What do I need to know for the Entry Level 3 Digital Functional Skills exam?

For the Entry Level 3 exam, you need to demonstrate basic digital skills like turning on a device, logging in, using a keyboard and mouse, opening and closing applications, saving and retrieving files, and adjusting simple settings. The exam is practical, so you'll be asked to perform tasks on a computer or tablet. Make sure you practise these skills until you're confident.

How do I save a file to a specific folder?

To save a file to a specific folder, first click 'File' then 'Save As' (or use the shortcut Ctrl+S). A dialog box will appear. Navigate to the folder you want (e.g., Documents) by clicking on it in the left panel or double-clicking folders. Type a name for your file in the 'File name' box, then click 'Save'. Always double-check the folder location before saving.

What is the difference between 'Save' and 'Save As'?

'Save' updates the file you're working on with any changes, keeping the same name and location. 'Save As' lets you save a copy of the file with a new name or in a different location. Use 'Save As' when you want to keep the original file unchanged or save a version for a different purpose.

How do I use a mouse if I'm used to a touchscreen?

A mouse works differently from a touchscreen. To click, press the left button once. To double-click, press it twice quickly. To right-click, press the right button once to see a menu. To drag, hold down the left button while moving the mouse. Practise by playing simple games like solitaire or using online mouse tutorials to build confidence.

What are accessibility features and why are they important?

Accessibility features help people with disabilities use devices more easily. Examples include magnifier (enlarges part of the screen), high contrast mode (makes text easier to read), and narrator (reads text aloud). They are important because they ensure everyone can use technology. In the exam, you might be asked to turn on a feature like magnifier to show you know how to adjust settings.

Can I use a tablet instead of a computer for the exam?

It depends on your exam centre. Some centres allow tablets, but most use desktop or laptop computers with a mouse and keyboard. Check with your teacher or exam centre. To be safe, practise on a computer with a physical keyboard and mouse, as these are the most common devices in exams and workplaces.

Digital Functional Skills Qualifications Entry 3

PEARSON

vocational

This qualification develops essential digital skills for everyday life and work, focusing on using devices, handling information, creating and editing content, communicating, transacting, and staying safe online. Learners demonstrate practical competence through tasks that mirror real-world scenarios, building confidence and independence.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Pearson Edexcel Digital Functional Skills Qualification at Entry Level 3

Topic Overview

Foundations for Learning in the Pearson Edexcel Digital Functional Skills Qualification at Entry Level 3 introduces you to the essential digital skills needed for everyday life, work, and further study. This topic covers how to use digital devices, manage files, and navigate online environments safely and effectively. You'll learn to turn on a device, log in, use a keyboard and mouse or touchscreen, and understand basic settings like volume and brightness. These skills form the building blocks for all other digital tasks, from sending emails to creating documents.

Why does this matter? In today's world, digital skills are as important as reading and writing. Whether you're applying for jobs, managing your finances, or staying in touch with friends and family, you need to be confident with technology. This qualification helps you prove you have the fundamental skills employers and educators expect. By mastering Foundations for Learning, you'll be able to progress to higher levels of digital skills, such as using spreadsheets or creating presentations, and you'll be better prepared for the digital demands of modern life.

This topic fits into the wider subject as the starting point for your digital journey. It ensures you have a solid base before moving on to more complex tasks like online communication, creating digital content, and staying safe online. The skills you learn here are assessed in the Entry Level 3 exam, where you'll be asked to demonstrate basic operations like opening and closing applications, saving files, and using accessibility features. Think of it as the 'digital literacy' foundation that supports everything else.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Turning on and logging into a device: Know how to power on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and log in using a username and password or PIN. Understand the importance of keeping your login details private.
→Using input devices: Be able to use a keyboard (typing letters, numbers, and basic keys like Enter and Backspace) and a mouse (clicking, double-clicking, and right-clicking) or a touchscreen (tapping, swiping, and pinching).
→Navigating the desktop and opening applications: Identify the desktop, taskbar, and Start menu (on Windows) or home screen (on tablets). Open and close applications like a web browser or word processor.
→Managing files and folders: Create, rename, and delete files and folders. Understand how to save a file to a specific location (e.g., Documents folder) and find it again using File Explorer or Finder.
→Adjusting basic settings: Change volume, brightness, and screen resolution. Use accessibility features like magnifier or high contrast mode if needed.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

1. Using devices and handling information2. Creating and editing3. Communicating4. Transacting5. Being safe and responsible online

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for correctly identifying and using basic input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touchscreen) to enter and edit information.
Award credit for creating, saving, and retrieving a simple document using appropriate software, with evidence of basic formatting (e.g., font size, alignment).
Award credit for sending and receiving emails with a subject line and attachment, adhering to communication etiquette.
Award credit for completing a simple online form or transaction (e.g., booking, purchase) while demonstrating awareness of security indicators (e.g., padlock symbol).
Award credit for explaining how to keep personal information private and recognize suspicious online content (e.g., phishing).

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Read all task instructions thoroughly before beginning; note the required file formats and submission method.
💡Practice creating, saving, and locating files in a structured folder system to avoid losing assessment evidence.
💡During communication tasks, verify recipient email addresses, use clear subject lines, and attach required files before sending.
💡When transacting online in the assessment, always look for the padlock symbol and 'https' to confirm a secure connection.
💡Familiarize yourself with common online safety scenarios, such as identifying phishing emails, to confidently answer written or discussion-based questions.
💡Tip 1: Practise using the keyboard shortcuts for common tasks, like Ctrl+S to save, Ctrl+C to copy, and Ctrl+V to paste. These can save you time in the exam and show the examiner you're efficient.
💡Tip 2: In the exam, read each question carefully. For example, if it says 'save the file as 'MyWork' in the 'Documents' folder', make sure you name it exactly as specified and choose the correct folder. Examiners deduct marks for incorrect file names or locations.
💡Tip 3: Don't rush. Take a few seconds to check you've completed each step before moving on. For instance, after opening an application, confirm it's open by looking for its window on the screen. Small checks can prevent silly mistakes.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Saving files without renaming them, leading to overwritten or lost work.
Forgetting to check for spelling errors before submitting or printing a document.
Sending emails without attachments when they are referenced in the body.
Using easily guessed passwords or sharing passwords with others.
Confusing the function of different browsers or search engines, leading to unproductive searches.
Misconception: 'I don't need to learn how to use a mouse because I only use a touchscreen.' Correction: Many devices, especially in workplaces and exams, still use a mouse and keyboard. You need to be comfortable with both input methods to pass the assessment and work in most environments.
Misconception: 'Saving a file automatically saves it forever.' Correction: Files can be lost if you don't save them properly (e.g., if the device crashes or you forget to save to a permanent location like a hard drive or cloud storage). Always save your work regularly and check the file is in the right folder.
Misconception: 'All settings are the same on every device.' Correction: Settings menus vary between Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You need to know how to find common settings on the device you're using, but the core concepts (like adjusting volume) are similar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•No formal prerequisites are required for Entry Level 3, but basic familiarity with using a computer or tablet (e.g., being able to turn it on and use a mouse) is helpful.
•If you're new to digital devices, consider practising basic skills like clicking, typing, and navigating menus before starting this topic.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

1. Using devices and handling information2. Creating and editing3. Communicating4. Transacting5. Being safe and responsible online

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Digital Functional Skills Qualifications Entry 3

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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Related Topics in PEARSON vocational Foundations for Learning