).
  • Certificates/Diploma in Information Technology offered at South bank Institute of Technology (Australia).

    Conclusion:
    There were numerous points of similarity with regards to the level, structure, content, outcomes, core and specialised knowledge of the proposed qualification and the international qualifications stipulated above. Hence the Higher Certificate in Information Technology compares well with international qualifications and consequently is of an international standard. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal as well as vertical articulation to other institutions which may present similar qualifications.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • This qualification may articulate horizontally with any relevant cognate qualification at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • This qualification serves as an entry point into a Diploma in Information and Communications Technology at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.