National Foundation Certificate in Computer Operations
National Foundation Certificate in Computer Operations
2020
IN
1. PREAMBLE
The course is designed to produce an assistant data capture clerk with knowledge, skills
and attitudes required in Information Technology. The total duration of the course is 300
hours for all modes of study. Entry qualification into the course will be a minimum of two
(2) years in secondary school education. At secondary schools, the course will be covered
in two years and will run concurrently with other secondary school subjects, which are
being offered in the school. Assessment is through continuous assessment, and written
examination. The course will consider gender mainstreaming, sustainable development,
physical challenges, health dispositions, and the intersections between race, class and
culture.
2. CONSULTATIONS YEAR
2
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
PART I: REGULATIONS
The course is designed to develop a data capture clerk with the basic knowledge, skills and
attitudes required in using the computer to record, process, retrieve and communicate
information.
3. LEARNING OUTCOME
By the end of the course students should be able to manipulate application packages to
record, process, retrieve and communicate information.
4. COURSE STRUCTURE
5. COURSE DURATION
300 hours
6. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
7. MODE OF STUDY
3
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
8. ASSESSMENT SCHEME
9. GRADING
0 to 49% - Fail
50% to 59% - Pass
60% to 79% - Credit
80% and above - Distinction
10.1 Non submission of required coursework will result in the candidate being deferred.
10.2 A student must pass both coursework and examination to be awarded a pass.
10.3 A candidate must pass the subject to be awarded a National Foundation Certificate
in Computer Operations and Packages
11. RE-WRITES
11.1 A candidate should pass the continuous assessment to qualify for a rewrite
11.2 All re-writes should pass on performance in the examination and maximum grading
will be a pass
11.3 A candidate is given no time limit in which to rewrite the failed subject
11.4 Re-writes should conform to current course structure
11.5 There is no aggregation for rewrites
11.6 If a candidate fails continuous assessment he/she repeats the subject
4
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
12. EXEMPTIONS
14. RESOURCES
For an institution to successfully implement this NFC programme, the under listed
minimum infrastructure and equipment will need to be in place:-
▪ A minimum of 10 Computers
▪ 1 secured classroom
▪ Classroom Furniture
o Desks
o Chairs
▪ Cabinets for software
▪ 1 Printer
▪ Generator
▪ Projector
▪ Air conditioner
▪ Fire extinguisher
▪ Internet access
▪ Whiteboard/ Smartboard
▪ Software
5
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
6
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
PART II SYLLABUS
1.0 AIM
The course is designed to develop an assistant data capture clerk with the basic knowledge,
skills and attitudes required in using the computer to record, process, retrieve and
communicate information.
3.0 TOPICS
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
USE OF INTERNET
COMPUTER SECURITY, HEALTH AND SAFETY
WORD PROCESSING
SPREADSHEET
DATABASE
DESK TOP PUBLISHING
PRESENTATION
7
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
4.0 CONTENT
4.1.5 Software
4.1.5.1 Define the following software terms
− systems software (Operating system, utilities and translators).
− application software features (word processing, spreadsheets,
database, presentations, DTP and browser).
4.1.5.2 Give differences between systems software and application software.
8
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
4.3.1 Describe threats to computers systems (physical and data) and security
measures
4.3.2 Identify types of computer crime and suggest security measures
4.3.3 Malicious software
− Define malicious software.
− Outline types of malicious software
− Describe how malicious software spreads and measures that can be put
in place to curb the spread of malicious software
9
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
10
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
4.4.3.7 Mailing
− Define mail merge
− Use mail merge application
− Perform mail merge application
− Describe mail merge procedures
11
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
4.5 SPREADSHEET
4.6 DATABASE
4.6.1 Overview of databases
4.6.1.1 Define a database
4.6.1.2 List features of a database
4.6.1.3 Give examples of databases
4.6.1.4 Identify uses of databases
12
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
13
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
4.8 PRESENTATION
14
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
Mode of assessment:
Externally marked
CONTINUOUS 60%
ASSESSMENT 60%
A minimum of :
− 2 Practical assignments (30%)
− 2 Theory assignments
(20%)
− 2 Tests (10%)
Mode of assessment: Internally marked
100%
15
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND
PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
TOTAL 100%
16
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
CODE
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AND TRADE TESTING
SKILLS PROFICIENCY SCHEDULE
INDUSTRY: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY TRADE/ OCCUPATION:
DATA CAPTURE CLERK
CLASS/LEVEL: NATIONAL FOUNDATION
1.1 Collect data 1.1.1 Receive data • Data received ➢ Public relation ▪ Interpersonal skills
1.1.2 Acknowledge receipt • Receipt skills ▪ Communication
1.1.3 Prioritise jobs acknowledged ➢ General application ▪ Interpretation
• Jobs prioritized programs ▪ Planning
➢ Types of input ▪ Computer literacy
1.2 Input data 1.2.1 Determine program • Program devices ▪ Literacy
1.2.2 Enter data determined ➢ Setting up ▪ Writing
1.2.3 Save data • Data entered validation ▪ Analytical
• Data saved in file parameters ▪ calculation
➢ General computer
1.3 Verify data 1.3.1 Retrieve source operations
document • Source document ➢ Computer
1.3.2 Open saved retrieved operation
document environment
17
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
18
NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND PACKAGES: CODE 115/20/S01
19
DUTY 2 : MAINTENANCE OF DATA FILES
Pre-requisites: Approval Date:
Review Date:
TASK STEPS PROFICIENCY RELATED WORKPLACE
INDICATORS KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL SKILLS
2.1 Create 2.1.1 Identify file to back • File to backup ➢ Methods of backing ▪ Interpersonal skills
backup files up identified up data ▪ Communication
2.1.2 Determine • Appropriate ➢ Types of backup ▪ Interpretation
appropriate back up backup device devices ▪ Planning
device determined ➢ Methods of creating ▪ Computer literacy
2.1.3 Send file for back up • File sent for backup ▪ Literacy
backup ➢ Types of computer ▪ Writing
threats ▪ Analytical
➢ Methods of ▪ calculation
2.2 Secure files securing
computers
2.2.1. Identify threats • Threats identified ➢ Material Science
2.2.2 Determine security • Security measures
measures determined
2.2.3 Select the most • Suitable security
suitable security measures selected
measure • Selected security
2.2.4 Administer the measures are put
selected security in place
measure
2.3 Update files
• Update documents
received
2.3.1. Receive documents
• Receipt
with
acknowledged
updates
• Jobs prioritized
20
2.3.2. Acknowledge receipt • File retrieved
of • File amended
Document • Amendments
2.3.3. Prioritise jobs saved
2.3.4. Retrieve file to be
updated
2.3.5 Amend file
2.3.6 Save amendments
21
Target oriented
Good communicator
Sober minded
22
DUTY 3 : CREATING REPORTS
Pre-requisites: Approval Date:
Review Date:
TASK STEPS PROFICIENCY RELATED WORKPLACE
INDICATORS KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL SKILLS
▪ Interpersonal skills
3.1 Establish 3.1.1. Request report • Report content ➢ Public relation skills ▪ Communication
source content requested ➢ General application ▪ Interpretation
3.1.2. Acknowledge • Receipt of report programs ▪ Planning
receipt content acknowledged ➢ Computer operation ▪ Computer literacy
of report content • List of possible environment ▪ Literacy
3.1.3 Compile list of sources compiled ➢ ICT statutes ▪ Writing
possible sources • Appropriate source ➢ Standard Operating ▪ Analytical
3.1.4 Determine the file determined Procedures (SOP) ▪ calculation
appropriate ➢ Material selection
source file ➢ Output formats
➢ Output devices
3.2 Retrieve files 3.2.1. Identify the • File location identified ➢ General computer
location • File selected
of the file • File opened
3.2.2. Select the file
3.2.3. Open the file
3.3 Select required • Appropriate fields
information 3.3.1. Identify identified
appropriate
• Fields to set
fields for the
parameters identified
report
• Parameters set
3.3.2. Identify fields to
set • Program run
parameters
3.3.3. Set the
parameters
3.3.4. Run the program
23
3.4 Output 3.4.1. Determine • Output format
information appropriate determined
output format • Output format
3.4.2 Select selected
appropriate • Output devices
output format determined
3.4.3 Determine output • Output devices
devices selected
3.4.4 Select output • Information sent
devices
3.4.5 Send the
information
25
DUTY 4 : DATA PROCESSING
Pre-requisites: Approval Date:
Review Date:
TASK STEPS PROFICIENCY RELATED WORKPLACE
INDICATORS KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL SKILLS
4.1 Edit data 4.1.1. Identify data to be • Data identified ➢ Use of internet ▪ Interpersonal skills
edited • Editing tools ➢ General application ▪ Communication
4.1.2. Identify editing identified packages ▪ Interpretation
tools • Appropriate editing ➢ Mathematical ▪ Planning
4.1.3 Select appropriate tools selected operations ▪ Computer literacy
editing tools • Changes effected ➢ Output devices ▪ Literacy
4.1.4 Effect changes • Edited document ▪ Writing
4.1.5 Save the document saved ▪ Analytical
▪ calculation
26
4.3.5 Run program
27
Log book
Computer
Pens
Input devices
Manuals
Statutes
File cabinet
First aid kit
PPE
Internet
Air conditioner
Adjustable chairs
Arm rest
Document holders
Anti- glare equipment
28
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO THIS DUTY:
Fire extinguishers
Surge protector
First aid kit
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Regulations
Adequate lighting
Adequate ventilation
Non-slippery floors









