SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding of- and perform operational activities on Digital Loop Carrier systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246668  Demonstrate an understanding of- and perform operational activities on Digital Loop Carrier systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Telecommunications 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will contribute to the full development of any learner within the Telecommunications environment, more specifically within switching/transmission environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field. This skill forms the basis for the performance of duties in the day-to-day operations of Digital Loop Carriers in specific occupations at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7.

The knowledge, skills and understanding demonstrated in this unit standard are essential for upliftment, social and economic transformation in the Telecommunications environment.

The qualifying learner is capable of demonstrating:
  • An understanding of DLC principles and concepts.
  • The ability to gain access to a DLC system.
  • The ability to identify and define components and functions/characteristics of the DLC systems.
  • The ability to use system related documentation.
  • The ability to manipulate physical components of the system.
  • The ability to perform operations on systems.

    The learning outcomes in this unit standard contribute to the exit level outcomes which provide qualifying learners with access to a range of further learning in this field at NQF Level 4 and above, in the form of workplace based learning programmes for occupationally focused qualifications.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the telecommunications environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following knowledge, skills attitude and/or equivalent:
  • Knowledge of the Telecommunications network.
  • Transmission principles.
  • Basic understanding of electricity and electronics.
  • Basic switching principles. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard includes but is not limited to:
  • UMC 1000E.
  • DCS 30.
  • DCS 40/BA40. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the ability to access the system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    System has been accessed according to system documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Command structures and access procedures are described and explained according to system documentation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Indicate components and define functions/characteristics of the system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Components of the system are indicated according to system documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Function of system components are defined according to manufacturers' specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Characteristics of system components are defined according to manufacturers' specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    System components inter-working functionalities are explained according to system documentation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate the ability to execute commands on the system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate commands are executed according to the job description. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Verify system response according to the command manual. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Commands and functionality of commands are explained according to the command manual. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate the ability to manipulate the hardware components on the system. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Including but not limited to:
  • Physical components (cards, modules, power supplies, leads) and equipment (tools and material). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    System is manipulated according to policies, procedures and system specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Policies, procedures and related to manipulation of the physical components are described and explained according to system specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Required health and safety practices are known and adhered to at all time. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate the ability to use system's documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    System documentation is accessed correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    System documentation is used effectively and appropriately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of system documentation is explained according to manufacturer's specifications. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Understand the operation of Digital Loop Carrier systems.
  • Components and functions/characteristics of the Digital Loop Carrier systems.
  • Access system and execute commands (man-machine language) relating to Digital Loop Carrier systems System.
  • Manipulate system (related to: configurations, faults and alarms).
  • Use and functions of systems documentation in Digital Loop Carrier System is defined.

    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others (clients and colleagues) as a member of a team, group or organisation to achieve the required end-result. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself in the work area and our activities responsibly and effectively to complete tasks within deadlines. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect and analyse network information and critically evaluate the effect of it on work performance. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively (with clients and colleagues), using visual and/or language skills when performing operational activities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners are able to demonstrate an understanding of the telecommunication equipment as a set of interrelated processes. Demonstrate an understanding of the world, as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exists in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to his/her full personal development and the social and economic development of the society at large by being aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Comment on this unit standard should reach SAQA no later than 26 October 2007.
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the learner:
  • Has basic knowledge of some main areas of a discipline/field.
  • Has basic understanding of a discipline/ field's key term, rules, concepts, principles and theories.
  • Is familiar with some of the essential methods, procedures and techniques of the discipline/field.
  • Has the ability to use the above to solve routine problems within given frameworks.
  • Has a basic information gathering, analysis and presentation skill.
  • Has the ability to communicate information reliably and accurately in the required medium of instruction.
  • Has the capacity to operate within clearly defined contexts, with limited scope for personal decision-making and responsibility.
  • Learn within a well-structured and managed environment.
  • Evaluate own performance against given criteria.

    Legal Requirements:

    Compliance to the following legal requirements and standards are mandatory:
  • Employer's Policies and Procedures.
  • Environmental Management System.
  • Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • National and International Standards.
  • Local Metropolitan Council Regulations.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Ensure that the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgments should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the Assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means Assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.
  • Requirements for a portfolio are that it should be valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience, which serves to supplement the assessment of applied competence.
  • These methods must be carefully selected based on the purpose of the assessment (For example, the written method of assessing knowledge or on-job demonstration of practical competence). The assessment must integrate a number of different methods in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes.
  • Candidates are assessed against these assessment criteria. An assessor observes currently employed candidates carrying out their normal work duties. They may also be asked to carry out simulated tasks and to answer written and/or oral questions. Candidates studying towards a Unit Standard, and who are not currently employed, will also be assessed using variety of assessment tools.

    The portfolio may include:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
  • Relevant certificates or awards.
  • Previous assessment records.
  • Journals/logbook. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59057   Further Education and Training Certificate: Telecommunication Network Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    2. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    3. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.