PDA Computer Support

Course Introduction:

This Professional Development Award (PDA) is one of a suite which was designed to incorporate the knowledge and understanding required by popular Vendors’ Neutral award into SQA’s Higher National frameworks. The PDA in Computer Support is a qualification offered through the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). It is aimed at individuals who wish to develop their skills and knowledge in computer support, focusing on practical, hands-on skills that are directly relevant to employment or career progression in IT support roles. This PDA sits at SCQF Level 7 and contains 16 credits, which students can achieve upon successfully completing the qualification and passing its two relevant units

This course typically focuses on IT Support Skills:

The qualification is designed to teach essential skills needed for roles such as IT support technician or help desk operator.
Areas covered typically include installing, configuring, and maintaining computer hardware and software, troubleshooting, and customer support.

How It Differs from Other IT Qualifications:

The PDA is highly focused and practical, with a shorter completion time compared to broader qualifications like HNCs or HNDs. It is ideal for professionals seeking targeted skill development or those transitioning into IT roles without committing to a full degree or diploma program.

Exam:

CompTIA A+ vendor exams partially covered the PDA computer support contents.

SQA Framework:

This course offers a number of shorter curricula which are related to SQA HN Units. These are also assessed by means of restricted response questions and practical labs and so can give credit transfer to complete units;

The SQA units are as follows:

Unit Titles	Unit Codes	SCQF Points	SCQF Level	SQA Credit Value
Computing: PC Hardware and Operating Systems Essentials	H17E 34	8	7	1
Computing: PC Hardware and Operating Systems Support	H17F 34	8	7	1

Vendor Exam:

CompTIA A+ exam fee is to be borne by the learner. However, students can request discounted vouchers by contacting ITPT Testing team.

Modes of Learning:

ITPT is currently providing different method of learning opportunities to our learners. Many people are looking for learning diversity to enhance their qualifications, but they don’t have the time to take on full-time instructor led study or attending courses regularly at their appropriate venues. Online/distance is a popular solution helping busy people study flexibly around their needs and requirements.

Modes of Learning	Modes of Attendance
eLearning (EL)	The program is self-paced, with support provided via email by a dedicated mentor.

Target Audiences:

The IT training classes which we are currently offering are suitable for a wide range of candidates including:

School leavers
Adult returnees to education
Individuals who intend to leave school and further their career path in a college or equivalent
Individuals who are in employment and wish to enhance their career prospects
Individuals who wish to start a new career in IT
Individuals who wants to get promotion at work
Individuals who wants to upgrade in their IT skills
Individuals who intend to progress their career after the study of either the NQ in Computing, the NQ in Information Systems.
Individuals who intend to progress their career after the study of the PDA into further study at HN level
Individuals who wish to study on a part-time (day or evening) or day-release mode

Career Opportunities:

Computer Support Technician
IT Helpdesk Operator
Technical Support specialist
Help desk Technician
IT support technician
IT support administrator

Further Study Progression:

Candidates might also want to use this PDA to progress to further study in

Computing or Computer Networking at Higher National level.
On achieving this PDA candidates would also have the knowledge and skills required to sit the CompTIA A+ examination. Successful completion of this PDA would partially prepare Candidates partially for the CompTIA A+ examination and offers progression to higher levels of study.

Course Fee:

There is no dedicated funding available for this qualification; it can only be self-funded;

Course Title	Fee
PDA Computer Support	£300