Introducing ITQ

How it works

The ITQ (SVQ for IT Users) is a vocational qualification delivered through training providers and colleges around the country, or in-house by employers. A range of teaching and learning styles can be used, including e-learning and e-assessment. Many previously acquired IT user qualifications such as European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) can contribute towards an ITQ.

The e-skills Passport helps you identify the current level of IT skills within your workforce and plan the levels you need to achieve to maximise productivity. It provides a plan for the training required for ITQ and an ongoing record of achievement.

ITQ Framework

The ITQ framework has 15 skill areas at 3 different levels, aligned to the National Occupational Standards for IT User. These include the bespoke or specialist software in use in your business. It defines points, according to difficulty, for each IT Skill in the Framework.

The level of skills for individuals or groups of individuals will vary depending on their work requirement. Sector specific units such as in Customer Care, Health and Safety or Administration can also be included.

ITQ is designed so that Awarding Bodies and Training Providers can tailor the qualification to meet your needs. This flexibility is implemented through an internal credit matrix which enables required skills to be selected at appropriate levels from the set of 15 ICT areas of competence.

Combining Points

The Framework has 3 simple rules, builte-skills Passport, for combining skills points to make a full-size competence-based ITQ at level 1- 3. There is one mandatory unit ("Make Selective Use of IT") at each level. In the mandatory unit learners have to demonstrate that they can apply their IT skills for a real purpose, taking responsibility at the appropriate level for their activities.

Assessment

The skills assessment process can use evidence from vocationally related qualification (VRQ) testing, from the workplace, and from dedicated test scenarios which set the challenge of a Realistic Working Environment. The single mandatory unit allows learners to demonstrate their IT user skills effectively by gathering information, communicating and explaining how and why they have used IT in specific circumstances.

See the section on the ITQ Qualification for full details.

Last modified: 10 Jun 2008