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 UNIT STANDARD:

Explain computer architecture concepts

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14917	Explain computer architecture concepts
ORIGINATOR
SGB Information Systems and Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences			Information Technology and Computer Sciences
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular-Fundamental	Level 4	NQF Level 04	7
REGISTRATION STATUS		REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE	SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered		2018-07-01	2023-06-30	SAQA 06120/18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

This unit standard is intended:

to provide a fundamental knowledge of the areas covered

for those working in, or entering the workplace in the area of Information Systems & Technology Management.

as additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered

People credited with this unit standard are able to:

Explain computer architecture elements

Explain the organisation of a computer

Describe the design constraints in the design of instruction sets for computers
The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The credit value of this unit is based on a person having prior knowledge and skills to:

Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental mathematics (at least NQF level 3)

Demonstrate PC competency skills (End-User Computing unit Standards, at least up to NQF level 3.)

Demonstrate an understanding of types of computer systems. (SGB-ID= IST004).

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Explain computer architecture elements.

OUTCOME RANGE

Includes, but is not limited to: Virtual machine, Hardware, Software, Firmware, Functional levels within a computer (at least 3).

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The explanation identifies the functions of elements which make up computer architecture.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The explanation outlines the functions of elements which make up computer architecture.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The explanation distinguishes categories of each element and outlines their features.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The explanation identifies examples of the application of architecture elements.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Explain the organisation of a computer.

OUTCOME RANGE

Includes, but is not limited to: Motherboard, Power supply, Storage devices, CPU, Memory, PC Cards, BIOS, Battery, Cables and leads (at least 3).

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The explanation identifies the purpose of computer components.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The explanation outlines how components achieve their outcomes in terms of their relationships, and the structure of the computer.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Describe the design constraints in the design of instruction sets for computers.

OUTCOME RANGE

Includes, but is not limited to: Instruction length, Memory transfer, Word length, Instruction format, Instruction fetch, Operand specification.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The description identifies the constraints, and outlines the issues involved.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The description outlines how the constraints have been accommodated, by using examples.

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programs of education and training assessed against unit standards.

Moderation Process:
Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

1. Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour.
2. Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
3. All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/or regulatory requirements.
4. Performance of all elements is to be completed within the normal range of time and cost that would be expected in a professional environment (e.g. In a commercial or government organisation).

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Identify, solve problems and make decisions in relation to the current systems development environments.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when engaging with systems development.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING

Contribute to his/her full personal development and the social and economic development of the society at large by being aware of the importance of: reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively, exploring education and career opportunities and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

UNIT STANDARD NOTES

Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
Computer Operations

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	24294	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2010-01-23	Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement
Core	78965	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Reregistered	2023-06-30	MICTS
Core	78964	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Reregistered	2023-06-30	MICTS
Core	24293	National Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support	Level 4	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2010-01-23	Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement
Elective	20184	National Certificate: Banking	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Reregistered	2023-06-30	BANKSETA
Elective	61591	National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Reregistered	2021-06-30	As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual
Elective	20185	Further Education and Training Certificate: Banking	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Reregistered	2023-06-30	BANKSETA

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD:

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.	Abetech
2.	Absa Learning & Development
3.	Academy of Training and Development
4.	AccTech Systems (PTY)LTD
5.	Acol Computer Training PTY LTD
6.	Act of Grace 97
7.	Added Advantage Academy (Durban)
8.	Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd
9.	Affirmations Training
10.	AFRICALEADS ACADEMY
11.	All Connections cc
12.	Amitek Business College
13.	Anderson College (Pty) Ltd
14.	Ankalite (Pty) Limited
15.	Arise Business Centre
16.	Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd
17.	Aspirations Communication Training CC
18.	ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd
19.	AUM IT Solutions
20.	Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies
21.	Best Information Solutions
22.	Beth Horner & Associates
23.	Bidvest Bank
24.	Birnam Business College (Pty) Limited
25.	Bokamoso Competence (Pty) Ltd
26.	Bonalesedi Computer Training
27.	Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd
28.	Broadband College of Technology
29.	BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd
30.	Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd
31.	Calandra Trading 523(PTY)
32.	Cape Innovation Technology Initiative
33.	Cape Town Society for the Blind
34.	Careers IT (Pty) Ltd
35.	Certified Workforce Trainers cc.
36.	Chartall Business College
37.	Claas Illustration
38.	College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd
39.	Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd
40.	CompEd IT Training
41.	Competence computer and business management
42.	Compuscan Academy
43.	Cornerstone Performance Solutions (Pty) Ltd
44.	CTU Training Solutions
45.	Cyber College of Business and Technology
46.	CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED
47.	Daily Training Cc
48.	DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd
49.	Denwin's Computer & Business School
50.	Ditlotlo Trading Enterprise Cc
51.	DVG Property (Pty)Ltd
52.	Eagle Computer Training
53.	Eastern Cape Academy of Technology
54.	Egsibit Training and Development
55.	Ekasi IT Solutions CC
56.	Ekukhanyeni Community Development Centre
57.	Ekurhuleni Computer College
58.	Elangeni Training Institute
59.	Fakazani Management Services
60.	Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd
61.	Far North Education & Training Trust (FNETT)
62.	Far North Youth Development Initiative
63.	Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc
64.	Felix Risk Training Consultants
65.	Firstrand Bank - Benmore
66.	Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd
67.	Fort Hare Solutions (PTY) LTD
68.	Foster-Melliar
69.	Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre
70.	Gauteng College of Engineering and Technology (PTY) LTD
71.	GDE Science Education Centre
72.	Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc
73.	Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd.
74.	Goldfields TVET College
75.	Goodwill Institute Of Technology
76.	Gurandbuilt Management Development
77.	Hazyview Computer College
78.	Hectic Productions cc
79.	IALE School of Advanced Learning and Education (Pty) Ltd
80.	iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD
81.	Indonsa Consulting and Training cc
82.	Information Technology Resource Centre
83.	Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building
84.	ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE
85.	iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd
86.	IT Certification Academy
87.	IT SA Computer Services Solutions (Pty) Ltd
88.	Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies
89.	Johannesburg Institute of Engineering & Technology
90.	John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust
91.	Jonda Learning Academy
92.	Keybase Training Solutions Cc
93.	Kezla Investments
94.	Khuphulanani Training Institute (Pty) Ltd
95.	King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
96.	Konani Training and Development Institute
97.	Kondi Computer Training
98.	Kumani Computer College
99.	Kylix Information Systems
100.	LA Gomme Training Centre
101.	Leading Edge Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd
102.	Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd
103.	Lesedi Consulting
104.	Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd
105.	LGIT Smart Solutions
106.	Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd
107.	Loja Trading cc
108.	M-cot Corporate Training
109.	Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd
110.	Makhophila Business Enterprise
111.	Malope IT Solutions
112.	Masana Brainstorm Conferencing cc
113.	Mash Computer Training
114.	Mass Computer Training And Printers
115.	MasterGrade IT
116.	Mkoneni Consulting (Pty) Ltd
117.	Mokk Consultants Cc
118.	Mosadikago Trading Cc
119.	Motheo TVET College
120.	Mourema Computer Training Centre
121.	Mpisholo Training Solutions
122.	Mthonyama Technologies cc
123.	National Computer College Carletonville
124.	National Computer College Cc
125.	NCM Computer and Business Academy
126.	Ndabezitha Life Skills Training Institute
127.	Nedbank Ltd
128.	NET2G Technologies (Pty) Ltd t/a IT SCHOOL
129.	NetCampus (Pty) Ltd.
130.	New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC)
131.	Ngubeni Corporation
132.	Nicoflora Computers & PC Engineering (Pty) Ltd
133.	Ntamunde Investment
134.	Nyankwavi Inverstment
135.	Ocule IT cc
136.	On the Ball College Pty ltd
137.	Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd
138.	Pillays Computer and Careers
139.	Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd
140.	PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD
141.	Protech Business and Computer College Pty Ltd.
142.	Qhakaza Management Services
143.	Rand Training College
144.	Reaithuta Computer Academy
145.	Regent-Comp
146.	Rivoni Training N Communications
147.	Ron and Becky Trading
148.	Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd
149.	Sankin Computer Training Pty Ltd
150.	Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pty) Limited
151.	Sed General Trading Enterprise
152.	SEDIBENG
153.	Setlagole Telecentre
154.	Simation (Pty) Ltd
155.	Sivile Housing Association RSA
156.	Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre
157.	Siyafunda Community Technology Centre
158.	Smart Byte Training Cc
159.	South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd
160.	Southern Africa Youth Project NPC
161.	Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty)
162.	Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd
163.	Star Light Consulting
164.	Success Christian Training Centre
165.	Taal-Net Training Institute
166.	Terry Computer Services cc
167.	The Facilitation Workshop
168.	The Graduate Institute of South Africa
169.	The Ulwazi Computer Training Center
170.	Tira Telecoms
171.	Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd
172.	Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd
173.	Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer
174.	Tumelo Education and Training
175.	Turnstone Trading 183 (Pty) Ltd
176.	Umbrella Training and Development
177.	Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd.
178.	Umzinyathi Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd
179.	Vukani Solutions
180.	Vuthlari Marketing Consulting (PTY)LTD
181.	Waterberg TVET College
182.	Whitestone College
183.	Xtensive ICT Academy (Pty) Ltd
184.	Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd
185.	Y2K COLLEGE
186.	Zealot Business College cc
187.	Zinjiva Trading
188.	ZJ Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd