Robotic Processing Automation (RPA) Developer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Developer. The Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Developer works with other developers and solution architects to develop robotic processing automation software to emulate the business process defined by the process owner and documented by the business analysts. They configure software RPA solutions to perform automated business processes that typically interact with multiple applications and data. A qualified learner will be able to: • Develop RPA solutions which emulate human actions during the project development stage using platform knowledge and data analysis capabilities. • Execute test procedures for evaluating the performance of the RPA solution through test cases and decide whether it passes or fails. • Modify and improve existing RPA solutions and build reusable components (post-production).

Amongst other reasons, this qualification has been developed in response to the report of the Presidential Commission on the 4th Industrial Revolution. This report forefronts human capital and the future of work and refers to growing skills instability. It states that work will change, and that robotic process automation (RPA) will play a more pivotal role in the execution of tasks. The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a fusion of advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, process automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), genetic engineering, quantum computing, cyber security, cloud computing, and data science. Robotic process automation (RPA) refers to software that can be easily programmed to do basic, repetitive tasks across software applications. RPA creates and deploys a software robot with the ability to launch and operate other software. It is estimated that globally, digital process automation will grow annually by 13,3%. 74% of organisations are actively looking for new use cases for automation. Between 2017 and 2019 companies using automation for mission-critical processes rose from 16% up to 50%. This growth establishes the need for developing a qualification for business automation. Robotic process automation will become one of the key focus areas for technology investment as the drive toward digital transformation intensifies in South Africa. RPA, as other many technologies is impacted by Artificial Intelligence and various sources of structured and unstructured of data. RPA will not evolve without AI. The World Economic Forum report on South Africa states that Process Automation Specialist is the number one emerging job needed. Robotic process automation (RPA) is transforming the way organisations operate by streamlining manual processes and reducing the burden of mundane human activities. RPA is changing the world of work and the growth of RPA software has exploded across all industries and in all functions, from healthcare to financial services to human resources and call centre automation. Opportunities for automation thus exist virtually everywhere throughout every business, enabling greater organisational performance and efficiency, but it is an opportunity that will be missed without people having skills to design, implement and maintain automated processes. RPA is useful in any industry. For example, in healthcare, RPA robots are helping schedule patient appointments, including data entry for processing claims, and billing. They can validate data, enter information across multiple systems, and interact with a human user. RPA robots are capable of mimicking many if not all human user actions on IT applications. If one thinks about tasks only, they log into applications, move files and folders, copy and paste data, fill in forms, extract structured and semi-structured data from documents, scrape browsers, and more. The qualification will play an important role in the digital transformation in South Africa. It will address the demand for RPA skills whereby benefitting the economy as well as the IT sector. The RPA Developer designs RPA solutions which eliminate defects, errors and problems with business or customer service processes. Society will benefit from RPA solutions in terms of reduced risk, reduction in manual errors, faster service, and reduced workload. No similar qualifications are registered on the National Qualifications Framework. The target group for this qualification is school leavers, qualifying learners from TVET colleges, new entrants into the sector and existing employees who have experience in this field, but without formal recognition of skills and competencies. Typical occupations of an Occupational Certificate: Robotic Processing Automation (RPA) Developer would be RPA Associate, Junior RPA Developer, Process Automation Specialist or Digital Transformation Specialist which is the first level towards growing as a Digital Transformation Leader. No professional registration or licencing is expected for RPA Developers to seek employment in the sector.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment • Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. RPL for Access to the Qualification • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or is workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 4 qualification.

• Analyse the Solution Design Document (SDD) for the RPA solution and prepare the Technical Design Document (TDD).
• Demonstrate an understanding of knowledge of RPA and application of best practices when developing resilient RPA solutions in accordance with the design documents.
• Execute test procedures (prior to deployment) for the RPA solution to determine performance.
• Apply technical expertise to resolve workflow incidents, maintain the deployed RPA solution, and implement changes ensuring continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate an ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team and function ethically and effectively in the workplace.