National Certificate in Records and Info Management
This course develops your ability to organise records and information for reliable access, accountability and preservation.
About the course
This course develops your ability to organise records and information for reliable access, accountability and preservation. Learning combines technical study with practical tasks relevant to Southern African organisations and communities.
What you'll learn
Classify and retrieve records using a documented system.
Apply retention, preservation and access controls to information.
Evaluate a records service and recommend improvements.
Requirements
Review your English, numerical skills and introductory knowledge of the subject. Prepare to follow technical instructions, record results and complete supervised practical work. Check the provider's published admission requirements for this certificate before enrolment.
Course content
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
3 learning stages 10 subjects
1Specialist subjects5 subjects
2Foundations and shared practice4 subjects
3Practical integration1 subjects
Subjects in this programme
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
10 subjects are listed below with a short description of each. The Subject descriptions tab contains the learning outcomes, topics, practical tasks and assessments.
Specialist subjects
- Registry Administration. Study the organisation, retrieval and preservation of trustworthy records. Practice centres on a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio, drawing on record types, provenance and business context and classification, indexing and metadata. You will record findings, justify decisions and check provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
- Information Presentation And Communication Skills In Information Science. Study the organisation, retrieval and preservation of trustworthy records. Practice centres on a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio, drawing on record types, provenance and business context and classification, indexing and metadata. You will record findings, justify decisions and check provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
- Archiving. Study the organisation, retrieval and preservation of trustworthy records. Practice centres on a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio, drawing on record types, provenance and business context and classification, indexing and metadata. You will record findings, justify decisions and check provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
- Records Preservation. Study the organisation, retrieval and preservation of trustworthy records. Practice centres on a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio, drawing on record types, provenance and business context and classification, indexing and metadata. You will record findings, justify decisions and check provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
- Fundamentals Of Records And Information Security. Study the protection and examination of digital systems through authorised, evidence-based work. Practice centres on an isolated defensive-security or digital-evidence case file, drawing on assets, threats and defensive objectives and permissions, scope and handling rules. You will record findings, justify decisions and check authorisation, evidence integrity and the distinction between observation and inference.
Foundations and shared practice
- Client Relations Management. Study clear communication with colleagues, clients and other people affected by a service. Practice centres on a communication portfolio with a service scenario, drawing on purpose, audience and communication channels and listening, questioning and confirmation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check accuracy, accessibility, professional tone and completion of follow-up actions.
- Digital Literacy In Information Management. Study the use of digital tools to organise information and produce reliable work records. Practice centres on a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files, drawing on files, folders, naming and version control and word-processing layouts and structured documents. You will record findings, justify decisions and check formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
- National Studies. Study the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
- Entrepreneurial Skills Development. Study the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Practical integration
- Skills Proficiency. Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate registry administration, information presentation and communication skills in information science within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Assessment and practical learning
- Suggested learning checks: applied questions, calculations or short cases linked to the learning areas.
- Suggested practical assessment: demonstrate a procedure and submit a portfolio showing your method, results and quality checks.
- Explain your decisions to the assessor and use feedback to improve the completed work.
Practical application
Design a records-management system for a local organisation, including classification, retrieval, retention and access arrangements.
Subject descriptions
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Specialist subjects
Registry Administration
Study the organisation, retrieval and preservation of trustworthy records. Practice centres on a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio, drawing on record types, provenance and business context and classification, indexing and metadata. You will record findings, justify decisions and check provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
Learning outcomes
- Classify and describe records for a stated service need.
- Apply a documented retrieval, retention or preservation procedure.
- Evaluate access and record integrity using a practical sample.
Main topics
- Record types, provenance and business context
- Classification, indexing and metadata
- Capture, storage and retrieval procedures
- Retention, appraisal and disposal decisions
- Access, confidentiality and preservation
- Service evaluation and documented controls
Practical task
For Registry Administration, prepare a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio in a records and info management setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Information Presentation And Communication Skills In Information Science
Study the organisation, retrieval and preservation of trustworthy records. Practice centres on a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio, drawing on record types, provenance and business context and classification, indexing and metadata. You will record findings, justify decisions and check provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
Learning outcomes
- Classify and describe records for a stated service need.
- Apply a documented retrieval, retention or preservation procedure.
- Evaluate access and record integrity using a practical sample.
Main topics
- Record types, provenance and business context
- Classification, indexing and metadata
- Capture, storage and retrieval procedures
- Retention, appraisal and disposal decisions
- Access, confidentiality and preservation
- Service evaluation and documented controls
Practical task
For Information Presentation And Communication Skills In Information Science, prepare a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio in a records and info management setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Archiving
Study the organisation, retrieval and preservation of trustworthy records. Practice centres on a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio, drawing on record types, provenance and business context and classification, indexing and metadata. You will record findings, justify decisions and check provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
Learning outcomes
- Classify and describe records for a stated service need.
- Apply a documented retrieval, retention or preservation procedure.
- Evaluate access and record integrity using a practical sample.
Main topics
- Record types, provenance and business context
- Classification, indexing and metadata
- Capture, storage and retrieval procedures
- Retention, appraisal and disposal decisions
- Access, confidentiality and preservation
- Service evaluation and documented controls
Practical task
For Archiving, prepare a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio in a records and info management setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Records Preservation
Study the organisation, retrieval and preservation of trustworthy records. Practice centres on a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio, drawing on record types, provenance and business context and classification, indexing and metadata. You will record findings, justify decisions and check provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
Learning outcomes
- Classify and describe records for a stated service need.
- Apply a documented retrieval, retention or preservation procedure.
- Evaluate access and record integrity using a practical sample.
Main topics
- Record types, provenance and business context
- Classification, indexing and metadata
- Capture, storage and retrieval procedures
- Retention, appraisal and disposal decisions
- Access, confidentiality and preservation
- Service evaluation and documented controls
Practical task
For Records Preservation, prepare a records-system design and retrieval-test portfolio in a records and info management setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of provenance, consistent classification, access controls and retrieval accuracy.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Fundamentals Of Records And Information Security
Study the protection and examination of digital systems through authorised, evidence-based work. Practice centres on an isolated defensive-security or digital-evidence case file, drawing on assets, threats and defensive objectives and permissions, scope and handling rules. You will record findings, justify decisions and check authorisation, evidence integrity and the distinction between observation and inference.
Learning outcomes
- Identify a security concern and define an authorised investigation scope.
- Analyse synthetic logs or training evidence with a documented method.
- Report findings and defensive recommendations without overstating the evidence.
Main topics
- Assets, threats and defensive objectives
- Permissions, scope and handling rules
- Security controls and monitoring evidence
- Incident triage and response records
- Digital evidence integrity and analysis
- Recovery, findings and improvement reporting
Practical task
For Fundamentals Of Records And Information Security, prepare an isolated defensive-security or digital-evidence case file in a records and info management setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of authorisation, evidence integrity and the distinction between observation and inference.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Foundations and shared practice
Client Relations Management
Study clear communication with colleagues, clients and other people affected by a service. Practice centres on a communication portfolio with a service scenario, drawing on purpose, audience and communication channels and listening, questioning and confirmation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check accuracy, accessibility, professional tone and completion of follow-up actions.
Learning outcomes
- Choose language and a channel suited to the audience.
- Prepare an accurate written or spoken service message.
- Respond to feedback while preserving a reliable record.
Main topics
- Purpose, audience and communication channels
- Listening, questioning and confirmation
- Professional correspondence and reports
- Meetings, briefings and presentation
- Difficult conversations and service recovery
- Confidentiality, accessible language and records
Practical task
For Client Relations Management, prepare a communication portfolio with a service scenario in a records and info management setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of accuracy, accessibility, professional tone and completion of follow-up actions.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Digital Literacy In Information Management
Study the use of digital tools to organise information and produce reliable work records. Practice centres on a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files, drawing on files, folders, naming and version control and word-processing layouts and structured documents. You will record findings, justify decisions and check formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
Learning outcomes
- Create and organise files for a defined work task.
- Use a spreadsheet or document tool to process information accurately.
- Check outputs and protect the underlying information.
Main topics
- Files, folders, naming and version control
- Word-processing layouts and structured documents
- Spreadsheet calculations and charts
- Presentation of findings and supporting evidence
- Data entry, validation and checking
- Access controls, backup and responsible information use
- Linked theory, planning and practical evidence for the subject
Practical task
For Digital Literacy In Information Management, prepare a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files in a records and info management setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. The linked theory and practical components are assessed through written reasoning and observed or recorded application.
National Studies
Study the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the role of public institutions in a community issue.
- Compare perspectives using identifiable evidence.
- Prepare a reasoned civic or workplace contribution.
Main topics
- Constitutional principles and public institutions
- Citizenship and civic responsibilities
- Zimbabwean history and national development
- Cultural diversity and community participation
- Work, enterprise and public services
- Evidence, public debate and responsible participation
Practical task
For National Studies, prepare a local public-service case review in a records and info management setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Entrepreneurial Skills Development
Study the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Learning outcomes
- Define a customer need and a practical enterprise response.
- Estimate resources, costs and cash requirements.
- Revise a business proposal using evidence from a small market test.
Main topics
- Customer problems and enterprise opportunities
- Products, services and value propositions
- Startup resources and operating costs
- Pricing, cash flow and basic records
- Market testing and customer feedback
- Business risks, responsibilities and growth choices
Practical task
For Entrepreneurial Skills Development, prepare a small-enterprise plan and test record in a records and info management setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Practical integration
Skills Proficiency
Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate registry administration, information presentation and communication skills in information science within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Learning outcomes
- Plan and complete an integrated task to agreed criteria.
- Demonstrate safe and consistent practical performance.
- Explain the result and correct identified weaknesses.
Main topics
- Interpreting an integrated work brief
- Preparing tools, information and resources
- Demonstrating the required technical skills
- Checking output against agreed criteria
- Responding to faults and assessor feedback
- Presenting evidence and explaining decisions
Practical task
Design a records-management system for a local organisation, including classification, retrieval, retention and access arrangements.
Assessment
Direct observation, the completed output, a quality-check record and oral questions provide the evidence for this subject.
Instructors
