This qualification was designed carefully to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation. It was
developed to allow for further study in IT and related fields at further education levels. The
Qualification was designed as part of a set of IT Qualifications from NQF Level 5 through to NQF
Level 6 and higher. Two NQF Level 5 qualifications (one in the systems support sub-area of IT and
one in systems development) have recently been registered on the NQF. This new Qualification
addresses the learning assumed to be in place for the two NQF Level 6 Qualifications mentioned,
allowing learners' articulation into the IT field.