Computer Programming NC IV in the Philippines

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Program Overview
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Computer Programming NC IV is a technical-vocational program that provides students

with the competencies to be able to design, develop and write program codes using a
computer. It familiarizes students with the stages of program development and the
fundamental programming techniques using current development software.
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This program is regulated by TESDA (regulating body for vocational courses), and
offered in TESDA-accredited education institutions. Programming NCIV also be
incorporated in undergraduate courses such as BS in Information Technology (BSIT),
BS in Computer Science (BSC) and BS in Information System (BSIS).

Course Structure
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As designed by TESDA, the course structure for Computer Programming NC IV is

divided into the following modules:

Basic Competencies (30 hours)

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Utilizing specialized communication skills (6 hours)
Developing teams and individuals (4 hours)
Identifying possible solution (4 hours)
Recommending and implementing solutions (4 hours)
Collecting, analyzing and organizing information (4 hours)
Planning and organizing work (4 hours)
Promoting environmental protection (4 hours)
Common Competencies (18 hours)
Applying quality standards (8 hours)
Operating Personal Computer (10 hours)
Core Competencies (204 hours)
Designing program logic (54 hours)
Applying program development approach (54 hours)
Applying object-oriented program language skills (54 hours)
Applying programming skills in a second language (42 hours)
Students spend most of their time in classroom discussions and in the computer
laboratory doing practicum exams. After the end of each module discussion, students
are assessed through written and oral examinations, practical exams and direct
observation with questioning.

Is Computer Programming a profession?

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Programming is certainly a profession, as it require a specialized set of skills

that can only be acquired through extensive learning and years of working
experience. However, completing the Programming NC IV will not make you a
professional programmer. Only after you acquire a few years of work experience, and
a specialization in one or two programming languages or environments, will you be
considered a professional programmer.

Entry Requirements for Computer Programming NC IV

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The basic requirements for trainees or students as set by TESDA includes the
following:

Can communicate both oral and written

Must be computer literate
With good moral character
Physically and mentally fit
Must be 18 years old or above
What skills, traits and attitude will help you succeed as a programmer?
Analytical Skills – you must be able to think logically and understand how a chain
of events happens through the cause and effect process.
Pattern and syntax recognition – involves recognizing similarities and differences
in strings of characters and numbers, understanding graphical representations of
procedures and symbols, finding which element does not match the corresponding
elements and information checking and attention to detail: a single misplaced semi-
colon or bracket can crash a program.
Problem solving skills – problem solving is analogous to the troubleshooting
required in programming
Basic Mathematical skills – mathematics is often used in programming, although
usually not at a very complex level.
Ability to follow complex procedures – involves following coded instructions and
rules, sequencing events into a logical order, sorting and manipulating lists of
items according to specific instructions, deciding how one set of instructions
affects another and interpreting flow diagrams.
English skills – proficiency in written and oral English.
Being organized and methodical – proper syntax and systematic approach are very
important when writing complex codes, especially if you work in a team.

How difficult is Computer Programming NC IV?

Computer Programming is difficult skill to master. Although this program only
touches basic concepts and a few chosen programming languages, you still need to be
able to understand and use concepts that are fairly complex and require a great
amount of logical and analytical skills. You need to integrate a lot of IT and
programming concepts which you have limited information/knowledge on.

To pass the evaluation, students need to practice constantly to master the art of
programming. Hands on exercises may go on for hours, patience is essential. One of
the most challenging parts of this program is making the case study. You will be
required to create a simple computer application/programming system which must
atleast be functional. Since you’re still a beginner, it will be difficult.
How long does it take to complete the Programming NC II program in the Philippines?
The standard completion time of Computer Hardware Servicing NC II program as
recommended by TESDA is 252 hours: 30 hours of Basic Competencies, 18 hours of
Common Competencies and 204 hours of Core Competencies. However the duration may be
longer due to the OJT or the school's curriculum.
On the Job Training (OJT)
TESDA-accredited institutions may integrate an On the Job Training (OJT) in the
Computer Programming NC IV program. Students may be assigned in IT firms, computer
companies, BPO industries or any government and private institutions. During the
OJT, students are given the chance to observe, to hands-on and perform computer
programming tasks. The student will report to the designated authority in the
agency who will supervise and guide his practice. The assigned authority will
evaluate the student periodically and submit an evaluation form to the assigned
TVET trainer.

The required number of hours for OJT varies from one institution to another.
Assessment and Certification
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the regulating
body for all vocational courses in the Philippines and is in-charge of the
assessment and certification of the competencies of technical-vocational workers
through the Philippine TVET Qualification and Certification System (PTQCS). The
assessment process aims to determine whether the graduate will be able to perform
according to workplace standards based on a defined competency standard.
Certification is given to those who meet the competency standards.

The Assessment and Certification process is not required among graduates of

vocational courses. Graduate trainees have the option whether to undergo the
process or not. However, a TESDA certification will give a graduate an advantage
since local and foreign companies who hire skilled workers require this credential.

Graduates of Programming NC IV are advised to take the Assessment and Certification

Exam, National Certificate – Level IV (NC IV).

The National Certificate is only valid for five years, which means that it has to
be renewed. The requirements and steps in applying for assessment and certification
as well as the methods used for assessment are found in the TESDA website.
Career Opportunities for Programming NC IV graduates
Software Tester (QA) – assist in the performance of software testing procedures on
the Application Software and ensure all errors are identified and corrected before
release to clients.
Debugger – locate and fix or bypass bugs (errors) in computer program code or the
engineering of a hardware device.
Applications Developer – translate software requirements into workable programming
code and maintain and develop programs for use in business.
Webmaster – design and maintain Web pages.
Computer Programmer – develop systems in any of the following, but not limited to,
areas: business information systems, computer games, portals/web applications,
programming tools, encryption systems.
Database Administrator – responsible for accurately and securely using, maintaining
and developing computerized databases within a wide range of public and private
sector organizations.
Salary Levels
Here are some common jobs for Computer Programming NC IV graduates and their
corresponding monthly salaries:
(source: jobstreet, 2017)

Fresh Grad 1-4 Years

Experienced Employee Supervisor
/ 5 Years & Up
Experienced Employee Assistant Manager
/ Manager
Software Tester (QA) P 10K–14K P 13K–18K

Programmer P 10K–14K P 13K–19K P 20K–28K P 30K–44K

Web Developer
P 14K–20K P 21K–28K
Database Administrator
P 11.5K–18K P 20K–25K