ICT Occupational Standards Level 5
ICT Occupational Standards Level 5
ICT Occupational Standards Level 5
FOR
ICT TECHNICIAN
LEVEL 5
TVET CDACC
P.O BOX 15745-00100
NAIROBI
First published 2018
All rights reserved. No part of these occupational standards may be reproduced, distributed,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other
electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the TVET CDACC,
except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-
commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the Council
Secretary/CEO, at the address below:
Council Secretary/CEO
TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council
P.O. Box 15745–00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: cdacc.tvet@gmail.com
Reforms in the education sector are necessary for the achievement of Kenya Vision 2030
and meeting the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The education sector had to
be aligned to the Constitution and this resulted to the formulation of the Policy Framework
for Reforming Education and Training (Sessional Paper No. 4 of 2016). A key feature of
this policy is the radical change in the design and delivery of the TVET training. This
policy document requires that training in TVET be competency based, curriculum
development be industry led, certification be based on demonstration of competence and
mode of delivery allows for multiple entry and exit in TVET programmes.
These reforms demand that Industry takes a leading role in curriculum development to
ensure the curriculum addresses its competence needs. It is against this background that
these Occupational Standards were developed for the purpose of developing a competency-
based curriculum for ICT Technician Level 5. These Occupational Standards will also be the
basis for assessment of an individual for competence certification.
It is my conviction that these Occupational Standards will play a great role towards
development of competent human resource for the Technology sector’s growth and
sustainable development.
The occupational standards are designed and organized with clear performance criteria for
each element of a unit of competency. These standards also outline the required knowledge
and skills as well as evidence guide.
I am grateful to the Council Members, Council Secretariat, ICT SSAC, expert workers and
all those who participated in the development of these occupational standards.
I acknowledge all other institutions which in one way or another contributed to the
development of these Standards.
FOREWORD..........................................................................................................................................................2
IT/OS/ICT/BC/01/5 A
Industry or sector
Occupational Standards
Occupational area
Type of competency
Competency number
Competency level
Version control
ICT Technician Level 5 qualification consists of competencies that a person must achieve to
enable him/her to be certified as an ICT technician.
ICT Technician is a person who can demonstrate underpinning knowledge and competence in
Supporting or enabling the use of ICT equipment and applications, selecting appropriate ICT
resources, techniques, configurations, procedures and methods, Installing, operating, and
maintaining ICT systems.
Therefore, an ICT technician is a well-trained person who can carry out these responsibilities.
These responsibilities comprise the units of competency of an ICT Technician certificate
level 5 which include the following basic and core competencies:
BASIC COMPETENCIES
1. Demonstrate communication skills
2. Demonstrate Numeracy Skills
3. Demonstrate digital literacy
4. Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills
5. Demonstrate employability skills
6. Demonstrate environmental literacy
7. Demonstrate occupational safety and health practices
CORE COMPETENCIES
1. Perform Computer Networking
2. Install Computer software
3. Perform Computer Repair and Maintenance
4. Manage Database System
5. Develop Computer Program
6. Manage Operating System
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required in meeting communication needs of clients and
colleagues; developing, establishing, maintaining communication pathways and strategies. It
also covers competencies for conducting interviews, facilitating group discussion and
representing the organization in various forums.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
ELEMENT
These are assessable statements which specify the
These describe the key outcomes
required level of performance for each of the elements.
which make the workplace function.
Bold and italicized terms are elaborated in the Range
1. Meet communication needs of 1.1 Specific communication needs of clients and
clients and colleagues. colleagues are identified and met.
1.2 Different approaches are used to meet communication
needs of clients and colleagues.
1.3 Conflict is addressed promptly and in a timely way
and in a manner which does not compromise the
standing of the organization.
2. Develop communication 2.1 Strategies for effective internal and external
strategies. dissemination of information are developed to meet
the organization’s requirements.
2.2 Special communication needs are considered in
developing strategies to avoid discrimination in the
workplace.
2.3 Communication strategies are analyzed, evaluated and
revised where necessary to make sure they are
effective.
4. Promote use of communication 4.1 Information is provided to all areas of the organization
strategies. to facilitate implementation of the strategy.
4.2 Effective communication techniques are articulated
and modelled to the workforce.
Variable Range
1. Communication strategies 1.1 Language switch.
include but not limited to: 1.2 Comprehension check.
1.3 Repetition.
1.4 Asking for confirmation.
1.5 Paraphrase.
1.6 Clarification request.
1.7 Translation.
1.8 Restructuring.
1.9 Approximation.
1.10 Generalization.
2. Effective group interaction 2.1 Identifying and evaluating what is occurring within an
includes but is not limited interaction in a non-judgmental way.
to: 2.2 Using active listening.
2.3 Making a decision about appropriate words, behaviour.
2.4 Putting together a response which is culturally appropriate.
2.5 Expressing an individual perspective.
2.6 Expressing own philosophy, ideology and background and
exploring its impact with relevance to communication.
3. Situations include but not 3.1 Establishing rapport.
limited to: 3.2 Eliciting facts and information.
3.3 Facilitating resolution of issues.
3.4 Developing action plans.
3.5 Diffusing potentially difficult situations.
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Effective communication.
Active listening.
Giving/receiving feedback.
Interpretation of information.
Role boundaries setting.
Negotiation.
Establishing empathy.
Openness and flexibility in communication.
Communication skills required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organization.
Writing communications strategy.
Applying key elements of communications strategy.
Required Knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
Communication process.
Dynamics of groups and different styles of group leadership.
Communication skills relevant to client groups.
Flexibility in communication.
Communication skills relevant to client groups.
Key elements of communications strategy.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to effectively using digital devices such as smart
phones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs. It entails identifying and using digital devices such
as smart phones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs for purposes of communication, work
performance and management at the work place.
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance criteria
apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.
Variable Range
Appropriate computer A collection of instructions or computer tools that enable the user
software may include but not to interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks.
limited to:
Appropriate computer Collection of physical parts of a computer system such as;
hardware may include but not Computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse
limited to: All the parts inside the computer case, such as the hard disk
drive, motherboard and video card.
Data security and privacy Confidentiality of data.
may include but not limited Cloud computing.
This unit covers the outcomes required to build and develop the enterprise to be more
competitive within a changing business environment, specifically responding to consumer
demands while maintaining product quality and accessibility, building a customer base and
employee motivation.
2. Develop new products/ 2.1 Alternative product/service offerings are canvassed and
markets. studied for feasibility.
2.2 Potential and new sources/sellers of supplies and raw
materials are identified and canvassed.
2.3 Target markets and buyers are identified and surveyed as
to their preferences and brand loyalties.
3. Expand customers and 3.1 Enterprise is built up and sustained through
product lines responsiveness to market demands and the regulatory
environment.
3.2 Competitive advantage of existing products and services
is maintained/ enhanced through responsive advocacies
and strategies.
3.3 Constant listening to stakeholder/client feedback is
ensured to maintain loyal client base.
Variable Range
1. Strategic directions 1.1 Business continuity and succession
include but not limited 1.2 Resource access security.
to: 1.3 Core competencies development.
1.4 New developments e.g. technological change, new
products.
2. Business/Corporate plan 2.1 Action steps and responsibilities of departments and
include but not limited individual workers.
to: 2.2 Resource requirements and budget.
2.3 Tactics and strategies to achieve objectives.
3. Helpful mechanisms
3.1 Wage and non-wage benefits.
include but not limited
3.2 Employee awards and recognition systems.
to:
3.3 Employee rights and welfare policies.
3.4 Full-disclosure/transparency policies.
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Assessing a range of alternative products and strategies.
Critically analyzing information, summarizing and making sense of previous and
current market trends.
Identifying changing consumer preferences and demographics.
Ensuring quality consistency.
Reducing lead time to product/service delivery.
Managing operations/ production.
Using formal problem-solving procedures, e. g., root-cause analysis, six sigma.
Communication skills.
Applying motivational principles, e. g., positive stroking, and behavior modification.
Required Knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
Features and benefits of common operational practices, e. g., continuous improvement
(kaizen), waste elimination.
Conflict resolution.
Health, safety and environment (HSE) principles and requirements.
Public-relations strategies.
Basic cost-benefit analysis.
Basic financial management.
Business strategic planning.
Impact of change on individuals, groups and industries.
Employee assistance.
Government and regulatory processes.
Local and international business environment.
Concepts of change management.
Relevant developments in other industries.
Capital employed.
Regional/ County business expansion.
Innovation in business.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance
criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
RANGE
This section provides work environment and conditions to which the performance criteria
apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect performance.
Range Variable
Drug and substance Commonly abused
abuse includes but not Alcohol.
limited to: Tobacco.
Miraa.
Over-the-counter drugs.
Cocaine.
Bhang.
Glue.
Feedback includes but Verbal.
not limited to: Written.
Informal.
Formal.
Clients includes but New clients.
not limited to: Existing clients.
Internal clients.
External clients.
Relationships includes Man/Woman.
but not limited to: Trainer/trainee.
Employee/employer.
Client/service provider.
Husband/wife.
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Personal hygiene practices.
Intra and Interpersonal skills.
Communication skills.
Knowledge management.
Interpersonal skills.
Critical thinking skills.
Observation skills.
Organizing skills.
Negotiation skills.
Monitoring skills.
Evaluation skills.
Record keeping skills.
Problem solving skills.
Decision making skills.
Resource utilization skills.
Resource mobilization skills.
Required Knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
Work values and ethics.
Company policies.
Company operations, procedures and standards.
Occupational Health and safety procedures.
Fundamental rights at work.
Personal hygiene practices.
Workplace communication.
Concept of time.
Time management.
Decision making.
Types of resources.
Work planning.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit specifies the competencies required to follow procedures for environmental hazard
control, follow procedures for environmental pollution control, comply with workplace
sustainable resource use, evaluate current practices in relation to resource usage, develop and
adhere to environmental protection principles/strategies/guidelines, analyse resource use,
develop resource conservation plans and implement selected plans.
Variable Range
PPE May include but are not 1.1 Mask.
limited to: 1.2 Gloves.
1.3 Goggles.
1.4 Safety hat.
1.5 Overall.
1.6 Hearing protector.
Environmental pollution 2.1 Methods for minimizing or stopping spread and ingestion
Control measures may include of airborne particles.
but are not limited to: 2.2 Methods for minimizing or stopping spread and ingestion
of gases and fumes.
2.4 Methods for minimizing or stopping spread and ingestion
of liquid wastes.
Wastes may include but are not 3.1 Unnecessary waste.
limited to: 3.2 Necessary waste.
Waste management Procedures 4.1 Sorting.
may include but are not limited 4.2 Storing of items.
to: 4.2 Recycling of items.
4.3 Disposal of items.
Resources may include but are 5.1 Electric.
not limited to: 5.2 Water.
5.3 Fuel.
5.4 Telecommunications.
5.5 Supplies.
5.6 Materials.
Workplace environmental 6.1 Biological hazards.
hazards may include but are not 6.2 Chemical and dust hazards.
limited to: 6.3 Physical hazards.
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Following storage methods of environmentally hazardous materials.
Following disposal methods of hazardous wastes.
Using PPE.
Practicing OSHS.
Complying with environmental pollution control.
Observing solid waste management.
Complying with methods of minimizing noise Pollution.
Complying with methods of minimizing wastage.
Employing waste management procedures.
Required Knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
Storage methods of environmentally hazardous materials.
Disposal methods of hazardous wastes.
Usage of PPE Environmental regulations.
OSHS.
Types and control measures of environmental pollution.
Types of solid wastes and solid waste management.
Types and methods of minimizing noise pollution.
Methods of minimizing wastage and procedures of waste management.
Economizing of resource consumption.
Principle of 3Rs.
Types of resources.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance
criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
1.Critical aspects Assessment requires evidence that the candidate:
of competency 1.1 Controlled environmental hazard.
1.2 Controlled environmental pollution.
1.3 Demonstrated sustainable resource use.
1.4 Evaluated current practices in relation to resource usage.
1.5 Demonstrated knowledge of environmental legislations and
local ordinances according to the different environmental
issues /concerns.
1.6 Described industrial standard environmental practices
according to the different environmental issues/concerns.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit specifies the competencies required to lead the implementation of workplace safety
and health program, procedures and policies/guidelines.
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Skills on preliminary identification of workplace hazards/risks
Knowledge management.
Critical thinking skills.
Observation skills.
Coordinating skills.
Communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Troubleshooting skills.
Presentation skills.
Training skills
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance
criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT CODE:IT/OS/ICT/CC/01/6
Duration of Unit:
Unit description
This unit specifies the competencies required to demonstrate basic skills of electronics. It
involves identification of electric circuits, electronic components, understand semi-conductor
theory, identify and classify memories, apply number systems and identify emerging trends in
electronics.
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance criteria
apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.
Variable Range
May include but is not limited to:
1.1 E.M.F in volts
1. Electrical quantities and
1.2 Power in watts
their units
1.3 Energy in joules
1.4 Resistance in ohms
1.5 Current in amperes
2.1 AC – Alternating Current
2. Types of electrical circuits
2.2 DC – Direct Current
3. Types and operations of 3.1 Types
transistors PNP
NPN
3.2 Operations
Forward biasing
Reverse Biasing
4. Types of memories 4.1 Semi-conductor
4.2 Magnetic
4.3 optical
5. Classification of 5.1 RAM
memories 5.2 ROM
6. Levels of memory storage 6.1 Internal
6.2 Main
6.3 Online
6.4 Offline bulk
7. Types of number systems 7.1 Decimal
7.2 Binary
7.3 Octal
7.4 Hexadecimal
7.5 Binary Arithmetic’s
8. Binary codes 8.1 8421 BCD
8.2 Excess 3
8.3 BCD arithmetic’s
1. Electrical Components
2. Electrical Quantities and units of measurement
3. Electrical circuits
4. Semiconductor theory
5. Number systems
6. Types of Computer memories
FOUNDATION SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following foundation skills:
1. Communications (verbal and written);
2. Proficient in ICT
3. Time management
4. Problem solving
5. Decision making
6. First aid
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance
criteria, required knowledge and understanding and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to perform computer networking activities. It
involves identifying network types, connecting network devices, configuring network
components and workstations, networking testing, monitoring and maintaining.
Star
2. Network topology
Ring
Mesh
Hybrid
Point to point
3. Network types
LAN
WAN
MAN
Network Types
Network topologies
Network components
LAN Configuration Techniques
Transmission Media in Network
FOUNDATION SKILLS
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance
criteria, required knowledge and understanding and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to perform computer software installation work.
Installation activities includes identification of the software to be installed, actual installation
of the software, software functionality test and user training.
Variable Range
May include but is not limited to:
1. software acquisition 1.1 In – house developed
methods 1.2 Tailor made
1.3 Outsourced/Off-the-shelf
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance
criteria, required knowledge and understanding and range.
This unit covers the competencies required for performing computer repair and maintenance
using diagnosing, repairing and maintenance tools. It involves performing troubleshooting,
dismantling of faulty components, repairing/replacing faulty components, up gradation and
testing of computer functionality.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
ELEMENT
(Bold and italicised terms are elaborated in the Range)
1.1 Identification of computer parts is done
1. Perform troubleshooting
1.2 Assembling of appropriate computer maintenance
tools and maintenance techniques is done
1.3 Theory of probable cause is established
1.4 Testing of the theory to determine cause is done
1.5 Identification of the problem is established
1.6 Appropriate solution to the problem is performed
RANGE
Variable Range
May include but is not limited to:
Straight-head screwdriver, large and small.
1. Appropriate computer
Phillips-head screwdriver, large and small.
maintenance tools
Tweezers or part retriever.
Needle-nosed pliers.
Wire cutters.
Chip extractor.
Hex wrench set.
Torx screwdriver
FOUNDATION SKILLS
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance
criteria, required skills and understanding and range.
5. Guidance 5.1 Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry
information for sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
assessment
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to carry out management of Basic databases
systems. It involves identification of database concepts, designing of database, Creation and
manipulation of database, database testing e.g. using dummy data, implementation of the
designed database, establishing transaction and concurrency mechanism and managing
database security.
RANGE
Variable Range
May include but is not limited to:
1. Database Models Relational
Referential
Entity Integrity
Network
Star schema
2. Database structures Refers to a collection of record type and field type
definitions that comprise your database:
Record Types. These define the type of entities
or research objects you wish to capture (e.g.
Person).
Fields. These are the properties or attributes that
describe your record types (e.g. Gender, Age,
Height etc.)
3. Database operations INSERT
SELECT
UPDATE
DELETE
4. data Attributes Atomic Attribute
Composite Attribute
Single Valued Attribute
Multi Valued Attribute
Stored Attribute
Derived Attribute
Null Valued Attribute
FOUNDATION SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following foundation skills:
Communications (verbal and written);
Proficient in ICT;
Time management;
Analytical
Faults troubleshooting;
Problem solving;
Planning;
Decision making;
Report writing;
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be in conjunction with the performance criteria,
required knowledge and understanding and range.
1. Critical Aspects Assessment requires evidence that the candidate:
of Competency 1.1 Identified database components
1.2 Performed Database operations
1.3 Applied Appropriate Data Attributes
1.4 Extracted data from database using Access
1.5 Performed test data and validated the results
1.6 Performed printing of database objects
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
ELEMENT
(Bold and italicised terms are elaborated in the Range)
1. Identify Programming 1.1 Identification of program and programming is done
concepts and approaches 1.2 Language translators are identified
1.3 Description of programming approaches is done
RANGE
Variable Range
May include but is not limited to:
1. Language translators Linkers
Loader
Interpreters
Compilers
Editors
FOUNDATION SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following foundation skills:
Communications (verbal and written);
Proficient in ICT;
Time management;
Analytical
Faults troubleshooting;
Problem solving;
Planning;
Decision making;
First aid;
Report writing;
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance
criteria, required knowledge and understanding and range.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
ELEMENT
(Bold and italicised terms are elaborated in the Range)
1. Identify fundamentals of 1.1 Definition of Operating system is done
Operating system 1.2 Concepts of operating system are identified.
1.3 Structures of operating system are described.
1.4 Types of operating system are identified.
1.5 Functions of operating system are identified.
4. Identify concepts of Input 4.1 Definition of input and output devices is done.
and Output devices 4.2 Objectives of input/output device management are
management. identified.
4.3 Concepts of input and output devices are identified.
4.4 Input/output devices software are explained.
4.5 Description of disk and disk operations are done.
4.6 Explanation of computer clock system is done.
4.7 Computer terminals are identified.
4.8 Virtual devices are defined.
5. Identify concepts of file 5.1 Definition of file system management is done.
management 5.2 File system concepts are identified.
RANGE
Variable Range
May include but is not limited to:
1. Concepts of operating Characteristics
system Objectives
Kernel
System code
shell
2. Structures of operating Monolithic
system Layered
Virtual
Client server model
Real time
3. Types of operating system
Normal
Batch
Time sharing
Inter-process communication
4. Concurrency control
Synchronization
Partitions
5. Memory management
Virtual
techniques
Fetch
6. Memory management
Placement
policies
Replacement
FOUNDATION SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following foundation skills:
Communications (verbal and written); Decision making;
Proficient in ICT; Report writing;
Time management;
Analytical
Problem solving;
Planning;
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance
criteria, required knowledge and understanding and range.