ITQ Assessment Strategy

Background to the new ITQ framework National Occupational Standards for IT users updated The Sector Skills Agreement for IT (SSA) published All new accredited qualifications must comply to the new SSA 2New qualification briefing June

Principles behind SSA UK to be a world leader in its exploitation of IT for innovation, service and business competiveness All individuals in the UK will have – and will continue to develop – the IT user skills necessary to participate in the e-economy IT user skills will enhance individuals’ employability, social lives and ability to benefit from online services New qualification briefing June

SSA target for IT A simplified, flexible framework for recognising achievement in IT skills, throughout both the education system and industry The ITQ framework will be used to organise and position learning qualifications within the coherent environment All qualifications to use approved QCF units New qualification briefing June

Qualifications and Credit Framework The QCF is the new way of recognising skills and qualifications supported by the ITQ Framework The QCF does this by awarding credit for units and qualifications It enables learners to gain qualifications at their own pace and along flexible routes New qualification briefing June

QCF regulatory aims A qualification system that is: Inclusive Responsive Accessible Non-bureaucratic New qualification briefing June

QCF structure Unit-based qualifications located Achievements recognised through award of credits Level and size of achievements easily identified Mechanisms to allow accumulation and transfer of credits between qualifications and Awarding Bodies Learners given maximum flexibility and range of opportunities to progress and receive recognition for their achievements New qualification briefing June

QCF benefits for learners Offers more freedom, choice and flexibility Gives easy access to information about the commitment needed for different routes of achievement Allows building up of credits at their own pace Enables transfer of credits between qualifications New qualification briefing June

Benefits for schools & colleges Enables them to design more flexible programmes Helps improve retention and progression rates Ability to track all learner’s achievements through a unique learner number Helps them report learner achievement to stakeholders in an easy to understand way New qualification briefing June

Credit frameworks NOS underpin the new QCF units Embedded Functional Skills in curricula via new units -IT User Fundamentals IT Communication Fundamentals IT Software Fundamentals Full Level 2 qualification design principles New qualification briefing June