FAQ for ITQ - IT user qualification
What skills do training providers need to offer ITQ?
Essential skills covering workplace self assessment and workplace assessment are necessary to provide ITQ training support to employees. The skills needed to deliver ITQ also build on those needed to deliver other qualifications such as ECDL, so they enhance existing knowledge and teaching methods rather than training providers having to learn completely new ones. e-skills UK and the LSC have recently produced a Provider Guide, which outlines the principles of best practice delivery, providing advice and information on implementing ITQ within a training organisation, as well as containing resources to assist in employer engagement and marketing for ITQ.
For the full benefits of ITQ to be realised, and to make sure that ITQ continues to meet the demands of employers and individuals, this setting of ITQ target profiles is a critical part of delivery. Employers, Training Providers and learners alike are all realising the benefits of using e-skills Passport to customise the ITQ to create a job-related spiky-profile of mandatory, optional, bespoke and sector specific units
Training providers such as BCS have training centres and training days to help ITQ providers train learners. e-skills UK is also currently developing a training provider guide which outlines examples of best practice.
All resources are available on the ITQ website at www.itq.org.uk.
Can I use Level 3 units within ITQ at Level 2?
Yes. The mandatory unit determines the overall level of the award. Evidence gained for L3 options can also be used towards L2 'Make Selective Use of IT' in which the candidate is explaining, evaluating, reviewing and organising their use of IT at Level 2.
Likewise, Level 2 can be used within ITQ at Level 1.
Can ITQ be used as part of the IT User Apprenticeship?
Yes, ITQ is the brand name for the IT User NVQ and as such is a mandatory component of the IT User Apprenticeship framework. For more information on ITQ go to www.e-skills.com/apprenticeships or www.e-skills.com/itq
Do I need any basic technology knowledge before embarking on the ITQ?
Users only need very basic technology skills, for example how to switch a computer on, but if learners do not know how to do this, training providers will be happy to teach them.
How are ITQ and the e-skills Passport related?
ITQ achievements are recorded in an e-skills Passport that users can carry with them and add to throughout their career. Together, e-skills Passport and ITQ provide a complete answer to a company’s technology skills needs - e-skills Passport identifies the skills needs and ITQ provides the training solution.
www.itq.org.uk or www.e-skillspassport.com
How are other IT qualifications, such as ECDL, and ITQ related?
Very importantly, many IT User ‘vocationally related qualifications’ – VRQs - map to ITQ. So learners can embed City & Guilds e-Quals, BCS’ ECDL, OCR’s CLAIT, for example, within their ITQ without having to repeat competency in the skills they have already proven. This is why we can describe ITQ as a ‘super structure’.
This mapping capacity means that it is simple for learners to evolve their hard-earned IT qualifications to a work-orientated IT qualification with no repetition or duplication of time or effort. With ITQ, investment is protected and no learning is ‘lost’.
How do I prove I have achieved ITQ?
The e-skills Passport acts as a written record of the technology skills you have acquired while working to your ITQ. It also acts as proof of your achievement when you have obtained your ITQ. Your training provider may also choose to provide you with their own additional certification.
www.e-skillspassport.com or www.itq.org.uk
How do I prove I have an e-skills Passport?
The e-skills Passport provides portable documented proof of the transferable technology skills which will strengthen your application for new jobs. As an online tool it is also constantly renewable provide an updated, real time record of your current technology skills.
How does ITQ work?
ITQ is modular with units covering everything from making the best use of technology in business systems to communication with colleagues and customers. Learners working towards an ITQ first assess their skills needs and gaps using e-skills Passport and then work with the training provider to develop an appropriate ITQ programme. The e-skills Passport is an online assessment tool which measures an individual’s technology skills and records their progress towards technology qualifications like ITQ.
As well as covering ITQ specific modules, learners can also incorporate other well known qualifications such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) or Microsoft Office Specialist.
How does the e-skills Passport work?
Users start by self-assessing their current skills against 15 common computing techniques by answering yes/no questions against five levels from inexperienced (where they have limited skills), foundation, intermediate, advanced and super-user (where their skills are very good). Once users have completed their assessment, the training managers set targets so the employer can plan learning to improve skills. This can simply be the learning of new skills or employees can gain qualifications and record those in the e-skills Passport.
Managers also have the ability to use e-skills Passport to view and download individual and team reports, which provide a quick overview of staff IT User assessments and progress, assisting them to schedule staff training and evaluate their organisation’s skills priorities and training return-on-investment.
www.e-skillspassport.com
How long does it take to get an ITQ?
Timescales are very flexible to meet the needs of learners and depend on the prior knowledge level of learners, the units chosen and the opportunities for training and practice.
Whilst expert users can achieve an ITQ in a day, we are finding that most users spend 10 to 30 hours with their assessor, spread over a number of months.
There is currently a minimum of 10 weeks between registration and certification.
How long has ITQ existed?
ITQ has been in use in all sectors of UK business and industry for three years, following an extensive pilot between October 2003 and April 2004.
How many people have an ITQ and use e-skills Passport?
In September 2007 there were already 35,000 people in more than 800 companies, including local authorities, using the e-skills Passport.
There are now over 65,000 learners who have registered for, or completed their ITQ. In the last 12 months alone, over 32,000 learners commenced their ITQ. More than 1000 centres are currently offering ITQ.
www.itq.org.uk or www.e-skillspassport.com
How much does an ITQ cost?
The cost of an ITQ varies by provider, however on average up to £1,000 per individual. Public funding is available for staff to achieve their first ITQ Level 2, which is GCSE equivalent.
How much time will my employees spend away from work while attaining ITQ?
Training can be delivered in ‘bite sized chunks’ to suit the practical needs of the business or individual – there is no ‘set’ course or programme. ITQ learning can be incorporated into the working day through on-line learning at the desk - during lunch breaks or in less busy periods as and when time permits. However, a recent study by the NHS revealed the effect of undertaking IT user training has marked improvement in their staff’s efficiency in terms of ‘time saved per day’ equating to an average 35 minutes.
I am an employee, why should I consider obtaining an e-skills Passport?
The e-skills Passport provides portable documented proof of the transferable technology skills which will strengthen your application for career advancement.
I am an employee, why should I consider studying for an ITQ?
ITQ provides a worthwhile, recognised industry qualification that removes the stress from IT and helps with your career advancement.
I have other IT qualifications. Why should I take ITQ as well?
ITQ takes into account any existing IT qualifications you have and develops new skills to enhance your career prospects. ITQ also demonstrates that you can apply your skills and knowledge in a real situation.
Is ITQ a Qualification or a Framework
Given the modular nature of ITQ it can work as both. At the moment the focus is on ITQ as a qualification. However as the Sector Qualification Strategy evolves it will be possible to map all existing IT qualifications within the ITQ framework. Also the customisable nature of ITQ means that an ITQ awarded to an employee in one role and sector may look very different to an ITQ awarded to a different employee, in a different role and sector. The essence is that ITQ is flexible to cater for a variety of IT user roles and skills gaps.
Is ITQ suitable for those who are not in employment?
Yes. Assessment tasks must have an end product which has a real purpose beyond the production of ITQ evidence. In addition the end product must have an intended audience other than the candidate. Valid evidence can come from those seeking employment, or learning and studying for non IT subjects
Is the e-skills Passport mandatory within all ITQs?
Not at the moment. The Agreement between e-skills , LSC and QCA highlights the "need for a common mechanism to record learners’ achievement through ITQ such as e-skills Passport". Our hope is that employers, providers, users and others see that the Passport offers such significant benefits that there is little need to mandate it.
Is there funding available for ECDL, CLAiT and other contributing qualifications?
From September 2008, the LSC will seek to focus its ICT user funding on ITQ, or those units and qualifications which are part of the ITQ framework. CLAiT, ECDL, e-quals and the other ITQ constributing qualifications are all part of the ITQ framework and can therefore be elegibile for funding.
To what extent can ITQ be customised by an organisation?
In addition to being able to formalise IT skills using standardised technology packages, covering areas including word processing and databases, ITQ also recognises bespoke software. This means that if an organisation runs its own IT programme or system for managing things like client data, logistics or statistics, training on these packages can also be incorporated into the qualification. In other words, the employer can end up having 'created' their own ITQ, for example, The East Cheam Electrical Company’s ITQ, the Big Car Company ITQ).
What are the benefits of ITQ?
ITQ provides the technology skills that make your staff better able to use technology to its full potential. This makes them more productive and better able to deliver targets, while also making your business more profitable. For example, a recent study by the NHS revealed the effect of undertaking IT user training has marked improvement in morale across all skills levels as well as improved efficiency in terms of ‘time saved per day’ equating to an average 35 minutes.
As ITQ has been developed by employers, it is practical, in touch with real business needs and allows employees to transfer learning straight back into the workplace.
What do the unit values and points mean?
The points give an indication of the size and complexity of the units. They use an arbitrary scale which is not related to learning hours or credit value.
Level 1 ITQ requires 40 points
Level 2 ITQ requires 100 points
Level 3 ITQ requires 180 points
What funding is available for ITQ?
Funding can be a complex issue. It is important to note that ITQ is funded in more or less exactly the same way, and from the same pots, as any other qualification. Indeed as a Level 2 NVQ it is able to access funds such as Train to Gain.
Some public funding may be available, both from LSC and other sources (such as ESF and RDAs). In practice providers have found that getting employer contributions is eminently achievable. Indeed many providers will only deliver if there is a contribution, as this makes both employer and learner value the learning more, and there is a greater commitment to making employees available.
The LSC provides funding through Train to Gain for staff to achieve their first ITQ Level 2 qualification giving employers a saving of up to £1,000 per individual.
If businesses employ less than 50 employees, wage compensation for the time employees spend working towards the ITQ is also available. Contact your local Train to Gain Skills Broker for details.
By 2008, the e-skills UK objective is that all publicly-funded IT user training will be aligned to the e skills Passport/ITQ strategy.
What is an ITQ profile?
The ITQ profile is the list of particular units (skills) drawn from the ITQ framework that make up an ITQ. It will always include the one mandatory unit - Make Selective use of IT - at the level of the qualification.
Each of the units have points allocated to them so all the units together should add up to the total necessary for the level required
What is the ITQ?
ITQ is a framework that has been designed by employers to help their staff make the best possible use of technology at work. With the full backing of a number of awarding bodies, ITQ delivers training that helps staff use technology more effectively which improves their productivity and increases profit.
Delivered through colleges, work-based learning and adult and community education providers or in house by employers, ITQ can be completely customised so that it meets specific business needs, ensuring staff have the relevant technology skills to do their specific job.
Public funding may be available to employers that offer it and its adaptable format also means that businesses never pay for training they don’t need.
What levels is the ITQ offered at?
ITQ is offered at NVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 and in Scotland, it is called the Scottish Vocational Qualification in Using IT. With the full backing of a number of awarding bodies, ITQ is benchmarked to the e-skills UK National Occupational Standards for IT Users.
What makes the ITQ different from other IT qualifications?
The ITQ qualification is totally flexible in terms of the components included, the modes of learning and the assessment offered. ITQ is about learning and demonstrating the skills that the learner actually needs. Assessment takes place naturally, and is based on real tasks accomplished to improve efficiency and quality of work.
The inclusion of a mandatory task-based unit asks learners to ‘prove’ that they can apply their skills and knowledge in a real setting.
What sort of companies does ITQ and the e-skills Passport suit?
As it is fully customisable, the ITQ and e-skills Passport suits all companies as it can be tailored to suit individual skills needs, regardless of the industry or whether an organisation operates within the public or private sector, or is large or small. Together, ITQ and e-skills Passport are being used by companies in both the private and public sector from large local authorities to SMEs.
www.itq.org.uk or www.e-skillspassport.com
Where can I find out more about ITQ?
Whether you are an employer, a training provider or a learner, further relevant information on ITQ can be found by visiting the ITQ website www.itq.org.uk.
Who is ITQ for?
ITQ is primarily aimed at users of technology within the workplace, and their employers, rather than professional IT staff such as engineers and developers.
ITQ is also suitable for those who are using IT as part of their everyday life and learning at home and at work.
Who within a company can assess IT skills?
The e-skills passport is an online assessment tool that as well as providing a record of existing skills, it allows employers and employees to determine what IT user skills they, or their workforce, have what skills they need, and build an appropriate training plan. It also provides an indication of what level of ITQ best fits your requirements and also how much work you still have to do. It takes just 20 minutes for your employees to complete and will ensure that training investment is targeted effectively.
The person in the company who knows the job, person and procedures, for example a line manager, should normally be able to approve a self-assessment submitted by email through the e-skills Passport. This would be verified by your Awarding Body or training provider who will deliver the qualification.
www.e-skillspassport.com or www.itq.org.uk
Why do employers like ITQ?
ITQ is attractive to employers as not only does it increase productivity of their staff, and therefore profit, but it can be completely customised so businesses only pay for the technology skills their workforce needs. Public funding also exists to employers who offer ITQ.
Why do learners like ITQ and e-skills Passport?
Learners like ITQ because it builds on other technology qualifications they may have. Its ability to be customised ensures learners have the relevant technology skills to do their specific job and they are not undertaking training they don’t need.
The e-skills Passport provides portable written proof of the transferable technology skills which will strengthen their application for career advancement.
www.itq.org.uk or www.e-skillspassport.com
Why should I consider offering ITQ?
Training providers choose to offer ITQ as it is a unique technology qualification that is ready to use, easy to deliver and can be integrated with other qualifications. It is the qualification of choice of employers.
Providers should be looking to offer ITQ for a number of reasons:
- As a “next generation” qualification it will give you a head start on the new credit and qualification framework
- There is a huge demand for high quality IT skills from employers, which ITQ can help fulfil in a more flexible and employer specific way than almost any other qualification
- e-skills UK, the industry spokesperson, has made ITQ a cornerstone of both its SSA and SQS, and so will be promoting ITQ for a considerable time
- The LSC is aligning funding behind the SSA and SQS, and as such behind ITQ
- ITQ can be used to fulfil first level 2 requirements identified through Train to Gain
- ITQ is likely to grow into a wider framework encompassing a wide range of existing IT qualifications, and extending to embrace vendor qualifications
- ITQ builds real employer engagement, securing more revenue not only for ITQ training but also for the other training that providers offer.
- Over 1000 providers are now approved by Awarding Bodies as ITQ Centres. They recognise the value of ITQ within their programmes, complementing and enhancing existing IT user courses. For many, it is the inherent flexibility in the course structure and approach to assessment which has allowed them the scope to meet employer demand locally – AND develop into new markets.
Why was ITQ developed?
ITQ was developed by e-skills UK and employers to provide employees with an IT training qualification that would enable them to make the best possible use of technology, to improve productivity and profit.
Will I get a contribution towards ITQ funding?
This will vary from region to region.
In England, we suggest you talk to your Local Learning and Skills Council. ITQ National Base Rates for 07/08 are available from the LSC.
In Wales, The Step Up Sector programme can assist employers and their employees with funding for IT User training.