Introduction to Key Skills in ICT Level 2

Students must produce a portfolio of evidence and take a multiple-choice, externally marked written test at Levels 1 and 2. At Level 3, the test is sat at a computer and the candidate is asked to complete a number of tasks under exam conditions. The test and portfolio enable candidates to demonstrate that they have met the national standards in ICT.

The Test

At Levels 1 and 2, this is a supervised one-hour, 40-question, paper-based test. Each question is worth 1 point. At Level 3, the test is a supervised one and a half hour practical test using wordprocessing, spreadsheet and database software. The joint Awarding Bodies are responsible for setting the pass mark, which they pre-set for each paper.

The purpose of the test is to assess the candidate's knowledge of the standard applications of ICT and of techniques associated with this. It focuses on specific aspects of Part A of the Key Skill unit entitled 'What you need to know'. It also draws on some aspects of Part B of the Key Skill unit, 'What you must do'.

Anyone preparing candidates for ICT tests should refer to the very detailed guidance given in the QCA test guidance documents at each level.

You can obtain a copy of the QCA Key Skills specifications and exemplar test paper by following the links:

QCA Website - Test Specification Key Skills ICT Level 2

Key Skills ICT Level 2 Exemplar Test Paper

The Portfolio

An Awarding Body moderator assesses the portfolio internally and externally. The portfolio must contain evidence of the candidate's effective use of ICT. It must meet the full requirements of Part B of the Key Skill unit specification.

Remember that this module will focus on the Level 2 test only. We hope to provide a portfolio module at a later date.