Extended Reality Developer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Extended Reality (XR) Developer. An Extended Reality (XR) Developer researches, analyses, communicates with stakeholders (internal and external), designs, develops, integrates, programme/codes devices, codes, tests, troubleshoots, maintains, deploys and implements extended reality software and/or applications using different programming languages and platforms for a specific development engine, to support augmented, virtual and mixed realities enabling environments in compliance with the applicable standards, design guidelines and best practice. A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct research and establish customer requirements and emerging technologies and solutions. • Develop XR Applications and solutions including sub-components that may be required. • Diagnose and troubleshoot problems relating to XR Software and Applications

The digital economy plays a significant role in aspects of the global economy. Currently there is a growing trend among companies especially those in entertainment, gaming, mobile computing and business applications predominantly use immersive technologies to create extended reality (augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality) which involves the use of digital visual elements, sound or other sensory stimuli to engage and delight audiences. The qualification will benefit the society, the economy and individuals as extended reality has become more accessible to consumers, and companies continue to expand their programmes boosting their incomes and/or profit margins through increased market share. This has increased the demand for qualified extended reality developers thus creating employment opportunities in the labour market directly contributing to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Typical learners include school leavers, individuals who are already working in the industry who do not have formal qualification, retrenched individuals who wish to start a career in extended reality, qualified learners who are interested in this qualification including education, training and development practitioners or individuals who are passionate about immersive technology wishing to pursue their own projects and become self-employed. Qualifying learners will be able to work collaboratively and communicate with multiple teams and develop XR content ideas, create assets for experiences using different programming languages, Software and platforms. The qualification will provide learners with requisite knowledge and skills for researching, evaluating, implementing and testing new and innovative ways of using emerging technologies for extended reality design and animation that develops and produces full motion and animated content. Currently there is no similar qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). In addition, no licensing or membership requirements apply to this qualification at the time of development. This qualification also allows career pathing to qualifying learners to articulate vertically and horizontally in information technology related qualifications to practice an occupation as Coding Developer and XR Solution Architect.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • RPL for Access to Training/Exemption: 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. 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 Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) or Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA): 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. 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.

• Evaluate and develop a functional XR application.
• Conduct tests and deploy XR software applications.
• Assess and perform fault-finding and troubleshooting problems relating to XR Software and Applications.