The purpose of this qualification is to build a foundational entry into the field of Computer Sciences and Information Technology, specifically into the field of Systems Support, covering basic knowledge needed for further study in the field of Systems Support at Higher Education Levels. 

The qualification can be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, through studentships. Acquiring the qualification through studentships has the potential of addressing the problems of the past, where newly qualified people getting into the industry struggled to get employment, because they were required to have practical experience. The workplace experience can now be gained while acquiring the qualification through the various studentship schemes that are planning to use this qualification. 

A Qualifying student at this level will be a well-rounded entry-level Systems Support professional with a good fundamental knowledge of the Information Technology field, coupled with interpersonal and business skills, allowing for specialisation in one of the following Systems Support fields: 

• Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Personal Computers
• Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Office Products
• Data Communications and Networking
• (and any new field not specified yet, allowing for new specializations in this area)

The qualification is designed to: 

• Provide students with an entry level for further study in Information Technology and related fields, as well as for initial employment in the computer industry.
• Allow many of the listed unit standards to be used in Studentship Schemes in the Information Systems and Technology sector, as well as other sectors where Information Technology is a key requirement.
• Provide a foundational qualification for people who are pursuing a career in the computer industry, or related fields. People with this qualification have an introductory level of understanding about computer industry concepts and/or are able to work in areas of Information Technology with little technical complexity. Examples of the areas covered are entry-level hardware, software, electronics and network support, on mainly (but not limited to) desktop and hand-held devices and local area networks.
• Allow the credits achieved in the National Certificates in Information Technology (Level 2 & 3) to be used as foundation (i.e. learning assumed to be in place) for the requirements of this qualification.

Have a flexible structure to allow for changing requirements in the computer industry, and to allow providers to create learning programmes with a predominantly Information Technology Support component but tailored to meet the local, national or international needs. 

Rationale of the qualification: 

This qualification has been formulated such that it reflects the workplace-based needs of the Information Technology Industry as expressed by its stakeholders. 
The input has been used to ensure that the qualification provides the student with accessibility to be employed within the IT Industry. 

The introduction of national qualifications in Information Technology based on unit standards will allow students to qualify for a national qualification by accumulating the required credits via short learning programmes or workplace practical experience or both. It also allows students to achieve the qualifications through recognition of prior learning and/or studentships schemes, overcoming past barriers in the methods of achieving formal qualifications. 

Academically this National Certificate is intended to be an entry-level qualification in the area of Systems Support. The qualification builds on knowledge areas covered in National Certificates and short learning programmes at NQF level 2 to 4, and it facilitates entry into the Systems Support field. It aims to enhance readiness for further study in Information Technology and related fields at the Further Education level, provides a pathway into further study at Higher Education level, as well as providing for initial employment in the computer industry. 

One of the most important needs for this qualification is to provide for the recognition of prior learning. There are currently no unit standards based registered qualifications in the Systems Support area. However, hardware and networks are being installed, maintained and upgraded on a daily basis in a number of different industry sectors. People with workplace experience in the areas covered by this qualification will now be allowed to request assessment and get recognition for prior learning. 

The qualification provides the student with the flexibility to articulate in the IT environment with a wide variety of specialisation options and articulation within the Telecommunications, Information Technology and Electronic Industries and other industries where IT is a key component, like the Financial Services Industry.