National Vocational Training Institute: Trade Testing Regulations and Syllabus
National Vocational Training Institute: Trade Testing Regulations and Syllabus
TESTING DIVISION
i. The review of this syllabus has been generally influenced by the demands of industries due to its
continuous change as a result of technological advancement and the changing needs of society.
It was also influenced by the TVET reforms under the directions of the new educational reforms
with the view to opening up further education and training opportunities to TVET graduates.
The certificate ONE syllabus is designed to respond to the following level descriptors:
ii. This syllabus is aimed at providing trainees knowledge in memory management, upgrade of
computer systems, system optimization, troubleshooting faults, repairs and servicing of computers,
printers and uninterrupted power supply units in an organization or a set up.
EXAMINATION: The candidates would be examined in the FIVE components listed in ‘C’ above.
Practical work must be carefully planned to illustrate application of the theory and to provide
maximum opportunity for workshopshop practice, laboratory work and demonstration.
G. EXTERNAL EXAMINERS
The practical work of candidates will be assessed by an external examiner appointed by the Testing
Commissioner.
I EXAMINATION
The components for the examination for Computer Hardware Certificate 1 are listed below:
1. Trade Theory
2. Trade Science and Calculation
3. Trade Drawing
4. General Paper
5. Trade Practical
J. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
NVTI wishes to acknowledge the team of experts, for preparing the materials which have been
incorporated into this syllabus.
Government’s desire to improve the lot of Technical/Vocational Training, which led to the preparation
of this syllabus, is hereby acknowledged.
Soldering iron/sucker
Digital and analogue meters
PC Tool kit
Uses
The uses of Computers Process, storage, research,
communication, entertainment and
creativity
2.0. Health and Safety General Rules and Health Demonstration and
Regulations • Correct posture trainees activities
• Lifting stands
• Protective devices (insulated
materials)
• Environment
• First Aid (Application)
Safety
• Tools handling
• Working procedure
• Connectivity
3.0. How the Computer Working principle of the Computer System • Illustration with a chart
Works computer system Input (functional block diagram)
Keyboard
Mouse
Input Processing
System Unit
Processing Output
Monitor
Output Storage
Hard disk drive
Memory
Removable Disc
Tower
Mini
Midi
Full
Components
Motherboard
Adaptor cards
Disk drives
Power supply unit
Memory
Signal cables
Processor
5.0. Computer Software The types of software Software • Guide trainees to identify software
and its Uses packages • System Software packages and explain their uses
• Application Software
• Utilities Software
The uses of each
Software Package Uses
System Software
• Controls, manages, gives an
interface
Application Software
• Word processing
• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Graphic Designing
• Desktop Publishing
Utilities
• Anti-virus
• Diagnostic
Components
• Resistors
• Capacitors
• Diodes
• Transistors
• (LED) Light Emmiting Diodes
• Integrated circuits
• Inductors
7.0. Introduction to • Symbols Symbols • Demonstration with
Electronic • Diagrams Interpretation trainee activity
Symbols/Diagram
s Diagrams
Reading of circuit diagrams
Current
• AC
• DC
• Prevention Prevention
Anti virus program
e.g Macfee, AVG, Norton etc.
• Effects Effects
Corrupts software
Deleting of files
Reducing performances
Duplication of files etc.
Resistor Capacity
• Serial Serial
• Parallel Parallel
• Networking
2.0. Logic Gates The basic combinational of • AND • Illustrate simple diagram and
logic gates and its Boolean • NAND Boolean algebra to explain the
algebra • OR logic gates
3.0. Principles of The basic principles of Calculation for: • Assist trainees to work out
Electricity electricity • Power Problems on power, voltage
• Voltage and current
• Current
4.0. Binary Operation • Conversions Conversions • Working procedure, homework
• Operations Base – Decimal and assignment
Decimal – base
• Solving of problems
Operations
Addition (+)
Subtraction (-)
Division (÷)
Multiplication (x)
INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL-POINTS SUB-POINTS TECHNIQUES
1.0 Signal Cable Integrated Drive Electronics Cable Parts • Illustration/Chart/
Cable (IDE) • Master (Boot device) Audio visual. Trainees practice
• Primary (IDEI) in freehand sketching
• Slave (IDE)
2.0. Signal Cable SATA cable Cable Parts • Illustration Chart Audio
Master board device Visual display
Primary
3.0. Motherboard Free hand sketching of the Component parts • Illustration/Chart/
motherboard with label Industrial Standard Architecture Audio visual aid
(ISA)
Peripheral Component
Interconnection (PCI)
ROM, BIOS chip, CMOS Battery
4.0. Hard Disk Drive Free hand Component Parts • Illustration/Chart/
Sketching of the hard disk • Casing Audio visual aid
drive with cable • Controller
• Data cache
• Read/write head
• Platters
• Spindle
5.0. The System Unit Sketching the system unit and Part to lable: • Real object or picture
label the parts. Front side to sketch
• Tower Power switch
• Desktop CD-Rom
The case
Back side
Power socket
Serial/parallel parts
Audio jack
Input
Inputs
Keyboard
• Enhanced
• Standard
Mouse • Multipurpose
Mouse
• Serial
• PS/2
• Optical
• Cordless
Processing
• Track ball
INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL-SKILLS SUB-SKILLS TECHNIQUES
8.0 Dismantling and Principles and methods Assembling/dismantling • Demonstration with real object/
Assembling of of Assembling and • The system unit Trainees activities
Computer dismantling of computer • Keyboard
• Mouse
• Printer
9.0. Printer The types of Printer Categories • Lecturing with real object and
• Impact a) Impact Demonstrating the installation
• Dot matrix of printer with trainees activities
• Non-impact • Daisy wheel
b) Non-impact
• • laser
• inkjet
Installation of printer
Installation
a) Software
• Device drive
• Setting as default
b) Connectivity
• Cables
• Power supply
Software
• Operating system
• Application software
• Utilities software
Effect
• Speed
• Capacity
• Compatibility
12.0 Maintenance of The types and method Types • Lecture/Discussion with trainee
Computer • Routine Activities
System/Peripherals Types Preventive
• Scandisk
• Defragmentation
Periodic
• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly
Methods Methods
• Blowing
• Dusting
• Solution
TESTING DIVISION
i. The review of this syllabus has been generally influenced by the demands of industries due to its
continuous change as a result of technological advancement and the changing needs of society.
It was also influenced by the TVET reforms under the directions of the new educational reforms
with the view to opening up further education and training opportunities to TVET graduates.
The certificate TWO syllabus is designed to respond to the following level descriptors:
iii. The syllabus is aimed at providing advance knowledge in computer network, system optimization,
memory management, installation(hardware and software), troubleshooting faults, repairs and
servicing of computers, printers and uninterrupted power supply units in an organization or a set
up.
EXAMINATION: The candidates would be examined in the FIVE components listed in ‘C’ above.
Practical work must be carefully planned to illustrate application of the theory and to provide
maximum opportunity for workshop practice, laboratory work and demonstration.
The prime objective of the programme is to provide the skills of the trade in a manner that will best meet
the needs of the trade as well as organization or set ups using computer systems.
Minimum education: Must have passed JHS or SHS examination. However, the selection of the students
for the course is within the discretion of the head of the institution.
G. EXTERNAL EXAMINERS
The practical work of candidates will be assessed by an external examiner appointed by the Trade Testing
Commissioner.
H EXAMINATION
The components for the examination for Computer Hardware Certificate II are as listed below:
1. Trade Theory
2. Trade Science and Calculation
3. Trade Drawing
4. General Paper
5. Trade Practical
NOTE:
All Technical and Vocational trainees who aspire to take advantage of the opportunities opened to them
in the educational reforms should NOTE that for a trainee to progress to certificate Two (2) requires
a pass in Certificate One (1).
REVISED IN DECEMBER 2010 – COPYRIGHT RESERVED ,NVTI TESTING DIVISION .
J.APPROVAL OF COURSE
Institutions or other establishments intending to prepare trainees for the Examination must apply to:
THE COMMISSIONER
TESTING DIVISION
NVTI HEAD OFFICE
P. O. BOX MB 21, ACCRA
K. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
NVTI wishes to acknowledge the preparatory material done by the team of experts, which have been
incorporated into this syllabus.
Government’s desire to improve the lot of Technical/Vocational Training, which led to the preparation
of this syllabus, is hereby acknowledged.
L. RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Soldering iron/sucker
Digital and analogue meters
Tool kit
REVISED IN DECEMBER 2010 – COPYRIGHT RESERVED ,NVTI TESTING DIVISION .
CERTIFICATE TWO – TRADE THEORY
INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL POINTS SUB-POINTS TECHNIQUES
1.0. Information Storage Components of Hard disk Hard disk geometrics • Audio visual display or real object
drive Head
Sectors
Cylinders
Landing zone
Spinning motor
Platters
2.0. Field Experience Knowledge sharing Field experience • Discussion
Assessment • Problem solving
• Innovations
3.0. Central Processing Understanding of: Terminologies • Diagram/chart/audio visual display
Unit (CPU) • Terminologies Data bus
• Compatibility Address bus
• Cooling system Registers
• Make up of the
processor
• Performance
Compatibility
Sockets (connection)
Cooling system
Heatsink
Fan
Make-up
Intel
AMD
Pentium
Celeron
Performance
Speed
Advantages
Stabilizer
(Stabilizes voltage)
UPS
Storage (Stores energy)
Classification Classification
Network topology
Transmission medium
Transmission techniques
Access protocol
INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL POINTS SUB-POINTS TECHNIQUES
6.0 Networking Standards Standards • Illustration with pictures/diagrams/
Open System Interconnect (OSI) audio visual aids
Physical
Data link
Network
Transport
Session
Presentation
Application
Protocols Protocols
Transmission Control Protocol
(TCP)
Internet Protocol (IP)
Net Bios (NetBOI)
File transmission Protocol (FTP)
Classification
INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL POINTS SUB-POINTS TECHNIQUES
10.0 Internet and Concept of Connection • Demonstration with trainees activity
. Intranet • Internet Cable
Communication • Intranet Wireless
Internet
Protocols and functions
Hyper Text Transmission Protocol
(HTTP)
World Wide Web (WWW)
Uniform Resource Located (URL)
Transmission Control Protocol
(TCP)
Internet Protocol (IP)
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
11.0 Computer Printer Sharing Sharing a printer in a Local Area • Demonstration and trainees activity
Networking Network (LAN)
12.0 Troubleshooting General General rules • Illustration/demonstration and
Rules Don’t panic Trainee activity
Steps Do the easy stuff first
Reboot and try again
Steps
Check that everything is plugged
in (connectivity)
Check the software
Check the hardware
Check the external signs
Run the diagnostics
• INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL SKILLS SUB-SKILLS TECHNIQUES
1.0 Introduction to The basic knowledge of Writing the following base number • Illustrate on demonstration the base
Number System writing number system system Knowledge of write number system
Decimal
Binary
Hexadecimal
Octal
2.0. Logic Gate The basic combination of Logic gates • Illustrate with a simple diagram
logic gates and their NOR and their Boolean algebra to
boolean algebra NOT explain the logic gates.
Ex-OR
EX-NOR
3.0. Principles of The principles of Calculation for resistance in a • Assist trainees to work out problem
Electricity electricity circuit on resistance, current and voltage
• Current in a current
• Voltage
INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL SKILLS SUB-SKILLS TECHNIQUES
1.0. Local Area Network Sketching the connection Peer-to-Peer • Picture or chart to sketch
of local area network:. To work-station
• Peer-to-Peer
• Server-based Server based
• Two work-station
• Server
2.0. Network Sketching the network Switch • Real object or chart to draw
Components components and label 12-port
• Switch
• Hub Indictors
Hub
4-8 port hubs indicators
3.0. Router Freehand sketching a Label • Audio visual and/pictures/
router with label Port Indicators real objects
4.0. Modem Free hand sketching an Label • Audio visual and/pictures/
external modem with Port real objects
label Indicators
5.0. Networking Freehand sketching of: Bus topology • Audio visual aid/ pictures/
Topology • Bus topology Terminator real objects
• Ring topology Cable
• Star topology Workstation
Ring topology
Cable
Workstation
Star topology
Cable
Workstation
Hub
INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL SKILLS SUB-SKILLS ILLUSTRATIONSS
1.0. Health and Safety • Hazard Control Hazard Control • Lecture/Demonstration with
• First Aid Application Risk in use of material trainee activity
• Safety precautions Risk in use of equipment
First Aid
• Application
INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL SKILLS SUB-SKILLS TECHNIQUES
5.0 Data Security Method of securing data Data Demonstration with trainees
• Password activity
Security • Write protect
Back-up • Attribute
• Hide
Backup
• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly
6.0. Memory Types Types Demonstration with trainee
Management • ROM(Random access • Static activity
memory) • Dynamic
• ROM(Read Only Characteristics
Memory) Speed
• Installation Register
Cache
Bank
• Single channel
• Double channel
Installation
• Compatibility
7.0. Printer Types Impact Demonstration with trainee activity
Impact • Installation of device drivers
• Print Manager
• Deleting print job
• Setting default
• Replacing cartridge
• Aligning print head.
INSTRUCTIONAL
TASK CRITICAL SKILLS SUB-SKILLS TECHNIQUES
7.0. Printer Non impact Non Impact Demonstration with
• Installation of device drivers trainee activity
• Printer manager
• Deleting print default
• Setting as default
• Replacing cartridges
Print Mechanism
Mechanism Print head assembly
Ribbon
Cartridges
Paper feed
Motor
8.0. Circuit Building Building a simple Components Demonstration with
electronic circuit • Practical circuit board/spring trainee activity
• Digital board
• Analogue • Flexible wire
• Transformer (12v-15v)
• Resistor
• Transistor
• Capacitor
• Diodes
• Light emitting diodes (LED)
Configuration
Peer to peer
Server base
File sharing
Device sharing
Computer system
Components
Cat 5 UTP cables
RJ45 jack/connector
Tools
Network Interface Card (NIC)
Cable tester
Fluck (crimping tool)
Hub/switch
Router
Computer system