1. Communicate effectively with fellow IT staff & users of information systems.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of problem solving techniques, and how to apply them in a technical environment.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Technology Principles.
5. Select and use materials and equipment safely for technological purposes.
6. Work effectively as a team member within a support team.
7. Carry out, under supervision, a small size task to demonstrate knowledge of techniques & skills needed in one or more of the following areas of majoring/specialisation:

• Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Personal Computers
• Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Office Products
• Data Communications and Network Support

In particular, assessors should check that the learner is able to demonstrate an ability to consider a range of options and make decisions, meeting the following criteria:

1. Effective Communication is demonstrated with fellow IT staff & with users of information systems, in the form of written and verbal communication.
2. An understanding of different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business is demonstrated, being able to describe the different computers systems and associated hardware and network configurations and investigate (sometimes under supervision) its use within organisations.
3. The ability to identify different problem solving techniques, and when and how to apply them, is demonstrated.
4.  A fundamental understanding of Computer Technology Principles are demonstrated by explaining computer architecture, networking and operating systems concepts, as well as different data storage methods.
5. An understanding of use of equipment safely for technological purposes is demonstrated, being able to install, maintain and upgrade hardware or infrastructure in areas of specialisation, according to customers' Service Level Agreements, manufacturers' recommendations and safety regulations.
6. Working effectively as a team member within a support environment, taking part in team activities and understanding different roles within different support teams.
7. The knowledge of the techniques & skills needed in one or more areas of specialisation is demonstrated by carrying out a small size task that is covering the assessment criteria explained in the unit standards selected in the specialising area being assessed in.

In addition to the above, unit standards will be utilised to provide depth of specification of the outcomes ranges and the assessment criteria and processes.

Furthermore, the assessment process should also cover the following generic components:

• Measure the quality of the observed practical performance as well as the theory and underpinning knowledge behind it;
• Use methods that are varied to allow the learner to display thinking and decision making in the demonstration of practical performance;
• Maintain a balance between practical performance and theoretical assessment methods to ensure each is measured in accordance with the level of the qualification; and
• Ensure that the relationship between practical and theoretical is not fixed but varies according to the outcomes being assessed.

Development of the competencies may be through a combination of formal and informal learning, self-learning, training programmes and work-based application.

The practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies demonstrated for the group of assessment criteria in this qualification, must prove that the whole competence is more than the sum of the parts of the competencies.

Providers should conduct diagnostic and formative assessment. Formative, continuous and diagnostic assessments should also take place in the work place, if applicable. The learner should also be able to assess him or herself and determine readiness for a summative assessment against this qualification.

During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies. Input to completing the Integrated Assessment typically makes use of combinations of the following assessment methods:

1.  Time-constrained written examinations
2. Coursework Evaluations
3. Continuous Evaluation
4.  Practical Evaluation
5. Evaluation of Portfolios of Evidence

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner will understand the role of a Systems Support Technician and be able to competently carry out the exit level outcomes of the qualification, in a business environment. The purpose of this qualification is stated as being a foundational qualification at the Further Education and Training band (level 4), allowing for further study in Information Technology and related fields at Higher Education levels. This will allow the qualified learner to progress to further qualifications either in Systems Support or other IT domains, or in other related industries where IT is a key component.

In particular, this qualification has been designed to allow entry into either the National Certificates in Systems Support at NQF level 5 or the National Certificate in Systems Development at NQF level 5, but can also be used as foundational to other IT qualifications that will be defined in future.