The Advantages of the IT Essentials (RQF) - Level 2 Course
The Advantages of the IT Essentials (RQF) - Level 2 Course:
One question we get asked quite a lot is what are the differences between the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Online Course (Now ICDL) and the IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course?
In regards to what the courses cover and the suitability for beginner level students, there isn't much difference at all. In fact, both courses are set out for beginners, covering the use of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office software, and studying both can lead to a Level 2 Qualification.
The way the courses are studied is a little different though, and the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Online Course (Now ICDL) is a theory based course without assessment and learners will work through the content using simulations of software as they progress. The IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course is a practical course where you will be assessed by completing assignments so you will be creating and editing documents as you progress.
The ECDL and IT Essentials Course are both based on units covered within the ITQ (IT User Qualification), which is a nationally recognised qualification for those who need digital skills as users of technology.
Why choose the IT Essentials - (RQF) Level 2 Course over the ECDL Online Course?
- The Course Covers a Later Version of Microsoft Office:
The IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course currently covers the use of Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 2019 / Office 365 software. Currently, the official ECDL Online Course covers Windows 10 and Office 2016.
- Gain a Certificate of Completion
Many of our students don't want to gain a qualification and simply want to learn more about using their computer and software, whether at home or at work. The IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course gives the flexibility of supplying our own Certificate of Completion for students who don't want to gain a qualification, or for the additional fee students can pay for the accreditation separately to gain the NCFE Level 2 Certificate Qualification.
- Gain a Qualification with a Higher Credit Value
Both qualifications are Level 2, although the BCS Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills has 25 credits and the NCFE IT User Skills Level 2 Qualification which can be gained through the IT Essentials Course has 32 credits.
The accreditation fee for the IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course is £150.00. This includes the Awarding Body fees and Assessment and Accreditation costs. The price for the BCS registration and all 7 tests associated with the ICDL Core Qualification are set by the exam centres and will vary, although this is likely to cost much more.
- Coursework Assessment only
The IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course is assessed through the submission of coursework. Student's complete assignments as they progress which are returned to their course tutor for assessment. We believe this gives students a good practical knowledge of the software packages covered.
- Gain 2 Qualifications instead of 1!
As the IT Essentials Course covers the same content, it can also be used as an ICDL / ECDL Study Guide. Students who want to gain the BCS Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills can still do so using an ICDL / ECDL testing centre, but they can also gain the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills.
If you have any questions about either course then please contact us on info@distance-learning-centre.co.uk.
