BCS ICDL Essentials - IT Qualifications Level 1 (Award or Certificate)
BCS, THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR IT ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS LEVEL 1
Introduction
Technology is constantly transforming the way in which we live, how we work, and how we carry out our daily tasks. As digital and IT technologies continue to evolve and enable the digital transformation of businesses, there is an ever-increasing need for individuals equipped with the skills to support the development and implementation of IT solutions that deliver efficiencies, that enhance the productivity of individuals and teams, and which ensure successful operations can be carried out.
In conjunction with the ICDL Foundation, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, have designed this qualification to support individuals to develop their use of software commonly found in most work and educational settings to a beginner level. This also includes developing their ability to use software in order to improve the way in which they carry out tasks, and to find ways to improve overall productivity.
BCS, The Chartered Institute For IT
As the Chartered Institute for IT, BCS are the digital specialists, and the only awarding body focussed on computing and IT. BCS’s commitment under the royal charter is to ensure everyone within society has access to the basic skills required to live and work in a digital age.
Qualification Suitability and Overview
The Level 1 Award in IT User Skills (ICDL Essentials) (ITQ) is suitable for beginner or novice computer users and is therefore suitable for anyone no matter their current skills or experience.
This qualification is suitable for anyone;
- seeking to develop their basic IT skills in order to enhance their productivity in their workplace
- wishing to undertake professional development as part of seeking a new job opportunity
- wanting to start studying and improve their IT skills in preparation for the working environment, or who are looking to progress onto higher level qualifications
Successfully completing this qualification will equip individuals with the foundational skills and knowledge required to improve their productivity through the use of suitable IT tools and processes.
Learner Progression
Candidates undertaking this qualification may aim to further develop their skills in order to move into a specific area of IT. This may include progression onto a Level 2 Qualification.
Course: Level 1 Award in IT User Skills (ICDL Essentials) (ITQ) - Credits: 9
QAN: 500/6226/8
Mandatory Modules L1: IT User Fundamentals (3 credits), Using Email (2 credits), Using the internet (3 credits), IT Security For Users (1 credit) - (Total 4 modules).
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 80 hours
Assessment Methods: Online performance (skills) and knowledge test
Pass Rate: 75%
Outcome: Pass or Fail
Course Fee: £480 (include First Live Test examination fee and BCS registered invigilator’s fee for each module).
Point to note: Each subsequent examination resits i.e. second, third, or fourth resits, and each subsequent BCS invigilation will incur additional charges, please see price list for additional charges below.
Course: Level 1 Award in IT User Skills (ICDL Essentials) (ITQ) - Credits: 12
QAN: 601/0633/5
Mandatory Modules L1: IT User Fundamentals (3 credits), Using Email (2 credits), Using the internet (3 credits), IT Security For Users (1 credit) Improving Productivity Using It (3 credits) - (Total 5 modules).
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 100 hours
Assessment Methods: Online performance (skills) and knowledge test
Pass Rate: 75%
Outcome: Pass or Fail
Course Fee: £600 (include First Live Test examination fee and BCS registered invigilator’s fee for each module).
Point to note: Each subsequent examination resits i.e. second, third, or fourth resits, and each subsequent BCS invigilation will incur additional charges, please see price list for additional charges below.
Course: Level 1 Award in IT User Skills (ICDL Essentials) (ITQ) - Credits: 15
QAN: 601/1236/0
Mandatory Modules L1: IT User Fundamentals (3 credits), Using Email (2 credits), Using the internet (3 credits), IT Security For Users (1 credit) Improving Productivity Using IT (3 credits), 1 optional unit Word, or Excel, or Presentation or Database (3 credits per unit) - (Total 6 modules).
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 120 hours
Assessment Methods: Online performance (skills) and knowledge test
Pass Rate: 75%
Outcome: Pass or Fail
Course Fee: £720 (include First Live Test examination fee and BCS registered invigilator’s fee for each module).
Point to note: Each subsequent examination resits i.e. second, third, or fourth resits, and each subsequent BCS invigilation will incur additional charges, please see price list for additional charges below.
Courses: Flexi/Single BCS Level 1 ICDL unit to acquire an award (1 or 2 or 3 credits per unit).
- Word Processing Software (Unit Code L/502/4627) (3 credits)
- Excel Spreadsheet Software (Unit Code: A/502/4624) (3 credits)
- PowerPoint Software (Unit Code: K/502/4621) (3 credits)
- Database Software (Unit Code: H/502/4553) (3 credits)
- Improving Productivity Using IT (Mandatory unit for a full certificate) (Unit Code: T/502/4153) (3 credits)
- Using Email (Unit Code: J/502/4299) (2 credits)
- Using the Internet (Unit Code: T/502/4296) (3 credits)
- Audio Software (Unit Code: K/502/4389) (2 credits)
- Bespoke Software (Unit Code: A/502/4395) (2 credits)
- Computerised Accounting Software (Unit Code: F/502/4401) (2 credits)
- Data Management Software (Unit Code: F/502/4558) (2 credits)
- Design Software (Unit Code: M/502/4572) (3 credits)
- Desktop Publishing Software (Unit Code: Y/502/4565) (3 credits)
- Drawing & Planning Software (Unit Code: J/502/4609) (2 credits)
- Imaging Software (Unit Code: J/502/4612) (3 credits)
- Internet Safety for IT Users (Unit Code: H/502/9154) (3 credits)
- IT Communication Fundamentals (Unit Code: Y/502/4291) (2 credits)
- IT Security for Users (Unit Code: R/502/4256) (1 credit)
- IT Software Fundamentals (Unit Code: L/502/4384) (3 credits)
- IT User Fundamentals (Unit Code: J/502/4206) (3 credits)
- Multimedia Software (Unit Code: Y/502/4615) (3 credits)
- Optimise IT System Performance (Unit Code: D/502/4244) (2 credits)
- Personal Information Management Software (Unit Code: Y/502/4369) (2 credits)
- Project Management Software (Unit Code: K/502/4618) (3 credits)
- Set up an IT System (Unit Code: Y/502/4209) (3 credits)
- Specialist Software (Unit Code: L/502/4398) (2 credits)
- Using a Computer Keyboard (Unit Code: J/502/9311) (1 credits)
- Using Collaborative Technologies (Unit Code: A/502/4378) (3 credits)
- Using Mobile IT Devices (Unit Code: H/502/4374) (2 credits)
- Video Software (Unit Code: K/502/4392) (2 credits)
- Website Software (Unit Code: L/502/4630) (3 credits)
1 credit: 10 GLH
Assessment Methods: Online performance (skills) and knowledge test
Pass Rate: 75%
Outcome: Pass or Fail
Course Fee: £210 (include First Live Test examination fee and BCS registered invigilator’s fee for each unit).
Point to note: Each subsequent examination resits i.e. second, third, or fourth resits, and each subsequent BCS invigilation will incur additional charges, please see price list for additional charges below.
Learning Outcome:
Please refer to the itq-specification-guide provided for learning outcome. Alternatively,
Click here to download the ITQ specification guide
Assessments
Each module is assessed through an online, on-demand test which will assess the learner’s competence of using each software. Each assessment will include a knowledge test of multiple-choice questions as well as an “in-application” performance test that will require the learner to use their software to complete specific tasks. The marking of these assessments is automated, with instant pass/fail results, with candidate being required to achieve a 75% pass mark in both the knowledge and performance tests. On successful completion of all four, five or six assessments, depending on the respective qualification and credits chosen, the learner will attain their BCS Level 1 Award or Certificate in IT User Skills (ICDL Essentials) (ITQ).
Atlas Cloud: Assessing the online assessments
Each of the online assessments (including the diagnostics test and live assessments test) will be completed via the Atlas Cloud online platform on an on-demand basis. The courseware and online modules are also available to access via the Atlas Cloud platform. All assessments are invigilated online by BCS registered invigilators. All live tests will need to be booked in advance. It takes between 3 to 5 working days to book a live test and a BCS invigilator. Click here to access Atlas Cloud Platform
BCS Approved Centre For Testing and Training
Our responsibilities as a BCS licensed provider involves the collection of the relevant data for the successful registration of learners on to the relevant BCS qualifications with the awarding body which also include;
- Administering and managing the provision of the online delivery of BCS courses.
- Requesting valid proof of photo ID (passport, driving licence or birth certificate – see BCS Registration Form. For private learners we only need to view or see your valid proof of photo ID, this can be done over the phone or video conferencing.
- Requesting proof of address – see BCS Registration Form.
- Obtaining or creating learners, Unique Learner Number (ULN) on the UK Learner Record Service (UKLRS) portal to register and record learners’ qualifications and achievements.
- After obtaining a ULN the respective learner is then registered with BCS awarding body, and upon successful registration a learner is then provided with a BCS Student Identification Number.
- We’ll then setup the learner’s BCS Learning Account (Annual) including all relevant resources on Atlas Cloud based platform.
- Learners will be provided with BCS licensed learning resources or tools to complete their respective qualification(s) and gain certification.
- We’ll assist and support learners when they first login, and throughout the course, explain and walk them through the course units.
- Assist with their queries, and provide any system updates, technical assistance and support for any platform issues.
- These assistance and support will be provided in the form of video conferencing, schedule phone calls and/or emails.
- Setup a learner’s diagnostics test for each unit – to check a learner’s knowledge and skills prior to the live test assessment.
- Invigilate all live test assessments on behalf of BCS the awarding body.
- Provide awarding body’s Accredited Awards or Accredited Certificates to successful learners.
- Provide information, advice and guidance to learners.
- Provide a learner with his/her progression report.
Our Working Days – Mondays to Fridays – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price List – Additional Charges
- Annual BCS Account Renewal (only 2 allowed) - £30 each renewal
- Each resits live test fee i.e. second, third or fourth - £30 per test
- BCS registered invigilator’s fee - £30 per test
- Ordering extra copy of a certificate - £30 each
- Ordering a confirmation letter of achievement - £30 each
- Online Assessment Test - £60 each
Special education needs (SEN)
A learner needs to inform us of any special education needs or disabilities to ensure that we can provide reasonable adjustment or special consideration where appropriate so that there is no unnecessary barrier to learning for the learner.
BCS Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for these qualifications. It is expected that an initial assessment has taken place for a learner with the Approved Centre to ensure that the learner is capable of reaching the required standards.
Contact Person
Mr. Suthventh Seralli
T: +44 208 907 5522
M: +44 7949 351 956
E: director@customisedcurriculum.com
ICDL Essentials Level 1 Course Units
- IT user fundamentals - Builds the learner’s confidence by teaching basic interaction with computers, from start-up to productive use and basic computer housekeeping.
- Using email and the internet - Helps the learner understand how to use internet and email in a safe and secure way, explaining key terms and developing fundamental knowledge of computer security.
- Security for IT users - Provides the learner with an essential understanding of how to use a computer in a safe and secure manner, protecting their own data as well as that of other users.
ICDL Optional Level 1 Certificate Courses
- Word Processing
- Excel Spreadsheet
- PowerPoint
- Access Database
See further information on ITQ qualifications specification guide including improving productivity (IPU) unit Click here
For further information on the BCS The Chartered Institute For IT Click here
BCS Registration Requirements;
As stated in BCS learning-hub-operational-requirements,
Copyright © BCS 2021
BCS IT User Operational Requirements Manual V3.4 –September 2021
Page 28 & 29 of 65
14.2 Registrations
A Learner must be registered for the qualification they wish to take before any assessment can commence. At first registration with BCS a Learner will be given a BCS identification number, which is a unique number for all BCS qualifications a Learner takes. A Learner can be registered for multiple BCS qualifications, using the same BCS identification number.
14.2.1 What information is needed to register Learners?
Before a Learner is registered, Centre staff must ensure:
- The Learner is registered before the date of their first live test or assessment
- The Learner’s identification document(s) is checked and recorded, see section 14.2.2 Learner identification
- The Learner’s official name as shown on their identification is used to register them
- The centre address details are used if registering a learner under the age of 18.
The following information is requested when registering Learners:
- ULN (Unique Learner Number from Learner Record Service UK)
- *Learner Title
- *Learner First Name
- *Learner Surname
- *Date of Birth
- *Gender
- *House Number or Name (Address)
- *Postcode
- *Contact details
- *Nationality
*Indicates mandatory fields.
14.2.2 Learner identification
All Learners, except school children, or known staff , must provide identification prior to registration for any BCS qualification. Learners are required to provide either one item from List 1, or two items from List 2.
Identification seen for each Learner must be recorded on the central recording system, as this information is required for compliance and audit purposes.
List 1: One item required
- Valid Passport
- Valid biometric identity card
- Valid full driving licence with photograph or,
List 2: Two current items required
- Standard acknowledgement letter (held by people seeking asylum)
- Rent book or tenancy agreement
- Bank card: credit, charge, cheque guarantee, debit (in date)
- Bank or building society book
- Cheque book
- Letter showing home address
- Benefit Statement for example Universal Credit, Jobseeker Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Employment Support Allowance
- Benefit letter or agreement
- Services identity card
- Utility bill
- Original birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Travel pass with photograph
- Any other form of identification
We will not be able to enrol you on any BCS accredited qualifications if you are unable to provide the item(s) requested from List 1 or List 2.
Once you have met the BCS registration requirements, you can book you course from the Overview Tab above. We will send you a BCS Registration Form, by email which you will need to complete and send it back to us with your identification document(s) requested in List 1 or List 2, we will then process your enrolment immediately and you can start learning.
Please return your completed form and document(s) requested for your BCS registration to administration at admin@customisedcurriculum.com.
If you have any further questions, give us a call on +44 208 907 5522 or use our contact form.
Additional Information
ICDL is the International Certification of Digital Literacy and is a practical test in use of computers in education and/or workplace.
The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is a Europe-wide qualification in basic computer skills. If you have passed ECDL or ICDL, employers know you have the skills to carry out the main tasks on a computer. The ICDL is the first qualification in personal computing skills to be recognised nationally, internationally, and throughout the European Union. And it looks great on your CV.
In the UK, the ECDL is most commonly taken by adults who are in work, or trying to return to work, but some schools and colleges also enrol students for it. BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT has confirmed that it is suitable for students of any age.
ECDL or ICDL is a Level 1, 2, and 3 qualification(s) and is accredited by OFQUAL. This means that it is equivalent to a GCSE or A' Level in terms of UCAS points (i.e. for university applications). It satisfies the government’s Key Skills requirement for IT.
Students are not considered to have 'graduated' from secondary education until they have Key Skills Level 2 in IT, English, and Maths.
If you do not have these Key Skills, then sixth form colleges may insist you take qualifications in them before allowing you to enter other courses.
If you have any further questions, give us a call on +44 208 907 5522 or use our contact form.
Course Delivery Location: UK & International.
- Online Learning
If you have any further questions, give us a call on +44 208 907 5522 or use our contact form.
