What is the difference between Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Digital Functional Skills?

Entry Level 3 covers basic digital tasks like creating simple documents, sending emails, and searching the web. Level 1 requires more complex skills, such as using spreadsheets, creating presentations, and evaluating online information for reliability. Entry Level 3 is ideal for beginners, while Level 1 is for those with some experience.

How is the City & Guilds Digital Functional Skills Entry Level 3 assessed?

The qualification is assessed through a controlled assessment, which is a practical task set by City & Guilds. You will complete a series of activities on a computer, such as creating a document, sending an email with an attachment, and searching for information online. The assessment is timed and takes about 1 hour. You must achieve a pass mark to gain the qualification.

Do I need to know how to type quickly to pass?

No, typing speed is not assessed. The focus is on accuracy and completing tasks correctly. However, being able to type at a reasonable pace will help you finish within the time limit. Practising typing simple sentences and using keyboard shortcuts can be beneficial.

Can I use a tablet or smartphone for the assessment?

No, the assessment must be completed on a desktop or laptop computer with a keyboard and mouse. This is because the tasks involve file management and using software like Microsoft Word or a web browser, which are designed for a full operating system. Tablets and smartphones have different interfaces and may not support all required functions.

What happens if I make a mistake during the assessment?

You can correct mistakes as you go, as long as you stay within the time limit. For example, if you save a file in the wrong folder, you can move it to the correct one. However, you cannot go back to previous tasks once you move on, so it's important to check your work before proceeding. The assessor will mark your final saved files and actions.

How can I practise for the assessment at home?

You can practise by using free software like Google Docs or LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office. Create folders on your computer, save files with different names, and practise attaching files to emails (you can send them to yourself). Also, try searching for specific information online and bookmarking pages. Many websites offer free digital skills tutorials.

City & Guilds Digital Functional Skills Qualification at Entry Level 3 - Core Content

CITY & GUILDS LIMITED

vocational

This subtopic covers the essential digital competencies required at Entry Level 3, including using devices, finding and evaluating online information, and communicating safely. Learners develop foundational skills to operate confidently in digital environments, preparing them for everyday tasks and further study. Mastery of these core skills is critical for independent living and employability.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

City & Guilds Digital Functional Skills Qualification at Entry Level 3

Topic Overview

The City & Guilds Digital Functional Skills Qualification at Entry Level 3 is designed to equip learners with the fundamental digital skills needed for everyday life, further study, and employment. This qualification covers essential topics such as using devices, handling information, creating and editing digital content, communicating online, and staying safe in digital environments. It is a stepping stone for those who may be new to digital technology or need to build confidence before progressing to higher levels.

At Entry Level 3, students are expected to demonstrate practical competence in tasks like sending emails, using search engines, creating simple documents, and understanding basic online safety principles. The qualification is assessed through a controlled assessment, where learners complete a series of tasks that reflect real-world scenarios. Mastery of these skills is crucial in today's digital world, as they form the foundation for more advanced digital literacy and are increasingly required in most workplaces.

This qualification fits within the broader Digital Functional Skills framework, which aims to ensure that all individuals can confidently and safely use digital technology. By achieving this qualification, students not only gain a recognised certification but also develop transferable skills that support their learning in other subjects and their daily lives. It is particularly valuable for those pursuing vocational pathways or seeking to improve their employability.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Using devices: Understanding how to turn on/off, log in, navigate the desktop, and use input devices like a keyboard and mouse.
→Handling information: Knowing how to search for information using search engines, save files, and organise folders.
→Creating and editing: Being able to create simple documents (e.g., in Word), format text, and insert images.
→Communicating online: Sending and receiving emails, attaching files, and understanding basic netiquette.
→Staying safe online: Recognising phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, and knowing how to report concerns.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Understand the key principles and practices
Apply knowledge in practical contexts
Demonstrate competency in core skills

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating the ability to turn on a device, log in, and navigate the desktop or home screen without assistance.
Expect learners to perform basic file management tasks, such as saving a document with an appropriate filename and locating it later.
Look for evidence that the learner can use a web browser to find specific information, applying search terms and recognising sponsored results.
Assessment should include the learner showing awareness of online safety by identifying secure websites (https, padlock) and not sharing personal details.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡In task-based assessments, read instructions carefully and follow each step methodically; rushing leads to missing simple actions like saving work before closing.
💡When searching online, use specific keywords separated by spaces and avoid unnecessary words like 'I need to find'.
💡For communication tasks, always check the recipient address and subject line before sending—a common cause of lost marks is incorrect email addressing.
💡Demonstrate safe practice explicitly: show that you log out of shared devices and close browser windows after completing tasks to secure personal data.
💡Tip 1: Read each task carefully before starting. Many marks are lost because students rush and miss key instructions, such as 'save as PDF' or 'use bold text'.
💡Tip 2: Practise file management. In the assessment, you will need to locate, open, and save files in specific folders. Create a folder structure on your computer and practise moving files between them.
💡Tip 3: Use keyboard shortcuts to save time. For example, Ctrl+C (copy), Ctrl+V (paste), and Ctrl+S (save) are quick and reduce errors. However, ensure you also know the menu options in case shortcuts don't work.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Learners often confuse saving a file with downloading a file, leading to misplaced documents and difficulty retrieving them.
A frequent error is typing full questions into search engines instead of using keywords, which yields poor results.
Many students fail to recognise that not all online content is reliable, accepting information from any source without cross-checking.
Misunderstanding of password security—using simple or repeated passwords across accounts—is a common vulnerability.
Misconception: 'If I can use a smartphone, I already know everything for this qualification.' Correction: While smartphones share some features, the qualification focuses on using a computer/laptop, including file management and keyboard skills, which are different.
Misconception: 'Saving a file just means clicking the save button once.' Correction: Students often forget to choose a location (e.g., Documents folder) and give the file a meaningful name, which is essential for organisation.
Misconception: 'All emails are safe to open.' Correction: Phishing emails can look genuine. Students must learn to check the sender's address and avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic literacy and numeracy skills at Entry Level 2 or equivalent, as you will need to read instructions and perform simple calculations (e.g., counting files).
•Familiarity with using a computer mouse and keyboard, such as clicking, double-clicking, and typing simple text.
•An understanding of the concept of the internet and what a web browser is, though no advanced knowledge is required.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Core knowledge
Practical application

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City & Guilds Digital Functional Skills Qualification at Entry Level 3 - Core Content

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in CITY & GUILDS LIMITED vocational Foundations for Learning

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Topic Synopsis

Key Concepts & Core Principles

Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

Examiner Marking Points

City & Guilds Digital Functional Skills Qualification at Entry Level 3 - Core Content

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Digital Functional Skills?

How is the City & Guilds Digital Functional Skills Entry Level 3 assessed?

Do I need to know how to type quickly to pass?

Can I use a tablet or smartphone for the assessment?

What happens if I make a mistake during the assessment?

How can I practise for the assessment at home?

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in CITY & GUILDS LIMITED vocational Foundations for Learning

Reading to obtain information

Reading to obtain information

Reading to obtain information

Reading to obtain information