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. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    3. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    5. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    6. Elchees Software Solutions 
    7. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    8. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    9. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    10. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Fourways Private College 
    12. Global Institute for Capacity 
    13. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    14. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    15. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    16. IT Academy 
    17. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    18. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    19. Loomee Group 
    20. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    21. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    22. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    23. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    24. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    25. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    26. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    27. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    28. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    29. Spina Consultancy 
    30. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    31. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    32. Titan Trade Technologies 
    33. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    34. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    35. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    36. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    37. Whitestone College 
    38. ZA WIT (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.