National Certificate in Telecoms Infrastructure and Fiber Optic Engineering
This course develops your ability to understand communication systems and develop practical measurement and maintenance skills.
About the course
This course develops your ability to understand communication systems and develop practical measurement and maintenance skills. Learning combines technical study with practical tasks relevant to Southern African organisations and communities.
What you'll learn
Explain signal transmission and the functions of communication-system components.
Use approved instruments to test a communication link or subsystem.
Diagnose a documented fault and evaluate the proposed correction.
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 18 subjects
1Specialist subjects10 subjects
2Foundations and shared practice6 subjects
3Practical integration2 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.
18 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
- Electrical Engineering Technology 1. Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
- C Programming. Study the development of reliable programs from clear requirements. Practice centres on a documented program with test evidence, drawing on requirements, inputs and expected outputs and variables, data structures and control flow. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
- Telecommunication Systems. Study the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
- Data Communication & Internet Protocols. Study the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
- Engineering Drawing And Electrical Circuit Designing. Study the communication of technical information through drawings and models. Practice centres on a checked drawing or model portfolio, drawing on drawing conventions, scale and dimensions and views, sections and projection. You will record findings, justify decisions and check dimensional consistency, completeness and usability by another person.
- Elements Of Telecommunication Systems. Study the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
- Broadband Access Networks. Study the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
- Electrical Engineering Technology 2. Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
- Electronics 1. Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
- Electronics 2. Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Foundations and shared practice
- Communication And Computer Skills. 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.
- Safety Health Environment Quality Management. Study the prevention of harm and the control of quality during vocational work. Practice centres on a task risk assessment, inspection record and improvement plan, drawing on hazard identification and exposure routes and risk assessment and control hierarchy. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether controls address the identified hazard rather than relying on labels alone.
- Engineering Mathematics 1. Study mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
- Engineering Mathematics 2. Study mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
- 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
- Project. Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
- Workshop Practice (Skills Proficiency). Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills 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
Prepare a communications-laboratory portfolio with link diagrams, measurements and a troubleshooting report using authorised equipment.
Subject descriptions
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Specialist subjects
Electrical Engineering Technology 1
Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Learning outcomes
- Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
- Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
- Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.
Main topics
- Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
- Components, symbols and device behaviour
- Analogue and digital signal concepts
- Circuit construction and measurement
- Fault isolation and interpretation
- Documentation, reliability and safe testing
Practical task
For Electrical Engineering Technology 1, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
C Programming
Study the development of reliable programs from clear requirements. Practice centres on a documented program with test evidence, drawing on requirements, inputs and expected outputs and variables, data structures and control flow. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
Learning outcomes
- Translate a requirement into a clear program structure.
- Implement and test a small solution using suitable data.
- Explain errors, revisions and remaining limitations.
Main topics
- Requirements, inputs and expected outputs
- Variables, data structures and control flow
- Functions, modules and readable code
- Input validation and error handling
- Testing, debugging and version records
- Documentation and evaluation against the brief
Practical task
For C Programming, prepare a documented program with test evidence in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Telecommunication Systems
Study the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the information path through a defined network or link.
- Interpret configuration and performance measurements.
- Recommend a supported service or reliability improvement.
Main topics
- Signals, information and transmission paths
- Network components and addressing
- Wired, radio and optical media
- Capacity, delay and service quality
- Installation records and controlled testing
- Fault reasoning, reliability and reporting
Practical task
For Telecommunication Systems, prepare a network or link design and controlled test report in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Data Communication & Internet Protocols
Study the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the information path through a defined network or link.
- Interpret configuration and performance measurements.
- Recommend a supported service or reliability improvement.
Main topics
- Signals, information and transmission paths
- Network components and addressing
- Wired, radio and optical media
- Capacity, delay and service quality
- Installation records and controlled testing
- Fault reasoning, reliability and reporting
Practical task
For Data Communication & Internet Protocols, prepare a network or link design and controlled test report in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Engineering Drawing And Electrical Circuit Designing
Study the communication of technical information through drawings and models. Practice centres on a checked drawing or model portfolio, drawing on drawing conventions, scale and dimensions and views, sections and projection. You will record findings, justify decisions and check dimensional consistency, completeness and usability by another person.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret a drawing using scale, dimensions and conventions.
- Produce coordinated technical views for a stated purpose.
- Check and revise a drawing set using recorded feedback.
Main topics
- Drawing conventions, scale and dimensions
- Views, sections and projection
- Interpreting a technical brief
- Manual and computer-aided drawing tools
- Detail coordination and revision control
- Checking drawings against measurements and specifications
Practical task
For Engineering Drawing And Electrical Circuit Designing, prepare a checked drawing or model portfolio in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of dimensional consistency, completeness and usability by another person.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Elements Of Telecommunication Systems
Study the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the information path through a defined network or link.
- Interpret configuration and performance measurements.
- Recommend a supported service or reliability improvement.
Main topics
- Signals, information and transmission paths
- Network components and addressing
- Wired, radio and optical media
- Capacity, delay and service quality
- Installation records and controlled testing
- Fault reasoning, reliability and reporting
Practical task
For Elements Of Telecommunication Systems, prepare a network or link design and controlled test report in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Broadband Access Networks
Study the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the information path through a defined network or link.
- Interpret configuration and performance measurements.
- Recommend a supported service or reliability improvement.
Main topics
- Signals, information and transmission paths
- Network components and addressing
- Wired, radio and optical media
- Capacity, delay and service quality
- Installation records and controlled testing
- Fault reasoning, reliability and reporting
Practical task
For Broadband Access Networks, prepare a network or link design and controlled test report in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Electrical Engineering Technology 2
Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Learning outcomes
- Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
- Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
- Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.
Main topics
- Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
- Components, symbols and device behaviour
- Analogue and digital signal concepts
- Circuit construction and measurement
- Fault isolation and interpretation
- Documentation, reliability and safe testing
Practical task
For Electrical Engineering Technology 2, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Electronics 1
Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Learning outcomes
- Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
- Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
- Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.
Main topics
- Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
- Components, symbols and device behaviour
- Analogue and digital signal concepts
- Circuit construction and measurement
- Fault isolation and interpretation
- Documentation, reliability and safe testing
Practical task
For Electronics 1, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Electronics 2
Study the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Learning outcomes
- Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
- Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
- Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.
Main topics
- Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
- Components, symbols and device behaviour
- Analogue and digital signal concepts
- Circuit construction and measurement
- Fault isolation and interpretation
- Documentation, reliability and safe testing
Practical task
For Electronics 2, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Foundations and shared practice
Communication And Computer Skills
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
Practical task
For Communication And Computer Skills, prepare a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering 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.
Safety Health Environment Quality Management
Study the prevention of harm and the control of quality during vocational work. Practice centres on a task risk assessment, inspection record and improvement plan, drawing on hazard identification and exposure routes and risk assessment and control hierarchy. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether controls address the identified hazard rather than relying on labels alone.
Learning outcomes
- Identify hazards and select controls appropriate to the task.
- Follow an agreed safe-work and quality-check procedure.
- Record an incident or defect and recommend corrective action.
Main topics
- Hazard identification and exposure routes
- Risk assessment and control hierarchy
- Safe work preparation and protective equipment
- Environmental impacts and waste handling
- Incident reporting and emergency communication
- Inspection records and corrective action
Practical task
For Safety Health Environment Quality Management, prepare a task risk assessment, inspection record and improvement plan in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether controls address the identified hazard rather than relying on labels alone.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Engineering Mathematics 1
Study mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Learning outcomes
- Select a mathematical method suited to a stated problem.
- Show calculations with consistent units and clear assumptions.
- Check the result against an independent estimate or known constraint.
Main topics
- Units, ratios and numerical accuracy
- Algebraic relationships and equations
- Graphs, tables and interpretation
- Geometry and measurement applications
- Descriptive statistics and variation
- Model assumptions, checking and technical reporting
Practical task
For Engineering Mathematics 1, prepare a worked problem portfolio using occupational data in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
Engineering Mathematics 2
Study mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Learning outcomes
- Select a mathematical method suited to a stated problem.
- Show calculations with consistent units and clear assumptions.
- Check the result against an independent estimate or known constraint.
Main topics
- Units, ratios and numerical accuracy
- Algebraic relationships and equations
- Graphs, tables and interpretation
- Geometry and measurement applications
- Descriptive statistics and variation
- Model assumptions, checking and technical reporting
Practical task
For Engineering Mathematics 2, prepare a worked problem portfolio using occupational data in a telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records.
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 telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering 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 telecoms infrastructure and fiber optic engineering 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
Project
Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
Learning outcomes
- Define a feasible project with clear success criteria.
- Develop and evaluate a response using technical evidence.
- Present the completed project and defend its conclusions.
Main topics
- Project problem, purpose and scope
- Review of relevant technical evidence
- Plan, resources and milestones
- Implementation or structured investigation
- Testing, interpretation and limitations
- Final report, demonstration and reflection
Practical task
Prepare a communications-laboratory portfolio with link diagrams, measurements and a troubleshooting report using authorised equipment.
Assessment
An approved brief, progress evidence, the final output and an individual presentation are assessed against the stated project criteria.
Workshop Practice (Skills Proficiency)
Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate electrical engineering technology 1, communication and computer skills 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
Prepare a communications-laboratory portfolio with link diagrams, measurements and a troubleshooting report using authorised equipment.
Assessment
Direct observation, the completed output, a quality-check record and oral questions provide the evidence for this subject.
Instructors
