Digital Skills & IT

    Defence Awarding Organisation
    Vocational

    Specification: 603/3162/8

    The DEFENCE-AWARDING-ORGANISATION Vocational Digital Skills & IT specification covers 6 topics with 10 learning objectives (603/3162/8). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    6

    Units

    10

    Learning Outcomes

    24

    Assessment Guidance

    24

    Key Skills

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing file plans with site hierarchies—learners often map a file plan directly to site collections without considering scalability or security boundaries.
    • •Overlooking the distinction between SharePoint groups and Meridio record management roles, leading to inappropriate permission models that violate information governance.
    • •Applying metadata as site columns but failing to link them to content types, which prevents consistent use across libraries and impairs search functionality.
    • •Assuming TreeSize Pro reports are sufficient for compliance without cross-referencing Atlas audit trails, missing discrepancies between disk usage and record activity.
    • •Confusing the purpose of the Data Protection Act (privacy rights) with the Freedom of Information Act (public access to information).
    • •Assuming that all MoD information is automatically classified as SECRET or above, without recognising the tiered classification system.
    • •Omitting key legislation such as the Public Records Act 1958 when discussing long-term information preservation.
    • •Confusing SharePoint permissions with NTFS or network share permissions, and not understanding permission inheritance defaults in site collections.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •In your portfolio, include screenshots showing the step-by-step configuration of MOSS components, clearly linking each action to an information management requirement.
    • •Use the MOD enterprise directory and search as part of your evidence—demonstrate that you can locate and retrieve information using applied metadata, not just navigate structure.
    • •When producing reports, annotate them to explain how you interpreted the data (e.g., identifying storage growth, permission anomalies) and what corrective actions are recommended.
    • •Ensure your design documentation explicitly references MOD information management policies (e.g., JSP 441) to show contextual understanding and compliance awareness.
    • •When listing legislation, provide a brief explanation of each Act's relevance to the MOD context rather than just naming them.
    • •Use specific examples, such as how the Data Protection Act applies to personnel records, to demonstrate practical understanding.
    • •In assessments, always link legislation back to the lifecycle of information management: creation, storage, use, sharing, and disposal.
    • •When creating a SharePoint site, explicitly reference the file plan by naming libraries and folders after record categories, and justify your structure.

    Qualification Units

    6 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

    Pass

    Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

    Merit

    Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

    Distinction

    Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

    Design systems in support of information management

    This element focuses on designing and implementing Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) systems within a defence context to manage information effectively. Learners will configure file plans, metadata, and permissions while integrating Meridio for records management and using tools like TreeSize Pro and Atlas for compliance reporting. Practical application ensures efficient unit-level information support aligned with MOD policies.

    DAO Level 3 Award in Defence Information Support

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Understand Information Management and the legislative requirement to managing information in the MOD

    This subtopic covers the foundational principles of Information Management within the Ministry of Defence, tracing its evolution from paper-based systems to digital transformation. It equips learners with knowledge of statutory obligations, ensuring that information is handled legally, securely, and efficiently to support defence operations and decision-making. Mastery of these legislative requirements is critical for maintaining operational security and public trust.

    DAO Level 3 Award in Defence Information Support Administrator

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Design and configure Sharepoint in support of Organisation Requirement

    This subtopic covers the design and configuration of SharePoint within the MODNet O365 environment to support organisational information management requirements. It focuses on understanding file plans and record systems, creating effective SharePoint sites for unit/team collaboration, managing permissions in SharePoint and ERMS, and employing push/pull techniques for Defence Information sharing, ensuring compliance and efficient information handling.

    DAO Level 3 Award in Defence Information Support Administrator

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Provide effective record keeping using electronic records management systems

    This element equips learners with the skills to manage records efficiently within the Defence Information Infrastructure (DII) as an Information Support Assistant (ISA). It covers the use of electronic records management systems to ensure accurate, secure, and compliant information handling, supporting operational and administrative functions. Learners will understand the critical role of record integrity and audit trails in meeting defence organisational standards and legal obligations.

    DAO Level 3 Award in Defence Information Support

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Understand the background and legislation requirements of Information Management

    This subtopic explores the evolution and strategic importance of Information Management within the Ministry of Defence, emphasising how effective data governance underpins operational capability and decision-making. Learners gain insight into the legislative landscape that dictates secure information handling, including key statutes and MOD policies, and understand the practical consequences of non-compliance in a defence context.

    DAO Level 3 Award in Defence Information Support

    5 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Design and configure Electronic Record Management Systems (ERMS) to conduct Record Management in a unit

    This subtopic covers the principles and practices of designing and configuring Electronic Record Management Systems (ERMS) to ensure efficient and compliant records management within a defence unit. It focuses on applying SharePoint and other ERMS tools, implementing appropriate permissions, and aligning with ISA MODNet responsibilities, while emphasising the critical need to protect sensitive information through robust configuration.

    DAO Level 3 Award in Defence Information Support Administrator

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

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    Defence Awarding Organisation Vocational Digital Skills & IT