GSM PHONES MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
PREAMBLE
This syllabus is designed to assess candidates basic skills of maintenance of mobile phones, in
terms of knowledge and competence in fault finding and systematic repairs. It also assesses
candidates knowledge of setting up and managing a mobile phone maintenance and repair
enterprise.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of the syllabus are to test candidates knowledge and understanding of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Basic concept and terminologies
Tracing, testing, trouble shooting, maintenance and repairs of mobile phones
Analyzing mobile phones PCB circuits
Different fault finding techniques
Using internet resources, data manuals, service manuals and trouble-shooting manuals
General safety precaution in mobile phones repair and maintenance
The requirement for setting up and successfully running a mobile phone maintenance and
repair business
SCHEME OF EXAMINATION
There will be two papers - Paper 1 and Paper 2. The papers shall be a composite paper to be
taken at one sitting.
PAPER 1: Will consist of 40 multiple choice objective questions to be answered in 45 minutes.
The paper will carry 40 marks.
PAPER 2: Will consist of two sections, Sections A and B both lasting 1 hours and carrying a
total of 100 marks.
Section A will comprise twelve essay questions. Candidates will be required to
answer any ten of them in 55 minutes for a total of 60 marks.
Section B will comprise two questions on test of practical work for candidates to
answer all in 50 minutes for 40 marks.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
1
CONTENT
NOTES
A. INTRODUCTION TO MOBILE
PHONES AND SERVICE
PROVIDERS
1. Mobile phones acronyms and
Definition
terminologies
of
mobile
phones
and
its
terminologies
Terminologies should include GSM, CDMA,
mobile phones/cell phones/user equipment,
2. Mobile phone bands and their uses
MMS, SMS, call barring, call forwarding,
3. Types of mobile phones
BSI, DCT, FPS etc.
4. Phone accessories and their functions
Bandsingle, double, tri and quad bands and
their uses.
Mobiles phone typesstraight, flip, slides
5. Types of menus and sub-menus
etc. and their special maintenance needs.
All phone accessories including;
6. Service providers and their codes
headsets/hands free, earpiece, external
Bluetooth, batteries, chargers, cables etc. and
B. BASIC COMPUTER AND
their functions.
INTERNET CONCEPTS.
1. Introduction to computer
Menus and sub-menus including; phone book,
message, call, settings, applications etc. and
their functions
2. Introduction to internet
Major voice service providers and their
service codes.
3. Browsing the web
C. ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF
Definition, identification and functions of
MOBILE PHONES AND THEIR
various computer hardware (monitor, CPU,
FUNCTIONS
1. Structure of mobile phones
keyboard etc.) and software (operating and
application) components.
Web access platform Including;
2. Hardware components
2
WAP/GPRS/EDGE/Wi-Fi/3G etc.
3. Software components
Browsing activities like downloading,
uploading etc.
D. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF
MOBILE PHONES
1 Electronic components in mobile
2
3
phones
Preventive maintenance
Corrective maintenance
Basic block diagram (power unit, memory
unit and radio unit) and functions of each
Common tools and equipment for
block.
hardware and software repairs.
Identification, description and functions of
various hardware components including CPU,
SIM socket, earpiece, keypad, buzzer, vibrator
etc.
Various software components both operating
Safety in mobile phone workshop
Common hardware problems
Common software problems
and application software.
Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, IC,
e.t.c.
Definitions, functions, reason, advantages and
E. TROUBLE-SHOOTING
1. Basic trouble-shooting
procedures (cleaning, soldering, de-soldering,
re-balling etc.) of preventive and corrective
maintenance
Identify common tools and equipment for
hardware repairs such as; star, Allen key, lead,
precision set, multi-meter, oscilloscope,
computer set soldering iron and sucker etc.
and their uses.
3
Identify common software tools for repair
2. Tracing and fault finding in hardware
such as; unlocking software, flashing software
firmware installation etc.
List safety rules and regulations. Safe use of
maintenance tools. Basic safety facilities in
the mobile phone workshop (first aid box, fire
extinguishers etc.)
Identification of hardware problems such as
3. Fault finding in software
damaged screen, charging ports, mouthpiece,
earpiece, keyboard etc.
Identification of software problems such as;
contact service provider, phone lock code,
invalid SIM, SIM card rejected etc.
F. SETTING UP AND MANAGING
MOBILE PHONE WORKSHOP
Dissembling and assembling, testing and
1. Setting up a mobile phone work shop
trouble shooting of component such as
2. Facilities/equipment for mobile
displays, speakers, vibrators, ringers, charging
phone workshop.
3. Managing a mobile phone business
ports, charging jacks, batteries, keypads,
panels etc.
Trouble shooting/fault finding using relevant
mobile phone menus.
Identification of mobile phone ICs and
electronic components.
Reading of PCB circuit layout and schematic
diagrams.
Identification of faulty components (using
visuals, continuity test, open circuit, short
circuit etc.)
Test voltages on PCB (voltage levels at
4
various points and voltage specification of IC
pins)
Trouble-shooting techniquesmetering
methods, signal tracing/injection, component
testing, visual inspections etc.
Trouble shooting Surface Mount Devices
(SMD)/ Ball Grid Array (BGA) etc.
Use of software codes for faults finding. Fault
find related to software (SIM locked, SIM
rejected, hanging problem, restart problem
etc.)
Flashing of mobile phonesflashing devices,
flashing software and their uses
Phone lock/security unlocking/resetting
counters
Capital, personnel and factors that
determining choice of location
Identify appropriate facilities/equipment for a
mobile phone workshop.
Risk analyses, costing, return on investment
etc.
SUPERVISED APPRENTICESHIP (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING)
Candidates are required to spend a minimum cumulative total of eight weeks of apprenticeship in
an accredited repair and maintenance centre.
LIST OF MINIMUM ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT FOR A CLASS OF FIFTY CANDIDATES
5
ITEM
NO
EQUIPMENT
QUANTITY
REQUIRED
Scrap mobile phone/Mobile phone
parts
10
Mobile phone manuals
10
Mobile phone
50
Chat of service codes
Phones accessories (various types)
25
Data cable (various types)
25
Oscilloscope
Multi-meter(Analog/digital)
10
9.
Brush
25
10
Soldering iron
10
11.
Safety chart
12.
Hammer
25
13.
Spanner(various types)
25
14.
Tweezer
10
15.
PCB Board holder
25
16.
Cutter
25
6
QUANTITY
SEEN
17.
Magnifying desk lamp
10
18.
Ultrasonic cleaner
19.
Re-balling kits (Chat)
05
20.
Flashing and unlocking devices
02
21.
Cables and wires
22.
DC Regulated power supply
Assorted
02
