What software do I need for the Open Awards Level 2 Diploma in IT User Skills?

You'll typically use Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Some centres may use Google Workspace or LibreOffice as alternatives. Check with your tutor which software is recommended. You'll also need a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) for internet-based units.

How long does it take to complete the Level 2 Diploma in IT User Skills?

The qualification is usually completed in one academic year if studied full-time, but part-time options are available. The total guided learning hours are around 300-400, depending on the units chosen. You can progress at your own pace, but most students finish within 6-12 months.

Can I get a job with this qualification?

Yes, this diploma is designed to prepare you for entry-level roles such as administrative assistant, data entry clerk, IT support technician, or customer service representative. It also provides a foundation for further study, like a Level 3 IT qualification or an apprenticeship in digital skills.

Do I need to take an exam for each unit?

No, most units are assessed through coursework or practical tasks rather than formal exams. You'll complete assignments that demonstrate your skills, such as creating a spreadsheet or a presentation. Some units may have online tests, but the focus is on practical application.

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 in IT User Skills?

Level 1 covers basic IT skills like using a mouse, typing, and simple file management. Level 2 builds on this with more complex tasks, such as using formulas in spreadsheets, creating databases, and producing professional documents. Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4-9 (C-A*).

How can I improve my typing speed for the course?

Practice regularly using online typing tutors like TypingClub or Keybr. Aim for accuracy first, then speed. Many assessments require you to type text, so being able to type without looking at the keyboard will save time. Try to reach at least 30-40 words per minute.

Computerised Accounting Software

OPEN AWARDS

vocational

This element develops competence in using computerised accounting software to manage financial transactions in a business environment. Learners will gain hands-on skills to access, accurately enter, and edit accounting data, apply software tools to process routine business transactions, and produce standard accounting documents and reports such as invoices, ledgers, and trial balances that meet organisational requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Open Awards Level 2 Diploma in IT User Skills (RQF)

Topic Overview

The Open Awards Level 2 Diploma in IT User Skills (RQF) is a comprehensive qualification designed to equip students with the practical IT skills needed for the modern workplace. It covers a wide range of topics, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and using the internet safely and effectively. This diploma is ideal for those looking to build a solid foundation in digital literacy, whether for employment, further study, or everyday life.

The qualification is structured around real-world tasks, meaning you'll learn by doing. For example, you might create a business report in Microsoft Word, analyse sales data in Excel, or design a multimedia presentation in PowerPoint. Each unit focuses on specific software skills and also emphasises important concepts like data security, file management, and online collaboration. By the end of the course, you'll be confident in using a range of IT tools to solve problems and communicate information.

This diploma fits into the wider subject of Digital Skills & IT by providing a recognised benchmark of competence. It's a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications, such as Level 3 IT courses or apprenticeships. Employers value this qualification because it demonstrates that you can apply IT skills in practical contexts, making you more employable in roles that require digital proficiency.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→File management: organising, saving, and retrieving files using appropriate folder structures and naming conventions.
→Data handling: entering, editing, formatting, and analysing data in spreadsheets, including using formulas and functions.
→Document production: creating professional documents with consistent formatting, headers/footers, tables, and images.
→Online safety: understanding risks like phishing, malware, and data breaches, and applying safe practices such as using strong passwords and secure connections.
→Presentation skills: designing effective slides with appropriate content, layout, and multimedia elements to communicate a message clearly.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

1. Access, enter and edit accounting information 2. Use tools and techniques to process business transactions3. Produce accounting documents and summary reports to meet requirements

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating accurate creation and amendment of customer and supplier account records.
Assessors should look for correct application of VAT treatment when entering purchase and sales invoices.
Credit must be given for producing a trial balance that reconciles with underlying ledger entries and bank transactions.
Evidence of generating and printing reports (e.g., aged debtors, profit and loss) that are clearly aligned to given business requirements.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Practice using the software’s ‘help’ function and shortcuts to improve efficiency during timed assessments.
💡Always verify entered data against source documents before processing to avoid cascading errors.
💡Understand the chart of accounts structure fully; this helps in selecting correct codes and ensures accurate financial classification.
💡During the assessment, generate trial balances and reconciliation reports at key stages to check your work and demonstrate systematic verification.
💡Pay close attention to the command words in assessment tasks. Words like 'describe', 'explain', 'compare', and 'evaluate' require different levels of detail. For example, 'describe' means you need to give a detailed account, while 'evaluate' requires you to make a judgement.
💡When using software, practice keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+V for paste). They save time and show efficiency, which can impress assessors in practical exams.
💡Always check the formatting guidelines for each task. If the task asks for a specific font size or margin, make sure you apply it exactly. Small details can cost marks.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Learners often miscode transactions by selecting an incorrect nominal ledger account, leading to misstated financial reports.
A frequent error is forgetting to update or match bank transactions, causing reconciliation discrepancies.
Many learners neglect to back up data or save work regularly, resulting in loss of evidence for assessment.
Confusion between cash and accrual accounting methods is common when processing payments and receipts.
Misconception: 'I can just rely on spellcheck to fix all my errors.' Correction: Spellcheck won't catch homophones (e.g., 'their' vs 'there') or context-specific mistakes. Always proofread manually.
Misconception: 'Using lots of different fonts and colours makes my document look professional.' Correction: Overly complex formatting can be distracting. Stick to 2-3 complementary fonts and a consistent colour scheme for clarity.
Misconception: 'I don't need to back up my work because the computer is reliable.' Correction: Computers can crash, files can corrupt, or you might accidentally delete something. Always save copies to a cloud service or external drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic computer literacy: ability to turn on a computer, use a mouse and keyboard, and navigate the desktop.
•Familiarity with common software applications like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (though not essential, it helps).
•Understanding of internet basics: how to open a web browser, use a search engine, and navigate websites.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

1. Access, enter and edit accounting information 2. Use tools and techniques to process business transactions3. Produce accounting documents and summary reports to meet requirements

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Computerised Accounting Software

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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