IT Services
A Department of Learner Support Services
The IT Users NVQ (ITQ) is suitable for anyone who works with computers on a regular basis. It is offered at three levels, however your job role is likely to determine the level you take. The ITQ is sufficiently flexible to recognise that job roles often require a variety of skills at different levels. For example, a job role may require database skills at level 1 and word processing skills at level 3. This can be incorporated into an ITQ making it easier to meet candidate and employer needs.
The ITQ is made up of a set of units. (A unit is an Area of Competence (AoC) at one of the three levels.) Each unit has a value and these values are used to build the qualification.
To obtain the qualification at your chosen level, you must meet the minimum total of unit values, which are:
The mandatory unit determines the level so you must take the appropriate mandatory unit as well as a number of optional units. At least 50% of the optional units must be at the same level as the overall qualification. The remaining units can be at any level. For further details see ITQ Units and Values Levels 1 to 3 (pdf)
Don't worry if at this stage it all sounds rather confusing, your assessor will help you choose the appropriate level and units for your needs using the ITQ Calculator.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) - a qualification or work based learning/experience which relates to the NVQstandards and can be counted as evidence towards a unit.
Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA) - a database of qualifications compiled by e-skills UK which can be directly mapped to the ITQ.
APL/APA can not be used for the following units at any level:
If you use APA evidence for an optional unit, you must provide work-based skills evidence in either the mandatory unit or as supporting evidence for the optional unit.
Please see Edexcel's Recognition of previous achievement for NVQ webpage for further information.