Who is this qualification suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for learners aged 14 and above. The NCFE Functional Skills qualification in ICT at Entry Level 1 is an ideal qualification for learners wishing to develop practical, transferable skills in ICT in order to work confidently, effectively and independently in life. It is suitable for a wide range of individuals and is fundamental to the successful completion of various wider qualifications and frameworks, such as Foundation Learning.

Functional Skills ICT update

Functional Skills ICT is being replaced by Digital Functional Skills at the end of this academic session to complete the overall reform of Functional Skills qualifications.

Following guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofqual, the qualification will be withdrawn in stages. Below are NCFE’s key dates that outline the final journey of the old qualification and start of the new qualification.

Last registration date for Functional Skills ICT (entry level 1 to level 2) – 31 July 2023

Digital Functional Skills available for first teaching (entry level 3 to level 1) – 1 August 2023

Last date for sitting an external assessment for Functional Skills ICT (level 1 and level 2) – 24 June 2024

Last EQA review date for Functional Skills ICT (entry level 1 to entry level 3) – 30 June 2024

Final external assessment release date (level 1 to level 2) – 1 July 2024

Final certification date (entry level 1 to level 2) – 31 July 2024

Functional Skills ICT complete withdrawal date (entry level 1 to level 2) – 1 August 2024

To find out more about the new Digital Functional Skills qualification, NCFE has all the information plus support events to prepare you for the teaching of the new qualifications here.

Useful links

Regulations for the Conduct of Controlled Assessment

Qualification Specific Instructions for Delivery (QSID)

ICT Assessment Resources and Preparation