FIELD COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Review of Computing qualifications and unit standards
Qualifications
|
Qualification Titles |
Reference |
|
1 National Diploma in Computing (Level 6) with optional strands in Management, Operations, Support, Generic Computing, and Software Development |
0303 |
|
2 National Diploma in Computing (Level 7) with optional strands in Management, Operations, Support, Generic Computing, and Software Development |
0305 |
Unit Standards
|
Subfield |
Domain |
Id |
|
Computing |
Computer Management |
6706-6723, 6726 |
|
Computer Operations |
6725, 6727, 6728, 6729-6742 | |
|
Computer Support |
6837-6851, 6853, 6856-6868, 6875-6884, 6885-6888, 18744, 18751-18753, 18755 | |
|
Generic Computing |
6749, 6751-6760 | |
|
Software Development - Design |
6797-6821, 7911 | |
|
Software Development - Multimedia |
6784-6796 | |
|
Software Development - Programming |
6762, 6764-6783, 18757 | |
|
Software Development - System Assurance and Documentation |
6822-6835 |
NZQA National Qualifications Services has completed the review of the qualifications and unit standards listed above.
Date report published October 2008
This review report only covers standards that have been designated category D - ie they will expire and not be replaced. Another report will be published in the future covering the review and reclassification of the retained standards.
Summary of review and consultation process
In 2002, National Qualifications Services (NQS) undertook a prioritisation and rationalisation exercise to ensure that all standards and qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) under the NQS standard setting scope were relevant and met the needs of learners, providers, the community, and the government. Careful consideration was given to the process to ensure that the unit standards retained by NQS reflected its responsibilities in relation to the Industry Training Act 1992, and national priorities including those expressed in the Tertiary Education Strategy of 2002/2007.
At this point a decision was made to exit from standard setting responsibility for standards at level 4 and above from all domains apart from Generic Computing.
From 2003 through to 2006, NZQA unsuccessfully explored options for other Standard Setting Bodies to take responsibility for these standards through transfer to an Industry Training Organisation (ITO).
In January 2006, providers were asked to submit current enrolment figures for qualifications that would be impacted by the exit and to provide feedback on the proposed transition period. After feedback the following decisions were made.
· A transition period of three years was established as being reasonable for providers to update their courses and for candidates to complete their qualifications.
· NQS reconsidered the decision to exit from level four and above as some level 4 standards had high usage in both the secondary and tertiary sectors.
In March 2007, a variation to the exit strategy was approved that allowed NQS to review all standards up to Level 7 in the Generic Computing domain and up to Level 5 in all other domains.
From July through September 2007 NQS undertook a scoping exercise and completed a report that compiled:
· known issues with the standards being considered for review
· feedback from stakeholders
· previous review reports
· usage figures
· sector views.
The report identified standards for designation as category D on the basis of low or declining use and/or feedback from stakeholders and moderators. The report also made recommendations regarding the reclassification of standards.
During December 2007, an expert panel comprising members from Universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics, Private Training Establishments, Secondary Schools, Post Primary Teachers Association, National Advisory Committee on Computing Qualifications (NACCQ), along with National Moderators met to review the retained standards. They made further recommendations on standards that should be categorised D as they were no longer fit for purpose. Minutes from this meeting were then distributed to a wider consultation group for comment, and feedback received was considered.
In May 2008, a circular was sent to all accredited providers advising the exit was proceeding and outlining the proposed transition period. This was followed up by consultation with affected Industry Training Organisations, with a three year transition being endorsed.
Review of Computing qualifications
Main changes resulting from the review
These qualifications have been designated as expiring and will expire at the end of December 2011.
National Diploma in Computing (Level 6) with optional strands in Management, Operations, Support, Generic Computing, and Software Development [Ref: 0303]
|
Review category |
D |
See Key to Qualification Review Categories at the end of report |
National Diploma in Computing (Level 7) with optional strands in Management, Operations, Support, and Software Development [Ref: 0305]
|
Review category |
D |
See Key to Qualification Review Categories at the end of report |
Transition
None. The last date for assessment of standards leading to the qualifications is December 2011. It is assumed that this will allow sufficient time for current candidates to complete programmes and for providers to develop new courses.
Key to Qualification Review Categories
|
Category A The qualification is published as a new version with the same NQF ID |
Changes are made to SSB name, contact details or purpose statement |
|
No change is made to title, rules or components of the qualification | |
|
No transition arrangements are required | |
|
Category B The qualification is published as a new version with the same NQF ID |
Changes are made to title, rules or components |
|
The new version of the qualification recognises a similar skill set to that recognised by the previous version | |
|
The SSB is confident that people awarded the new or previous version are comparable in terms of competence | |
|
Transition arrangements are required if candidates must gain additional/different credits for the new version | |
|
Category C A new (replacement) qualification is published with new NQF ID |
Significant changes are made to the qualification in terms of components, structure, type or level |
|
The SSB views people with the replacement qualification as being significantly different in terms of competence from those with the replaced qualification | |
|
Transition arrangements are required | |
|
Transition may be limited to phase-out dates | |
|
Category D Qualification will expire. There is no replacement qualification |
Qualification is no longer required by industry |
|
The qualification is designated as expiring and a last date for meeting the qualification requirements is set |
Review of Computing unit standards
Main changes resulting from the review
· All standards at Level 6 and 7 in the Computing subfield have been designated expiring.
The unit standards, which have all been designated as category D, will expire at the end of December 2011.
Impact on existing provider accreditations
None.
Impact on Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP)
None.
Impact on existing qualifications
Qualifications that contain the reviewed standards or classifications are tabled below.
|
Affected |
The qualification lists a reviewed classification (domain or subfield) in an elective set The qualification lists a standard that has changes to level or credits The qualification lists a C or D category standard |
|
Not materially affected |
The qualification lists a standard that has a new title The qualification lists a standard that has a new classification |
The following NZQA National Qualifications Services qualifications are affected by the outcome of this review and will be revised/reviewed in 2008.
|
Qualification title |
Classification or standard in the qualification |
|
National Diploma in Computing (Level 5) with optional strands in Management, Operations, Support, Generic Computing, and Software Development [Ref: 0302] |
Computing, Computer Management, Computer Operations |
|
National Certificate in Marketing [Ref:0345] |
6752 |
|
National Diploma in Marketing with strands in General Marketing, Direct Marketing, International Marketing, Marketing Research, Sales Organisation and Management, Advertising, and Public Relations [Ref:0424] |
6752 |
The following qualifications are also affected by the outcome of this review. The standard setting bodies (SSBs) have been advised that they require revision.
|
Qualification title |
Classification or standard in the qualification |
SSB Name |
|
National Certificate in Textiles Manufacture (Technology) (Level 4) [Ref: 0638] |
6749 |
Apparel and Textile Industry Training Organisation |
|
National Certificate in Wool Scouring (Early Stage Wool Processing) (Level 4) [Ref: 0639] | ||
|
National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Technician) (Level 4) with strands in Control and Instrumentation, Power Technician, and HVDC Technician; and an optional strand in Electrical Services [Ref:0917] |
6853 |
Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation |
|
National Certificate in Electronic Engineering (Level 4) [Ref:1123] |
6875 |
ElectroTechnology Industry Training Organisation |
|
National Certificate in Telecommunications (Research and Design) with strands in Electronics, Radio, Mechanical, and Software [Ref:0255] |
6797, 6798 | |
|
National Diploma in Fire and Rescue Services (Vegetation Fire Fighting - Management) (Level 5) [Ref: 0780] |
Computer Management, Computer Operations |
Fire & Rescue Services Industry Training Organisation |
|
National Certificate in Gas Industry (Gas Engineering) with strands in Gas Network Operations, Gas Network Planning and Development, and Gas Utilisation [Ref:0635] |
6756 |
NZ Extractive Industries Training Organisation |
|
National Diploma in Fitness (Applied) (Level 5) [Ref 1240] |
Computer Operations |
Sport, Fitness and Recreation Industry Training Organisation Limited |
Review Categories and changes to classification, title, level, and credits
All changes are in bold.
|
Key to review category |
| |
|
A |
Dates changed, but no other changes are made - the new version of the standard carries the same Id and a new version number | |
|
B |
Changes made, but the overall outcome remains the same - the new version of the standard carries the same Id and a new version number | |
|
C |
Major changes that necessitate the registration of a replacement standard with a new Id | |
|
D |
Standard will expire and not be replaced | |
Subfield Computing
Domain Computer Operations
|
Id |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
6725 |
Demonstrate an understanding of computer database design |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6727 |
Apply the principles of multi-user computer database design and administration |
7 |
7 |
D |
|
6728 |
Manage supplies of consumables for a multi-user computer system |
4 |
5 |
D |
|
6729 |
Operate a multi-user computer system |
5 |
10 |
D |
|
6730 |
Administer a multi-user computer database system |
6 |
20 |
D |
|
6731 |
Control changes to a multi-user computer system |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6732 |
Administer security systems for a multi-user computer system |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6733 |
Administer a multi-platform computer network |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6734 |
Create procedures for a multi-user computer system |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6735 |
Administer a data model for a multi-user computer database |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6736 |
Design and implement data structures using a multi-user computer database |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6737 |
Plan capacity for a multi-user computer system |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6738 |
Design and implement security systems for a multi-user computer system |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6739 |
Demonstrate an understanding of computer network communication |
6 |
9 |
D |
|
6740 |
Apply the principles of administering a local area computer network |
7 |
14 |
D |
|
6741 |
Administer a local area computer network |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6742 |
Administer a wide area computer network |
6 |
15 |
D |
Domain Computer Support
|
Id |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
6837 |
Demonstrate an understanding of digital circuits |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6838 |
Explain computer architecture concepts |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6839 |
Explain the concepts of multi-user computer operating systems |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6840 |
Apply the principles of installing and supporting a multi-user computer operating system |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6841 |
Assemble a multi-user computer and peripherals from modules |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6842 |
Install a multi-user computer and peripherals |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6843 |
Install and maintain multi-user computer system software |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6844 |
Install multi-user computer application software |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6845 |
Repair a multi-user computer to module level |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6846 |
Repair multi-user computer peripherals to module level |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6847 |
Plan and coordinate the installation of a multi-user computer and peripherals |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6848 |
Design information technology equipment environments |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6849 |
Assess and provide technical advice on hardware for a multi-user computer and peripherals |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6850 |
Assess and provide technical advice on system software for a multi-user computer |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6851 |
Assess and provide technical advice on application software for a multi-user computer |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6853 |
Describe computer cabling |
4 |
4 |
D |
|
6856 |
Describe and establish synchronous and asynchronous communication with computers |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6857 |
Demonstrate an understanding of local and wide area computer networks |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6858 |
Apply the principles of installing a local area computer network |
7 |
9 |
D |
|
6859 |
Apply the principles of designing a multi-platform computer system |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6860 |
Install a local area computer network |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6861 |
Install a wide area computer network |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6862 |
Install networked computer application software |
6 |
5 |
D |
|
6863 |
Design a local area computer network |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6864 |
Design a wide area computer network |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6865 |
Plan and coordinate the installation of a computer network |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6866 |
Assess and provide technical advice on a local area computer network |
7 |
25 |
D |
|
6867 |
Assess and provide technical advice on a wide area computer network |
7 |
25 |
D |
|
6868 |
Assess and provide technical advice on networked computer application software |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6875 |
Repair data communications equipment to module level |
5 |
10 |
D |
|
6876 |
Assess and provide technical advice on hardware for a single-user personal computer and peripherals |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6877 |
Assess and provide technical advice on software for a single-user personal computer |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6878 |
Install computer cabling for a multi-user computer system |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6879 |
Apply the principles of training for computer applications |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6880 |
Apply the principles of creating computer based training applications |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6881 |
Assist a person to learn to use a computer application |
5 |
15 |
D |
|
6882 |
Resolve computer users' problems |
5 |
5 |
D |
|
6883 |
Identify computer problem trends |
5 |
5 |
D |
|
6884 |
Design a teacher-based computer application training course |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6885 |
Author a computer-based computer application training package |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6886 |
Deliver a teacher-based training course for a computer application |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6887 |
Resolve technical computer problems |
6 |
5 |
D |
|
6888 |
Analyse computer application training needs |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
18744 |
Evaluate comparable multi-user computer applications for organisation use |
3 |
3 |
D |
|
18751 |
Produce a computer manual or technical document for organisation use |
3 |
5 |
D |
|
18752 |
Describe and recommend internal components suitable for a single user personal computer |
2 |
2 |
D |
|
18753 |
Recommend hardware for a single user personal computer and peripherals for organisation use |
3 |
5 |
D |
|
18755 |
Identify and resolve users' minor computer problems |
3 |
5 |
D |
Domain Computer Management
|
Id |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
6706 |
Demonstrate an understanding of the acquisition of computer systems |
6 |
8 |
D |
|
6707 |
Apply the principles of acquiring a computer system |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6708 |
Produce an information technology plan |
7 |
30 |
D |
|
6709 |
Acquire a computer system |
7 |
30 |
D |
|
6710 |
Create a computerised information system disaster recovery plan |
7 |
30 |
D |
|
6711 |
Produce an information system strategy plan |
8 |
30 |
D |
|
6712 |
Redesign business processes incorporating information technology |
8 |
30 |
D |
|
6713 |
Explain the management of the information systems function in an organisation |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6714 |
Create policies, procedures, and standards for computer operations |
7 |
30 |
D |
|
6715 |
Create policies, procedures, and standards for computer system development |
7 |
30 |
D |
|
6716 |
Create policies, procedures, and standards for computer support |
7 |
30 |
D |
|
6717 |
Create policies, procedures, and standards for computer communications |
7 |
30 |
D |
|
6718 |
Evaluate the effectiveness of a computer information system |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6719 |
Apply the principles of computer auditing |
7 |
7 |
D |
|
6720 |
Produce findings from auditing a computer information system |
6 |
20 |
D |
|
6721 |
Produce a work plan for auditing computer management and operations |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6722 |
Produce a work plan for auditing a computer system |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6723 |
Produce an audit report from audit work papers for a computer information system |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6726 |
Demonstrate an understanding of change management for computer systems |
6 |
3 |
D |
Domain Generic Computing
|
Id |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
6749 |
Demonstrate an understanding of computerised process control systems |
5 |
7 |
D |
|
6751 |
Demonstrate an understanding of common computerised business accounting systems |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6752 |
Demonstrate an understanding of emerging computerised business information systems |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6753 |
Apply the principles of implementing and supporting a computerised accounting system |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6754 |
Demonstrate an understanding of controls for business accounting computer applications |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6755 |
Demonstrate an understanding of computer expert systems |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6756 |
Apply the principles of project planning and control |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6757 |
Apply the principles of producing a business proposal for a computer system |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6758 |
Apply the principles of designing safeguards for computer information systems |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6759 |
Demonstrate an understanding of the implementation of a new computer system |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6760 |
Plan and manage a project in the computer field |
7 |
30 |
D |
Domain Software Development - Design
|
Id |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
6797 |
Plan and coordinate the development of a computer application |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6798 |
Plan and coordinate the implementation of a custom computer application |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6799 |
Plan and coordinate the development of a computer application that is a high risk project |
8 |
10 |
D |
|
6800 |
Apply the principles of data analysis for computer systems |
6 |
6 |
D |
|
6801 |
Apply the principles of systems analysis using a structured methodology |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6802 |
Apply the principles of Information Engineering |
7 |
7 |
D |
|
6803 |
Analyse an information system using structured systems analysis techniques |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6804 |
Analyse an information system using Information Engineering techniques |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6805 |
Analyse an information system using object-oriented analysis techniques |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6806 |
Apply the principles of designing computer inputs and outputs |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6807 |
Apply the principles of prototyping a computer application |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6808 |
Demonstrate computer application design skills |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6809 |
Apply the principles of designing decision support computer information systems |
7 |
5 |
D |
|
6810 |
Apply the principles of designing and implementing a computer application |
7 |
7 |
D |
|
6811 |
Design a computer application using Joint Application Development techniques |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6812 |
Design a graphical user interface for a computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6813 |
Design a computer application for a local area network environment |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6814 |
Design a computer application for a multi-platform environment |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6815 |
Design a computer application for programming with an OOP language in a GUI environment |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6816 |
Design a computer application for programming with a third generation language in a GUI environment |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6817 |
Design a computer application for a multi-user computer for programming with a 4GL |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6818 |
Design a computer application for a single-user personal computer for programming with a 4GL |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6819 |
Design a multi-user text-based computer application for programming with a third generation language |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6820 |
Design a single-user text-based computer application for a 3GL on a personal computer |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6821 |
Design a computer program for system software |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
7911 |
Apply information gathering techniques for computer system development |
6 |
7 |
D |
Domain Software Development - Multimedia
|
Id |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
6784 |
Create digitised text for a multimedia computer application |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6785 |
Design a story for a multimedia computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6786 |
Plan and coordinate the development of a multimedia computer application |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6787 |
Design a multimedia computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6788 |
Create animation for a multimedia computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6789 |
Create graphic elements for a multimedia computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6790 |
Create digitised video for a multimedia computer application |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6791 |
Create digitised sound for a multimedia computer application |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6792 |
Create digitised still images for a multimedia computer application |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6793 |
Create object scripts for a multimedia computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6794 |
Author a multimedia computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6795 |
Create programs for a computer application integrating multimedia with a database |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6796 |
Test a multimedia computer application |
7 |
10 |
D |
Domain Software Development - Programming
|
Id |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
6762 |
Manage software development source files |
5 |
5 |
D |
|
6764 |
Apply the principles of creating batch and interactive computer programs using a 3GL |
6 |
14 |
D |
|
6765 |
Apply the principles of creating computer programs containing advanced algorithms using a 3GL |
6 |
14 |
D |
|
6766 |
Apply the principles of creating a text-based computer application using a third generation language |
7 |
14 |
D |
|
6767 |
Create a single-user text-based computer application for a personal computer using a 3GL |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6768 |
Create a multi-user text-based computer application for a multi-user computer using a 3GL |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6769 |
Demonstrate fourth generation language computer programming skills |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6770 |
Apply the principles of creating a computer application using a fourth generation language |
7 |
7 |
D |
|
6771 |
Create database access for a computer application using structured query language |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6772 |
Create an application for a single-user personal computer using a fourth generation language |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6773 |
Create an application for a multi-user computer using a fourth generation language |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6774 |
Apply the principles of creating a computer program using a 3GL in a GUI environment |
6 |
14 |
D |
|
6775 |
Create a computer application using a third generation language in a GUI environment |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6776 |
Demonstrate computer programming skills using an object-oriented language |
6 |
14 |
D |
|
6777 |
Apply the principles of creating a computer program using an OOP language in a GUI environment |
7 |
14 |
D |
|
6778 |
Create a computer application using an object-oriented programming language in a GUI environment |
7 |
30 |
D |
|
6779 |
Demonstrate computer microprocessor programming skills |
5 |
7 |
D |
|
6780 |
Demonstrate assembler programming skills for computer systems programming |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6781 |
Apply the principles of systems programming for a single-user computer operating system |
7 |
14 |
D |
|
6782 |
Create a computer program for a single-user personal computer using an assembler language |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6783 |
Create a computer program for a multi-user computer using an assembler language |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
18757 |
Develop a simple online help system to provide a solution for an organisation |
4 |
15 |
D |
Domain Software Development - System Assurance and Documentation
|
Id |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
6822 |
Apply the principles of quality assurance for software development |
6 |
7 |
D |
|
6823 |
Apply the principles of reviewing an implemented computer application |
6 |
5 |
D |
|
6824 |
Apply the principles of designing and conducting tests for a computer application |
7 |
7 |
D |
|
6825 |
Test a computer application |
5 |
5 |
D |
|
6826 |
Review the development of a computer application |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6827 |
Create a test environment for computer applications |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6828 |
Design a testing plan for a computer application |
7 |
10 |
D |
|
6829 |
Assemble paper-based documentation for a computer application |
6 |
15 |
D |
|
6830 |
Test documentation for a computer application |
6 |
10 |
D |
|
6831 |
Plan and coordinate the production of documentation for a computer application |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6832 |
Design documentation for a computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6833 |
Create manuscripts for documentation for a computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |
|
6834 |
Assemble computer-based documentation for a computer application |
7 |
15 |
D |
|
6835 |
Edit documentation for a computer application |
7 |
20 |
D |