IT/ITeS (NSQF Vocational Subject)
What the PSEB Matric NSQF IT/ITeS paper tests
This vocational domain assesses practical digital literacy and the IT/ITeS concepts behind common workplace tasks. Expect items on computer fundamentals, digital documentation, spreadsheets, database basics, internet and web use, cyber safety, and employability skills. Questions often ask for the correct menu step, file format, formula result, or safety response, so learn procedures as sequences rather than isolated definitions.
Core rules and concepts
- A file extension identifies format: .docx for editable word-processed text, .xlsx for a spreadsheet workbook, .pdf for fixed-layout sharing.
- In a spreadsheet, every formula starts with =. Relative references such as A1 change when copied; absolute references such as $A$1 stay fixed.
- A database table stores records; each field is a column. A primary key uniquely identifies each record and cannot be null or duplicated.
- A browser displays web pages; a search engine indexes and finds pages. HTTPS adds encryption to HTTP.
- Cyber safety: keep passwords private, never share an OTP, check URLs before login, and treat urgent requests for credentials as possible phishing.
- Employability skills include clear communication, teamwork, problem solving, and a truthful CV.
Worked example
Cells: A1=10, A2=20, B1=5. Cell C1 contains =A1+$B$1. Copy C1 to C2. The relative reference A1 moves down one row to A2; the absolute $B$1 does not move. C2 therefore calculates A2+$B$1 = 20+5 = 25. If the formula had been =A1+B1, copying down would produce =A2+B2; B2 is empty, so the result would be 20, not 25.
Traps that cost marks
Do not call a browser a search engine. Do not claim HTTP is encrypted. Do not treat any column as a primary key: it must be unique and non-null. Do not omit the = in a formula or type the answer as text. Do not share an OTP even with someone claiming to be bank staff. Read menu-path questions carefully: Save As creates a copy or changes format, while Save updates the current file.