Computing for Improvers Level 1 Award in User Skills

This is a Level 1 course awarded by the British Computer Society (BCS), designed for students who are looking to demonstrate their understanding of business software. The qualification typically includes units from a choice of Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentations, Security for IT Users and using Internet and Email all at Level 1. Course study is based around awarding body approved materials (workbooks) and supported by online diagnostics and sample tests.

Each unit attracts several credits which should total between 13 and 15 to be awarded the Certificate. It is, however, possible to substitute some of the Level 1 units with those at other levels (e.g. Level 2), to make up the total number of credits required. This can be discussed with your tutor during induction. Topics covered at level 1 include:

Word processing (3 credits): Working with documents, editing text, formatting text, printing, creating tables, inserting pictures, proofing your documents

Spreadsheets (3 credits): Working with workbooks, creating worksheets, editing cells, formulas, printing, formatting worksheets, formatting cells, summarising data, working with charts.

Presentations (3 credits): Working with presentations, slide views, formatting text, inserting objects, using timings and creating slide shows.

It should take 70 hours to complete the course, including learning, revision and assessment. At least 5 hours of study per week is expected in either a taught class or flexible study. Assessment is through online learning, with a series of activities and multiple-choice questions.