Database Administrator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to function as a Database Administrator. Database Administrators maintain the security and quality of digital databases in organisations by ensuring the availability of data, protection of data against loss and ensuring the optimum validity of data on the database. They also monitor and facilitate the ease and security of accessibility of data according to organisational policies, procedures, and standards and within the prevailing legislative requirements. A qualified learner will be able to: • Deploy the required database servers and install all required database software. • Perform regular database backups and ensure recovery from database failures. • Maintain existing database protocols and ensure the optimum security of the database. • Monitor the performance of the database and take action to optimise database performance and maintenance. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: • Attention to Detail • Compliance Orientation • Analytical problem solving • Sense of Urgency • Tenacity and • Adaptability.

In South Africa, the need for an occupational qualification for Database Administrators is paramount. Databases are the backbone of modern organisations, containing critical data that drives decision-making, innovation, and competitiveness. Database Administrators play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity, security, and efficiency of these systems. The complexity and importance of database management require specialised skills and knowledge. This qualification will bridge the skills gap, enhance employability, and empower South African businesses with a pool of qualified Database Administrators to support their growth and data-driven success. In an era of digital transformation, cybersecurity threats, and data privacy concerns, a dedicated qualification for Database Administrators is not only necessary but essential for safeguarding our digital infrastructure and fostering economic development. It will contribute to the professionalization of the field, benefitting both individuals seeking rewarding careers and organisations seeking skilled database management expertise. The Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner, NQF Level 5, 185 Credits, SAQA ID 118708 is registered on the NQF. The purpose of this registered qualification is to prepare learners to operate as a Data Science Practitioners. Data Science Practitioners take custody of data and make the data available in a structured form for the Data Scientist to use. They support the data life cycle by collecting, transforming, and analysing data and communicating results to solve elementary business problems. They transform data into robust, comprehensive data sets, aligned with the problem identified in the statement of work and ready for storage. The Higher Occupational Certificate: Database Administrator, however, has a different focus and specifically targets the development of professional database administrators who can become the custodians of the safe and effective operation of all databases within organisations. The development of this qualification will also benefit society in general. It will help to improve the quality of services provided by businesses and organisations, leading to better customer satisfaction. Additionally, it will create job opportunities for individuals who have an interest in data management and wish to pursue a career in this field. The qualification will be particularly beneficial to South African economy, where there is a high demand for skilled professionals in the IT industry. The development of a standardised qualification will help to bridge the skills gap and provide opportunities for job creation in the country. Typical learners include those who have completed a matric qualification or equivalent, as well as individuals who are currently employed in the IT industry and wish to upskill or gain formal recognition of their skills and knowledge in the field of database administration. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: Various stakeholders in the database administration environment were consulted during the development of this occupational qualification. A person with a Higher Occupational Certificate: Database Administrator will be qualified to operate in various occupations, including: • Database Administrator • Database Analyst • Database Developer • Database Security Specialist • Data Warehouse Administrator • Database Supervisor

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for Exemption For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Credits Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence. Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 4 qualification with Computer Literacy.

• Apply an informed level of knowledge and understanding of the theories and concepts of database administration to deploy database servers and install required database software.
• Select and apply standard methods, procedures, and techniques to perform regular database backups and ensure recovery from database failures.
• Process defined, routine, and new problems associated with database performance by continually maintaining existing database protocols and ensuring the optimum security of the databases.
• Access, process and manage appropriate information to monitor the performance of databases and take action to optimise database performance and maintenance.