Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support Level 4

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION:

The purpose of this qualification is to build a foundational entry into the field of Computer Sciences and Information Technology, specifically into the field of Systems Support, covering basic knowledge needed for further study in the field of Systems Support at Higher Education Levels.

The qualification can be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, through learnerships. Acquiring the qualification through learnerships has the potential of addressing the problems of the past, where newly qualified people getting into the industry struggled to get employment, because they were required to have practical experience. The workplace experience can now be gained while acquiring the qualification through the various learnership schemes that are planning to use this qualification.

A QUALIFIED LEARNER WILL BE ABLE TO:

A Qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded entry-level Systems Support professional with a good fundamental knowledge of the Information Technology field, coupled with interpersonal and business skills, allowing for specialisation in one of the following Systems Support fields:

Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Personal Computers
Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Office Products
Data Communications and Networking
(and any new field not specified yet, allowing for new specialisations in this area)

SKILLS RATIONALE:

This qualification has been formulated such that it reflects the workplace-based needs of the Information Technology Industry as expressed by its stakeholders.
The input has been used to ensure that the qualification provides the learner with accessibility to be employed within the IT Industry.
The introduction of national qualifications in Information Technology based on unit standards will allow learners to qualify for a national qualification by accumulating the required credits via short learning programmes or workplace practical experience or both. It also allows learners to achieve the qualifications through recognition of prior learning and/or learnerships schemes, overcoming past barriers in the methods of achieving formal qualifications.
Academically this National Certificate is intended to be an entry-level qualification in the area of Systems Support. The qualification builds on knowledge areas covered in National Certificates and short learning programmes at NQF level 2 to 4, and it facilitates entry into the Systems Support field. It aims to enhance readiness for further study in Information Technology and related fields at the Further Education level, provides a pathway into further study at Higher Education level, as well as providing for initial employment in the computer industry.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES:

A learner will be able to

• Communicate effectively with fellow IT staff & users of information systems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business.
• Demonstrate an understanding of problem solving techniques, and how to apply them in a technical environment.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Technology Principles.
• Select and use materials and equipment safely for technological purposes.
• Work effectively as a team member within a support team.
• Carry out, under supervision, a small size task to demonstrate knowledge of techniques & skills needed in one or more of the following areas of majoring/specialisation:
• Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Personal Computers
• Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Office Products
• Data Communications and Network Support

In addition to the above, unit standards will be utilised to provide depth of specification of the outcomes ranges and the assessment criteria and processes.