Digital Skills & IT

    Training Qualifications UK Ltd
    Vocational

    Specification: 601/7150/9

    The TRAINING-QUALIFICATIONS-UK-LTD Vocational Digital Skills & IT specification covers 34 topics with 57 learning objectives (601/7150/9). 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.

    34

    Units

    57

    Learning Outcomes

    129

    Assessment Guidance

    142

    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

    • •Failing to distinguish between formal and informal language when composing emails for business versus personal contexts.
    • •Neglecting to proofread communications, leading to spelling and grammar errors that undermine the clarity and professionalism of the message.
    • •Overlooking privacy settings and sharing personal information publicly on social networking platforms without understanding the risks.
    • •Assuming that all digital communication is instantaneous and not considering time zones or response expectations.
    • •Misunderstanding the purpose of online collaboration tools, using them ineffectively (e.g., editing shared documents without version control, causing confusion).
    • •Using casual language or emojis in professional emails, disregarding formal tone required in business correspondence.
    • •Forgetting to mute microphones or manage participant permissions during online meetings, leading to disruptions and unproductive sessions.
    • •Sharing sensitive information over unsecured digital networks without encryption or access controls, risking data breaches.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •When composing an email, always check the assessment criteria for required elements such as subject line, salutation, and signature. Practise with sample scenarios to build confidence.
    • •For questions on online collaboration, remember to mention specific tools (e.g., Google Docs, Trello) and give examples of how they facilitate real-time teamwork and file sharing.
    • •Demonstrate understanding of netiquette by explaining appropriate behaviour in online forums, including respecting others' opinions and avoiding offensive language.
    • •If asked to compare communication methods, create a simple table in your revision to summarise strengths and weaknesses of each, such as email for formal records versus instant messaging for quick queries.
    • •When answering questions on communication tools, provide specific examples of platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom) and explain their practical benefits for collaboration.
    • •For email communication, clearly distinguish between personal and business contexts by outlining key differences in format, language, and legal considerations like GDPR.
    • •When answering scenario-based questions, explicitly link your chosen security method to the CIA triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability) for higher marks.
    • •For practical evidence, include screenshots or witness statements that clearly show you following organisational procedures, not just generic advice.

    Qualification Units

    34 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.

    Communication using a digital device

    This element focuses on the fundamental skills required to communicate using digital devices, covering online communication, email etiquette, social networking, and collaboration tools. Learners will explore how to effectively convey messages in personal and professional contexts, ensuring clarity and appropriateness. Practical application includes using these skills to enhance employment prospects and daily interactions in an increasingly digital world.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in the Introduction for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Communication and Productivity

    This element focuses on effective digital communication methods, including email conventions, virtual meeting platforms, and collaborative tools within digital networks, essential for productivity in modern workplaces. Learners explore professional etiquette, security considerations, and practical application of these technologies.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

    IT security for users

    This element equips learners with practical skills to identify and mitigate common security threats to IT systems and data. It covers essential user-level measures such as password hygiene, phishing awareness, and secure device handling, directly applicable in both professional and personal digital environments. Mastery of these methods is fundamental to preserving confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information in line with organisational policies and legal requirements.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Audio Software

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental skills of using audio software and hardware to create, edit, and present digital audio content. It covers capturing sound using microphones and recording equipment, using basic editing tools to manipulate audio clips, and presenting final sequences for various purposes. These skills are essential for producing podcasts, multimedia presentations, and basic audio projects in personal, educational, or professional settings.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Internet Safety for IT users

    This subtopic covers the essential knowledge required to identify and mitigate online risks, including malware, phishing, and social engineering. Learners will explore practical strategies for safeguarding personal information and respecting legal frameworks such as data protection and copyright laws, ensuring responsible digital citizenship.

    TQUK Level 1 Award in Internet Safety for IT Users (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Data Management Software

    This subtopic covers essential skills for using data management software, such as spreadsheets or simple databases, to handle information efficiently. Learners will focus on entering and editing data accurately, maintaining records over time, and retrieving specific data to meet defined requirements. These competencies are vital for personal organisation and many workplace tasks, ensuring data is usable and reliable.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Database Software

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental skills of working with database software, focusing on accurate data entry, editing records, and organising data through sorting and filtering. Learners will develop the ability to extract specific information using basic queries and present it through predefined report formats, essential for workplace data management and decision-making.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Design Software

    This subtopic introduces learners to the essential functions of design software for creating visual outputs. It covers gathering and integrating elements (text, images, shapes) to produce simple designs such as posters, flyers, or social media graphics. The focus is on hands-on use of tools to edit and refine designs, aligning with basic workplace digital skills.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Desktop Publishing Software

    This element introduces learners to the fundamentals of desktop publishing, covering the selection of appropriate designs and page layouts for different types of publications. It develops skills in inputting and combining text with images and other media, and using essential software techniques to edit and format content, enabling the creation of simple, professional-looking documents like flyers, brochures, and newsletters.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    IT software fundamentals

    This element focuses on the fundamental use of common software applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation tools to solve practical problems. Learners will develop skills in entering, editing, and combining different data types, and formatting them to meet specific communication needs. It also emphasises critical evaluation of IT tool selection and output effectiveness.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Developing digital career skills

    This subtopic explores the essential digital skills required for career development, including the principles of digital literacy, managing one's online presence, leveraging social media for job searching, and utilizing technology to support continuous learning and professional growth. Learners will understand how to apply these skills to enhance employability and navigate the digital landscape effectively.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF), TQUK Level 1 Certificate in the Introduction for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF)

    2 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

    Drawing and Planning Software

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental skills required to create digital drawings and plans using drawing and planning software. It involves inputting and organising graphical elements such as shapes, lines, images, and text, and then combining them to form a cohesive visual representation. Practical applications include designing simple floor plans, flowcharts, diagrams, and promotional materials, developing essential IT user skills for both personal and professional contexts.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Imaging Software

    This element focuses on the fundamental skills required to handle digital images, from sourcing and importing visual content to manipulating and combining multiple elements into a cohesive final product. Learners develop practical competence in using imaging software tools to create original images, edit existing ones, and apply adjustments for clarity and effect, mirroring real-world tasks in design and content creation.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Improving Productivity Using IT

    This element focuses on the systematic selection and application of IT tools to enhance personal and organisational productivity. Learners must demonstrate the ability to plan task-based IT usage, execute tasks efficiently using appropriate software and hardware, and critically evaluate their choices to refine future performance. The emphasis is on practical, real-world application to routine office and personal computing scenarios.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    IT Communication Fundamentals

    This element introduces learners to the essential skills of sourcing, evaluating, and using information from digital and traditional sources to meet specific needs. It also covers safe and responsible communication practices using IT, ensuring learners can select appropriate tools and methods for effective information exchange. The practical application spans academic, workplace, and everyday contexts, enabling confident and ethical digital participation.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Presentation software

    This subtopic develops the learner's ability to create effective presentations using software, focusing on inputting and combining various media, structuring slide sequences, and preparing for delivery. Mastery of these skills ensures professional communication of ideas in business, education, and personal contexts, essential for IT user proficiency.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Safety when using a digital device

    This element focuses on the safe and responsible use of digital devices, encompassing both physical safety for the user and device, and digital security measures to protect personal and organisational data. Learners explore common threats and mitigation strategies, ensuring they can apply best practices in real-world employment settings.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in the Introduction for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Digital device safety awareness

    This subtopic covers essential practices for safeguarding personal and organisational data, including recognising threats like malware and phishing, and applying protective measures such as encryption and access controls. Learners will explore practical techniques for safe digital device usage, from ergonomic setup to secure disposal of equipment, ensuring compliance with legal and organisational policies. Mastery of these concepts is critical for maintaining digital security and operational integrity in any workplace.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    IT Security for Users

    This subtopic introduces learners to essential IT security practices for safeguarding personal and organisational data. It covers the identification of common risks such as malware, phishing, and unauthorised access, and explores practical methods including password management, antivirus software, and safe browsing. Learners will gain the confidence to apply these measures in everyday digital tasks to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    5 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    IT Software Fundamentals

    This unit introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of selecting and using software applications to process and present information effectively. It covers practical skills in entering, editing, formatting, and combining data from different sources, while emphasising the importance of presenting information appropriately for its intended audience and purpose. Learners will also evaluate the effectiveness of the IT tools they have chosen, developing a reflective approach to digital tasks essential for further study and employment.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    IT User Fundamentals

    This subtopic covers the foundational digital competencies required to operate a computer or device effectively, including creating, organising and storing files securely, applying essential safety and security practices such as password management and threat awareness, and performing basic troubleshooting to maintain system functionality. These skills are directly applicable to everyday personal, educational and entry-level workplace tasks where IT is used to complete work and manage information.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes4 guidance points

    Multimedia Software

    This element focuses on the practical application of multimedia software to create integrated digital products. Learners develop skills in planning content structure, sourcing and combining various media types, and using editing tools to refine outputs for specific purposes. The ability to present and playback final outcomes effectively is essential for meeting user needs in vocational and personal contexts.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Digital Security

    This subtopic explores the key security threats facing digital systems, including malware, phishing, and social engineering, and the protective measures like firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption. It also covers the legal framework such as GDPR and Computer Misuse Act, and the policies and procedures necessary to safeguard data, ensuring learners can apply these principles in employment contexts.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Using a computer

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental skills needed to operate a computer confidently in an employment setting. It covers how to power on and off a PC or laptop, navigate the desktop and operating system (e.g., Windows or macOS), manage files and folders effectively, connect to the internet securely, and create and manage online accounts for professional use. Mastery of these foundational skills ensures learners can access digital resources, communicate efficiently, and perform basic tasks required in most modern workplaces.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in the Introduction for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes11 guidance points

    Bespoke Software

    This subtopic focuses on the essential skills required to effectively use bespoke software applications—custom-built tools designed for specific organisational tasks. Learners will master inputting and combining diverse information, structuring data for optimal organisation and retrieval, and exploiting the software’s dedicated functions to process and present information clearly. These competencies are vital in modern workplaces where tailored software underpins key business operations, enabling users to handle data efficiently and produce accurate outputs.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Spreadsheet software

    This subtopic centers on developing practical competence in using spreadsheet software to handle numerical and other data efficiently. Learners will gain hands-on experience in entering, editing, and organizing data, applying formulas and data analysis tools to derive meaningful insights, and formatting information for professional presentation. These foundational skills are directly applicable to real-world tasks such as financial planning, inventory management, and performance tracking.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Optimise IT System Performance

    This element focuses on equipping candidates with the practical skills to maintain and improve the performance of IT systems through routine hardware and software care, effective file and disk management, and customisation of the working environment. Learners will develop the ability to diagnose and resolve common IT issues, ensuring systems run efficiently and reliably in real-world contexts such as office productivity, study, or personal use.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Personal Information Management Software

    This element focuses on utilising personal information management software to enhance daily productivity and organisational skills. Learners gain practical competence in scheduling appointments via digital calendars, prioritising tasks through structured lists, and managing contacts with address books, essential for effective time and information management in personal and professional contexts.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

    Presentation Software

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental skills of using presentation software to create and deliver effective digital presentations. It covers inputting and combining various types of information such as text, images, and charts, using software tools to structure and format slides consistently, and preparing interactive slideshows with features like hyperlinks and transitions for a live audience.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Project Management Software

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental use of project management software to plan, monitor, and communicate the progress of simple projects. Learners will develop practical skills in creating project files, entering tasks and resources, updating progress, and generating basic status reports. These skills are essential for organising personal workloads and contributing to team projects in workplace or educational settings.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Word processing software

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental concepts and practical applications of word processing software in a professional environment. It covers the essential principles of document creation, text entry and editing, document structuring, and formatting tools, enabling learners to produce clear, well-presented digital documents for common workplace tasks.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in the Introduction for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Management of Information

    This subtopic equips learners with the skills to effectively manage information in a digital workplace, ensuring they can identify relevant data, evaluate its credibility and legal compliance, and store it securely according to organisational protocols. It also emphasises the responsible handling of personal information, aligning with data protection principles.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles for Digital Skills in Employment (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Using IT to increase productivity

    This subtopic focuses on the strategic selection and use of IT tools and systems to enhance productivity in real-world tasks. Learners will develop the ability to plan, choose appropriate technologies, work within constraints, execute tasks, and reflectively improve their processes, mirroring workplace expectations for efficient and adaptable IT use.

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Computerised Accounting Software

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental operations of computerised accounting software, focusing on the accurate recording and processing of financial data. Through practical application, students develop skills in entering transactions, maintaining digital ledgers, and generating essential financial documents, thereby preparing them for basic bookkeeping roles and further study in finance and IT.

    TQUK Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) (RQF)

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

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    Training Qualifications UK Ltd Vocational Digital Skills & IT