National Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Support (SAQA ID: 48573)

Course fee

Cost: R16 500.00

Deposit: R3 300.00

Monthly instalments: R1 100.00 x 12

Study duration: 12 months

About the course

Course code: C01264

Qualification overview:

A qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded IT professional building on foundational technical skills acquired at NQF level 4, via the National Certificate in IT Technical Support or equivalent. This qualification is expanding the specialisation(s) started at NQF level 4 into the core field of networking and support, with further specialisation(s) into IT Support fields or in any other related vertical or enabled markets.

The qualification is designed to:

• Provide qualified learners with an undergraduate entry into the field of networking/systems support, earning credits towards tertiary offerings in the fields of Computer Studies or Computer Science
• Prepare qualified learners for initial employment in the computer industry.
• Allow qualified learners to gain membership of registered professional bodies in the ICT industry.

Qualification components:

• Fundamental unit standards: 40 credits
• Core unit standards: 77 credits
• Elective unit standards: 30 credits

Modules and topics covered:

Personal Development

• 114076: Use computer technology to research a computer topic
• 10135: Work as a project team member
• 114183: Apply the principles of resolving problems for single-user and multi-user computer operating systems
• 114051: Conduct a technical practitioners meeting
• 114055: Demonstrate an awareness of ethics and professionalism for the computer industry in South Africa
• 114059: Demonstrate an understanding of estimating a unit of work and the implications of late delivery
• 114050: Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology
• 8252: Writing business reports in retail/wholesale practices

Networking Concepts, Architecture and Standards

• 114074: Demonstrate an understanding of different computer network architectures and standards
• 114061: Demonstrate an understanding of Wide Area Computer Networks (WANs), comparing them with Local Area Networks (LANs)
• 114072: Install and commission a local area computer network

Client Server Networking

• 114054: Administer a local area computer network
• 114046: Demonstrate an understanding of issues affecting the management of a local area computer network (LAN)
• 114060: Demonstrate an understanding of local area computer networks, by installing a networked workstation
• 114075: Design a local area computer network for a departmental office environment

Enterprise System Management and LAN Development

• 114058: Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of multi-user computer operating systems
• 114047: Install and configure a multi-user networked operating system
• 114053: Monitor and maintain a multi-user networked operating system

Configure, Operate and Administrate Servers and Computer Peripherals

• 114052: Demonstrate appropriate customer care in the context of IT support, according to a Service Level Agreement
• 114056: Describe enterprise systems management and its role in IT systems support
• 114066: Test networked IT systems against given specifications

Server Infrastructure

• 114065: Maintain and repair a server computer to module level
• 114045: Operate an enterprise server computer system
• 114063: Install a server computer and peripherals
• 114069: Administer security systems for a multi-user computer system

Admission requirements

Academic grade: A learning assumption of this qualification is foundational skills in English and Mathematics at NQF level 4 (equivalent to Grade 12).

Language: Proficiency in English.

Expertise level: Beginner to intermediate. Learning assumed is the ability to use a personal computer competently.

Equipment: Access to a PC or laptop with a reliable internet connection.

Effort: Self-paced learning online.

Accreditation status

Course type: Accredited

Quality assurance partner: MICT SETA

Quality council: QCTO

SAQA ID: 48573, NQF Level 5

Minimum credits: 147

Certification: National Certificate: Information Technology: System Support

Certification issued by: MICT SETA

Assessment details

Learner competency is determined based on the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) submitted.

Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) information:

• 70% practical and 30% theory (workshop)
• Theory contact time: 441 hours required for formal learning
• Workplace: 1029 hours required for workplace practice and transferring the learning. Formative assessment activities are included in the workplace learning time.
• Total notional hours: 1470 = 147 unit standard credits

Exit level outcomes:

A learner will be able to:

• Use a logical methodology to troubleshoot the common types of hardware and software problems typically encountered in the day-to-day operations of a department in an organisation.
• Understand the role of technology in the business context.
• Demonstrate basic application support skills
• Demonstrate operating system support skills
• Demonstrate network support skills
• Relate business problems and information technology solutions
• Demonstrate appropriate technical reporting skills
• Demonstrate appropriate customer care in the context of IT support
• Function appropriately in a change management process within a support team
• Demonstrate hardware support skills for server computers
• Demonstrate an understanding of Systems Support contextualised within a selected work area.

Articulation options:

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will have a thorough understanding of the role of an IT Systems Support person and be able to competently carry out the exit level outcomes of the qualification, in a business environment.

A qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded IT professional building on foundational technical skills acquired at NQF level 4, via the National Certificate in IT Technical Support or equivalent. This qualification is expanding the specialisation(s) started at NQF level 4 into the core field of networking and support, with further specialisation(s) into IT Support or in any other related vertical or enabled markets.

This qualification was developed to allow for further study in Information Technology and related fields at Higher Education levels. It will allow the qualified learner to progress to further qualifications either in Systems Support or other IT domains, or in related industries where IT is a key component. In particular, this qualification has been designed to allow entry into the National Diploma in Systems Support at NQF level 5 and into current tertiary qualifications at National Diploma level.

What to expect

Dedicated support team

We understand that students may require guidance and support to navigate the learning journey, and our Client Services team is always ready to assist them in every possible way. Our team is readily available during office hours and can be contacted via email, phone, WhatsApp and social media.

Online classroom access

The Online Classroom is easily accessible from your cell phone or PC. You have access to a range of resources and facilities, designed to support your learning journey. You can also submit assignments on the Online Classroom. Managing your assignments is simple, fast, and reliable.