1. BTEC IT PRACTITIONERS

2. BTEC qualifications are designed to provide specialist work-related qualifications in a range of sectors. On successful completion of a BTEC First qualification, students may progress into or within employment and/or continue their study in the vocational area.

3. Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Certificate and BTEC First Diploma for ICT Practitioners The BTEC First is a level 2 qualification that can be delivered at KS4 and KS5. Diploma The BTEC First Diploma is a 360 guided learning hour qualification comprising core and specialist units which cover aspects of knowledge, understanding and competency necessary for employment within the sector. As such the BTEC First Diploma offers a qualification which can extend a learner ’ s programme of study and provide vocational emphasis within their programme of study. Students study 6 units which are usually taught over 2 years. It is the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at A* - C. Students receive 4 grades of either Distinction* (A* GCSE equivalent) Distinction (A GCSE equivalent) Merit or (B GCSE equivalent) Pass (C GCSE equivalent) Certificate The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Certificate is a 180 guided learning hour qualification which offers a bite- sized opportunity for learners to experience a vocational qualification. The BTEC First Certificate offers a focused vocational qualification for learners who wish to follow a shorter programme of study related to an aspect of employment that they might wish to move into; or a taster qualification which can extend their programme of study and provide an initial experience of a vocational area. This will also enable learners to progress to a higher level qualification relevant to the sector.

4. Key Features

5. Key features of the BTEC Firsts for ICT Practitioners The BTEC Firsts for ICT Practitioners have been developed in the IT sector to focus on: √ education and training for employees working in ICT related occupations √ providing opportunities for employees working in ICT to achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 vocationally specific qualification √ providing opportunities for learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in the IT sector or to progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as the Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National for IT Practitioners √ providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life

6. Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Award/Certificate/Diploma for IT Practitioners The BTEC National is a level 3 course. Award The 360 guided learning hours (GLH) (usually six units) provides a qualification which is equivalent to one A level. The BTEC National Award offers a specialist qualification that focuses on particular aspects of employment within the appropriate vocational sector Certificate The 720 GLH (usually 12 units) BTEC National Certificate provides a specialist work related programme of study that covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. The BTEC National Certificate offers flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the specialist units. It is broadly equivalent to two GCEs or the full award AVCE. Diploma The 1080 GLH (usually 18 units) BTEC National Diploma extends the specialist work related focus available from the BTEC Certificate. There is potential for the qualification to prepare learners for employment in the appropriate vocational sector and is suitable for those who have decided that they wish to enter a particular area of work. The Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels.