Essential Digital Skills
Practical digital skills for people who need to get confident with devices, the internet and doing things online.
About this course
Almost everything now assumes you can use a device and get online, from applying for a job to booking an appointment. Essential Digital Skills builds that confidence properly, from the ground up.
Entry 3 is designed for people with little or no experience of using digital devices or the internet. Level 1 is for people who use devices already but whose basic skills are not yet secure.
Who this is for
Open to anyone aged 14 and over. There are no entry qualifications. We will talk to you about which level suits you before you start.
What you will cover
Both levels cover the same five areas of content, at different depths.
Being safe and responsible online
Protecting your information, spotting scams, and behaving safely on digital devices.
Using digital devices and handling information
Setting up and using devices, finding what you need, and storing and organising files.
Creating and editing
Producing and changing documents, images and other digital content.
Digital communication
Email, messaging and communicating appropriately online.
Transacting digitally
Online forms, payments, and using online services safely.
Where this can lead
Further study
How you are assessed
Assessment is set by NCFE, marked here and checked by NCFE. It is pass or fail. At level 1 the assessment is 59 marks over 145 minutes; at entry 3 it is 41 marks over 85 minutes. Each has a short knowledge paper followed by a practical skills section. Level 1 can be resat on demand.
Support while you study
Every learner gets an individual learning plan, an initial assessment of English and maths, and a named tutor. You will have a college email address and access to Microsoft Teams. See our learning support and career support pages for what else is available.
Ready to get started?
Talk to us about whether this course is right for you, what funding you might be eligible for, and when the next start date is.
01287 280800 | adultlearning@atomix.ac.uk