Software Engineer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Software Engineer. A Software Engineer researches, analyses, and evaluates requirements for existing or new software applications and designs, develops, deploys, tests within scope of work (debugs) and maintains software applications. A qualified learner will be able to: • Design software to meet clients' needs. • Design and manipulate databases. • Develop software to add value to the organisation. • Test or debug source code to ensure client's needs are met.

The National Certificate: Information Technology (Systems Development) qualification that is currently registered with the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) is due for realignment. To address this, the Media Information Communication and Technology Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) has initiated the process of realigning this qualification through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) qualification development model. The need to realign this qualification was further motivated by the fact that there are no registered occupationally based software engineering related qualifications. The design of the revised Software Engineer qualification comprises one (1) part qualification, namely, Software Tester. Organisations that were consulted and participated in the process of realigning this qualification included employers and training providers such as Yitro Innovations, iThemba IT Solutions, E-kasi IT Solutions, CTU Training Solutions, Bytes People Solutions, i-College, Ginini Consulting, Puzzle debt, DVG, Mpande Technologies and Torque IT. Their input has been used to ensure that the qualification is fit for purpose. Typical learners to enrol for this qualification are people with workplace experience in the systems development areas who would like to formalise their training; other professionals, school leavers and qualifying learner, who have already been exposed to the system development area and want to pursue a career towards Software Engineers. Upon completion of this qualification, learners may gain employment in the Software Engineering field within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry and all other industries that require ICT services. Career mobility is possible within the ICT environment with a wide variety of specialisation options within the Telecommunications, Information Technology and Electronic Industries and other industries where IT is a key component, like the Financial Services or Insurance Industries. Learners who successfully complete the Software Engineering qualification can advance their careers by taking additional responsibilities such as leadership roles or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Businesses, organisations and communities will benefit from this qualification by being served by qualified Software Engineers. These professionals will perform their roles efficiently and effectively by contributing to the building of the economy and South Africa as a whole, through developing innovative software solutions facing the country.

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 results or by certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • Any NQF Level 4 qualification.

• Apply knowledge to design software to meet clients' needs.
• Design and manipulate databases.
• Develop software to add value to the organisation.
• Test or debug source code.