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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Repair a personal computer or hand-held computer to module level 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14940  Repair a personal computer or hand-held computer to module level 
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  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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:
  • Diagnose faults with a personal computer.
  • Plan the repair of a personal computer to module level.
  • Replace faulty modules in a personal computer.
  • Resolve faulty software in a personal computer.
  • Restore a personal computer to service.

    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 1).
  • Demonstrate PC competency skills (All End-User Computing unit Standards).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of types of computer systems. (IST004). 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Diagnose faults with a personal computer. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to : Faults with: Storage devices, Power supply, Logic board, I/O systems, Monitor, Memory, Operating system, Device drivers, Software conflicts. Diagnostic procedures; Symptoms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The diagnosis of each fault verifies the reported symptoms, and identifies any further symptoms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to : Faults with: Storage devices, Power supply, Logic board, I/O systems, Monitor, Memory, Operating system, Device drivers, Software conflicts. Diagnostic procedures; Symptoms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The diagnosis identifies the causes of the symptoms, using diagnostic procedures recommended by industry, and according to the user's requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to : Faults with: Storage devices, Power supply, Logic board, I/O systems, Monitor, Memory, Operating system, Device drivers, Software conflicts. Diagnostic procedures; Symptoms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The diagnosis identifies known problems using information sources. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reference manual; Fault database; Supplier staff.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The diagnosis identifies hardware faults to module level, and software faults to packaged software level. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to : Faults with: Storage devices, Power supply, Logic board, I/O systems, Monitor, Memory, Operating system, Device drivers, Software conflicts. Diagnostic procedures; Symptoms.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan the repair of a personal computer to module level. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Hardware sub-assemblies (eg. Hard drives; Circuit boards) which are replaceable without the use of a soldering iron. Diagnosis; Repair strategies; Feasibility; Duration; Resources required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The plan reviews the diagnosis and explains the feasibility of the repair. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Hardware sub-assemblies (eg. Hard drives; Circuit boards) which are replaceable without the use of a soldering iron. Diagnosis; Repair strategies; Feasibility; Duration; Resources required.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The plan outlines the strategy for repairing the fault. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Hardware sub-assemblies (eg. Hard drives; Circuit boards) which are replaceable without the use of a soldering iron. Diagnosis; Repair strategies; Feasibility; Duration; Resources required.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The plan adopts a review procedure which ensures that the final outcome meets user requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Hardware sub-assemblies (eg. Hard drives; Circuit boards) which are replaceable without the use of a soldering iron. Diagnosis; Repair strategies; Feasibility; Duration; Resources required.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The plan estimates the effort, duration and resources required for the repair. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Hardware sub-assemblies (eg. Hard drives; Circuit boards) which are replaceable without the use of a soldering iron. Diagnosis; Repair strategies; Feasibility; Duration; Resources required.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The plan ensures that the resources required to complete the repair are available at the repair site. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Hardware sub-assemblies (eg. Hard drives; Circuit boards) which are replaceable without the use of a soldering iron. Diagnosis; Repair strategies; Feasibility; Duration; Resources required.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The plan ensures that the replacement modules and software are compatible with the computer system, and carry evidence of integrity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Hardware sub-assemblies (eg. Hard drives; Circuit boards) which are replaceable without the use of a soldering iron. Diagnosis; Repair strategies; Feasibility; Duration; Resources required.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Replace faulty modules in a personal computer. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Compatibility of components; Replacement procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The replacement modules are installed according to manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Compatibility of components; Replacement procedure.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The replacement ensures that modules function according to manufacturer's specification, by carrying out appropriate tests. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Compatibility of components; Replacement procedure.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The replacement ensures that the personal computer operates according to hardware and software manufacturer's specification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Compatibility of components; Replacement procedure.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Resolve faulty software in a personal computer. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Problem identification; Repair procedure; Software specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The resolution ensures that the personal computer software problem is resolved by following the publisher's instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problem identification; Repair procedure; Software specification.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The resolution ensures that the personal computer hardware and software operates according to the publisher's specification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problem identification; Repair procedure; Software specification.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The resolution minimises disruption to the user. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problem identification; Repair procedure; Software specification.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Restore a personal computer to service. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The restoration ensures that the personal computer user's data and configuration are restored according to repair plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The restoration ensures that the personal computer operates according to the manufacturer's specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The restoration ensures that the personal computer is available to the user. 


    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 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 (eg. In a commercial or government organisation). 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    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 ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage him/her self and his/her activities responsibly and effectively. 

    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. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information:
    1. "Software" refers to system software and application software.
    2. "Module level" refers to hardware sub-assemblies such as hard drives and circuit boardsthat are replaceable without the use of a soldering iron.

    Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
    Hardware, Infrastructure Maintenance and Support. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  78964   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Elective  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 


    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. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Affirmations Training 
    3. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    5. Amilak Training Center 
    6. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    7. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    9. Bells Technical College 
    10. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    11. Careers IT 
    12. Clean Heat Academy 
    13. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    14. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    15. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    16. CSL Accountants 
    17. CTU Training Solutions 
    18. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    19. Delight Computer Training 
    20. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    21. ED-U Options Academy 
    22. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    23. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    24. Elchees Software Solutions 
    25. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    26. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    27. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    28. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    29. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Fourways Private College 
    31. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    32. Global Institute for Capacity 
    33. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    34. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    35. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    36. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    37. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    38. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    39. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    40. IT Academy 
    41. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    42. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    43. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    44. KT Mobile Services 
    45. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    46. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    47. Loomee Group 
    48. Makhophila Training 
    49. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    50. Mash Computer Training 
    51. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    52. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    53. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    54. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    55. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    56. Mpande Technologies cc 
    57. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    58. NBC Technologies 
    59. NCC - Vereeniging 
    60. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    61. Nyathela Business College 
    62. Olrich Home of Technology 
    63. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    64. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    65. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    66. Pretoria Technical College 
    67. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    68. Progressive School of Business 
    69. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    70. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    71. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    72. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    73. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    74. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    75. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    76. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    77. Spina Consultancy 
    78. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    79. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    80. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    81. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    82. Terry Computer Services cc 
    83. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    84. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    85. Titan Trade Technologies 
    86. Tlou Foundation College 
    87. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    88. TSP COLLEGE 
    89. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    90. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    91. Visionary Skill Academy 
    92. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    93. Vukani Solutions 
    94. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    95. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    96. Whitestone College 
    97. Working Solution International 
    98. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    99. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    100. Yonet Training Academy 
    101. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    102. Zikode Development Trust 



    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.