SAQA ID: 78964
Further Education & Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support Level 04

Title of Qualification:
SAQA ID: 78964 Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support Level 04

Duration of Qualification:
This programme consists of Fundamental and Elective Unit Standards and will be covered over a period of one year (see breakdown for more information)

Total Number of Credits:163

Entry Requirements
It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3. All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory. The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 56 credits all of which are compulsory.

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 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)

Who is the course intended for?

This qualification provides a planned combination of learning outcomes that will equip qualifying learners with the flexibility to articulate in the IT environment with a wide variety of specialisation options and articulation within the Telecommunications, Information Technology and Electronic Industries and other industries where IT is a key component, like the Financial Services Industry.

Learning assumed to be in place and recognition of prior learning

Learners may access this Qualification in terms of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited ETQA and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor, subject to the terms of the model decided upon by the relevant ETQA. The qualification is specifically designed to accommodate a broad range of recognition of prior learning. This intention is reflected in the structure of the qualification and in the rules for combination of credits towards the qualification. The intention is to provide recognition for all the relevant skills which learners already possess and even to provide recognition for skills which might not be relevant to the job through the elective category.

Course Objectives

The successful candidate will be able to achieve the following outcomes:
1. Communicate effectively with fellow IT staff & users of information systems.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of problem solving techniques, and how to apply them in a technical environment.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Technology Principles.
5. Select and use materials and equipment safely for technological purposes.
6. Work effectively as a team member within a support team.
7. 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