Level 3 Diploma in ICT

Professional Competence (7540-

03 and 7540-83)
www.cityandguilds.com
Qualification handbook October 2009
Version 3.0

500/3477/7
About City & Guilds
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across a wide range of industries, and progressing from entry level to the highest levels of
professional achievement. With over 8500 centres in 100 countries, City & Guilds is recognised by
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Level 3 Diploma in ICT
Professional Competence (7540-
03 and 7540-83)
www.cityandguilds.com
October 2009
Version 3.0

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 1

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2 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

Contents

1 About this document 5

2 About the qualification 6
2.1 Aims of the qualification 6
2.2 Rules of combination 8
2.3 Sources of information and assistance 12
3 Candidate entry and progression 14
4 Centre requirements 16
4.1 Centre, qualification and fast track approval 16
4.2 Resource requirements 17
4.3 Administration, registration and certification 20
4.4 Quality assurance 22
5 Course design and delivery 24
5.1 Initial assessment and induction 24
5.2 Recommended delivery strategies 25
5.3 Data protection, confidentiality and legal requirements 26
6 Relationships to other qualifications 27
6.1 Links to National Occupational Standards/other qualifications 27
6.2 Apprenticeship framework 34
7 Assessment 36
7.1 Evidence requirements 36
7.2 Observed performance and products of performance 37
7.3 Recording forms 38
8 Units 39
8.1 About the units 39
Appendix 1 Sources of information about level accreditation, qualification and credit
frameworks and level descriptors 40
Appendix 2 Obtaining centre and qualification approval 41

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 3

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4 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

1 About this document

This document contains the information that centres need to offer the following Diploma:

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03, -83)

QCA accreditation number 500/3477/7

This document includes details and guidance on:

• centre resource requirements
• candidate entry requirements
• information about links with, and progression to, other qualifications
• qualification standards and specifications
• assessment requirements

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 5

 2 About the qualification
2.1 Aims of the qualification

Accreditation details
This qualification is accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority at Level 3 of the QCF

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

The QCF replaces the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in England and Northern Ireland, and
is intended to replace the regulated pillar within the Qualifications and Credit Framework for Wales
(CQFW). It is also intended to align with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
The QCF provides a way of recognising achievement through the award of credit for units and
qualifications. Units within the framework are allocated a:
• level to indicate the level of difficulty
• credit value to indicate the size of the unit. 10 hours of learning time = 1 credit value.

Learning time is a notional measure of the amount of time a typical candidate might be expected to
take to complete all the learning relevant to achievement of the learning outcomes. It differs from
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) which represent only those hours a tutor/trainer or facilitator are
present and contributing to the learning process because it takes into account all learning relevant
to the learning outcomes regardless of where, when and how it has taken place.

The QCF recognises learning by awarding credit each time a candidate successfully completes a
unit. Candidates can accumulate and transfer credit achievement over time.

A unit is the smallest part of learning for which credit is awarded. Candidates can also gain credit for
full qualifications.

For further information about the QCF, CQFW and the SCQF, please refer to the websites for each
country listed at Appendix 1.

The City & Guilds Diploma in Professional Competence for ICT Professionals is a reformed approach
to achieving Apprenticeships for IT and Telecoms professionals. It combines competence based
National Occupational Standards (NOS) units with the opportunity to complete a broader set of
industry recognised certifications, such as Microsoft and Cisco qualifications and systems and
principles units from the expert in vocational qualifications, City & Guilds. Units from employers can
also be added with the support of the Sector Skills Council.

This handbook contains unit content from the competence element of the apprenticeship
programme. Units in the Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles are available in a different handbook
which is available to download from the City & Guilds website at www.cityandguilds.com.

The aims of this qualification are to:

• meet the needs of candidates who work or want to work as apprentices in the IT and Telecoms
sector as Database Administrators, Internet/Web Professionals, IT Product Developers, IT
Technical Sales Specialist, IT Trainers, Multimedia Designers, Network Managers, Office
Equipment Service Technicians, Software Developer/Programmers, Systems Analysts and
Telecommunications Technicians

6 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

• allow candidates to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career
progression in the IT and Telecoms sector
• contribute to achieving the competence required for apprentices following an apprenticeship as
either a Telecoms or IT Professional, whilst containing additional skills and knowledge which go
beyond the scope of the NOS. See the N/SVQ/Qualifications Relationship mapping for further
details.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 7

 About the qualification
2.2 Rules of combination

Rules of combination are used to define the structure of qualifications. The rules of combination
specify the credits which must be achieved through a particular combination of units to gain a full
qualification.

This section provides information about the full qualification which may be awarded to candidates
successfully completing the required rules of combination as shown below:

To achieve the level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence, candidates must achieve a
minimum total of 72 credits, which must include the mandatory units:
• Develop Personal and Organisational Effectiveness Level 3 (12 credits)
• Health & Safety level 1 (3 credits)
• Customer Care L2 (9 credits) or Interpersonal and Written Communication L2 (9 credits)
plus
a further 51 Optional unit credits of which a minimum of 26 credits, maximum of 51 credits
must come from the Technical Optional Units which include:
• ICT Professional NOS evidence-based units
• Vendor or Industry Certifications (Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, CompTIA)
and/or
A minimum zero and a maximum of 25 credits from the Restricted Optional Group which may
include:
• Employer Units
• IT User units
• Units from other sectors/qualifications to suit job role (with advance agreement from City &
Guilds)

The mandatory units must be achieved using workplace evidence. Optional units can be
achieved using other assessment methodologies.
• each AOC can contribute to a qualification at one level only
• at least 60% of the total unit value must be achieved at the level of the qualification
• Employer units - up to 25 credits at level 3 can be selected from the restricted options

8 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

The units and credit values assigned are shown in the table below.

Area of Occupational Competence (AOC) Title Credit values

Level Level Level
1 2 3
Mandatory units
Health and safety in ICT and Contact Centres L1 3
Develop personal and organisational effectiveness L3 5 9 12
Customer care L2 6 9 12
Interpersonal and written communication L2 3 9 12
Optional group
Data analysis and data structure design 9
Investigating and defining requirements 9 12
Managing software development 12
Quality management of ICT products and services 12
Remote support for products or services 6 9 12
Security of ICT systems 3 12
Software development - component creation 9 12
Software development - design 12 15
Software installation and upgrade 6 9 12
System management 6 12
System operation 6 9 12
Technical advice and guidance 6 9 12
Technical fault diagnosis 6 6 12
Technical fault remedy selection 3 6 9
Testing ICT systems 6 6 12
User profile administration 6 9
Working with ICT hardware and equipment 9 9 12
CompTIA A+ 603 9
CompTIA A+ 604 9
CompTIA A+ 602 9
CompTIA A+ Essentials 9
CompTIA DHTI+ 9
Cisco ICND – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices (CCNA parts 3 18
and 4)
Cisco INTRO – Introduction to CISCO Networking Technologies (CCNA 18
parts 1 and 2)
CompTIA Convergence + 9
CompTIA Linux+ 9
CompTIA Network+ 9
CompTIA Security+ 9
CompTIA Server+ 9
MS 70-210 Installing, Configuring and Administering MS Windows 2000 7
Professional
MS 70-227 Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet 4
Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 9

 Area of Occupational Competence (AOC) Title Credit values
Level Level Level
1 2 3
MS 70-228 Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft SQL 7
Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
MS 70-270 Installing, Configuring and Administering MS Windows XP 7
Professional
MS 70-284 Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 7
MS 70-290 Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 7
Environment
MS 70-291 Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 10
2003 Network Infrastructure
MS 70-293 Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 3
Network Infrastructure
MS 70-299 Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft 7
Windows Server 2003 Network
IT Project Management 10
Provide leadership for your team 9
MS 70-622 - Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows 9
Vista Client for Enterprise Support Technicians
MS 70-623 - Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows 9
Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians
MS 70-624 - Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 9
Microsoft Office System Desktops
MS 70-236 - Configuring Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 12
MS 70-431 - Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and 13
Maintenance
MS 70-640 - Configuring Windows Server 2008 Active Directory 13
MS 70-642 - Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure 11
MS 70-643 - Configuring Windows Server 2008 Applications 13
Infrastructure
MS 70-646 - Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator 11
MS 70-647 - Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator 14
Restricted optional units
Managing people and resources (import)
Project management (import)
Supporting learning and development (import)
Artwork and imaging software 4 6 10
Database software 4 6 10
Email 2 4 10
Internet and intranets 2 4 6
Presentation software 4 6 8
Spreadsheet software 4 6 8
Website software 4 6 10
Word Processing software 4 6 8
Credit from any other units on QCF Up to a maximum of 10
credits
Employer own units (to be developed by individual employers in Up to a maximum of 25
consultation with e-skills UK) credits

10 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

Certificates of unit credit
Certificates of unit credit (CUC) will be issued to candidates for each successfully completed unit.
Candidates who do complete the required numbers of credit will also receive a full qualification
certificate.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 11

 About the qualification
2.3 Sources of information and assistance

Related publications
City & Guilds also provides the following documents specifically for this qualification:

Publication Available from

Qualification handbook www.cityandguilds.com
Apprenticeships for ICT Practitioners/Professionals (7540)
www.cityandguilds.com
A Guide for Centres
Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence units www.cityandguilds.com
fast track approval forms www.cityandguilds.com

Other essential City & Guilds documents

There are other City & Guilds documents which contain general information on City & Guilds
qualifications:

• Providing City & Guilds qualifications – a guide to centre and qualification approval
contains detailed information about the processes which must be followed and requirements
which must be met for a centre to achieve ‘approved centre’ status, or to offer a particular
qualification.

• Ensuring quality
contains updates on City & Guilds assessment and policy issues.

• Centre toolkit
contains additional information on Providing City & Guilds qualifications, in a CD-ROM, which
links to the internet for access to the latest documents, reference materials and templates. The
Centre Toolkit is sent to centres when they receive approved centre status. It is also available
from to order at an additional cost.

• Online catalogue/shop
contains details of general regulations, registration and certification procedures and fees.

For the latest updates on our publications and details of how to obtain them and other City & Guilds
resources, please refer to the City & Guilds website.

12 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

City & Guilds websites

Website Address Purpose and content

City & Guilds www.cityandguilds.com This is the main website for finding out about
main website the City & Guilds group, accessing qualification
information and publications.

Walled Garden www.walled-garden.com The Walled Garden is a qualification

administration portal for approved centres,
enabling them to register candidates and claim
certification online.

Contacting City & Guilds by e-mail

The following e-mail addresses give direct access to our Customer Relations team.

e-mail Query types

learnersupport@cityandguilds.com all learner enquiries, including

• requesting a replacement certificate
• information about our qualification
• finding a centre.
centresupport@cityandguilds.com all centre enquiries

walledgarden@cityandguilds.com all enquiries relating to the Walled Garden,

including
• setting up an account
• resetting passwords.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 13

 3 Candidate entry and progression

Candidate entry requirements

All learners for the Advanced Apprenticeship/Advanced Modern Apprenticeship must be employed.
Learners on the Apprenticeship in England can follow a Programme-led approach, with prior
agreement from e-skills UK. Those apprentices taking the Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in
Wales and Traineeships in Northern Ireland must be in full-time employment.

Candidates should not be entered for a qualification of the same type, content and level as that of a
qualification they already hold.

There are no formal entry requirements for candidates undertaking this qualification. However,
centres must ensure that candidates have the potential and opportunity to successfully gain the
qualification and some employers specify a minimum entry level.

Please see section, Course design and delivery, which offers guidance on initial assessment. As
part of the assessment for this qualification, candidates must have access to a work setting.

Skills and attributes which are relevant to information technology and telecoms occupations are
• Motivation to succeed within a career in information technology (IT)
• Willingness to learn and apply that learning in the workplace
• Ability to complete the qualifications which are part of the Apprenticeship programme
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of people
• Enjoy being part of a team
• Problem solving abilities
• Organisation skills and can work to deadlines
• Can work logically and methodically

Age restrictions
This qualification is not approved for use by candidates under the age of 16 and City & Guilds cannot
accept any registrations for candidates in this age group.

Progression
The qualification provides knowledge and/or practical skills related to the Level 3 Diploma in ICT
Professional Competence.
• On completion of this qualification candidates may progress into
• Higher Apprenticeship for ICT Professionals
• Higher IT NVQ (IT Professional) or other relevant NVQ levels 4 and 5
• Higher Education such as Foundation Degree
• City & Guilds Higher Level Qualification for IT Practitioners (4447)
• Honours Degree such as IT Management for Business
• other non-IT sectors such as management, finance, business skills or other company/employer
requirements.

14 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

Europass Certificate Supplement

A Europass Certificate Supplement is available for the Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional
Competence (QCF).

The Certificate Supplement is part of a European initiative called Europass which aims at facilitating
mobility by making it easier to understand skills and qualifications, especially outside the issuing
country.

The Certificate Supplement can be used to help learners find a job, get experience or enrol in an
education or training programme abroad. It may also assist employers to identify the best applicant
to work for their organisation.

The Certificate Supplement sits alongside the official certificate and is supplied by the awarding
body which develops the qualification.

For more information on Europass and to download the Certificate Supplement for free, please visit
www.cityandguilds.com/europass.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 15

 4 Centre requirements
4.1 Centre, qualification and fast track approval

Centres not yet approved by City & Guilds

To offer this qualification, new centres will need to gain both centre and qualification approval.

Existing City & Guilds centres

To offer this qualification, centres already approved to deliver City & Guilds qualifications will need
to gain qualification approval.

Centres already offering City & Guilds qualifications in this subject area
Centres approved to offer the following City & Guilds qualifications
• Level 3 NVQ for Communications Technologies Professionals (3661-03)
• Level 4 NVQ for Communications Technologies Professionals (3661-04)
• Level 3 Diploma in ICT Communications Systems (3662-03)
• Level 3 Diploma in Designing and Planning Communications Networks (3663-03)
• Level 3 NVQ for IT Professionals (4324-03)
• Level 4 NVQ for IT Professionals (4324-04)
• Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma for IT Practitioners (4457)
• Level 3 Advanced Diploma in ICT Systems Support (7266-27)
• Level 3 Advanced Diploma for IT Professionals (7266-25 or 7266-29)

may apply to their Regional Office for fast track approval for the Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional
Competence provided they have been active during the academic year 2007/2008 and providing
there have been no changes to the way the qualifications are delivered.

It is the centre’s responsibility to check that fast track approval is still current at the time of
application.

All other approvals will need to follow the standard Qualification Approval Process.

16 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

Centre requirements
4.2 Resource requirements

Physical resources
At each qualification level the mandatory units must be assessed using evidence arising from the
workplace. All optional units may be assessed using evidence arising from the workplace. For all
workplace assessments:

• evidence should arise naturally from workplace tasks and activities eg job sheets, work logs,
contact reports etc. ;
• ephemeral evidence, for example of decision taking, should be cross checked by oral
questioning and backed up by brief written evidence – for example in the form of annotations or
storyboards;
• the assessment of workplace performance should be as natural and efficient as possible and
therefore evidence of competence should, where possible, come from work colleagues acting
as ‘expert witnesses’.

Centres must provide access to sufficient equipment in the centre or workplace to ensure
candidates have the opportunity to cover all of the practical activities.

Centres can use specially designated areas within a centre to assess, for example, the installation of
specialised systems. The equipment, systems and machinery must meet industrial standards and be
capable of being used under normal working conditions, for example electric motors must have a
method of applying sufficient power and not be connected up to show movement.

Human resources
To meet the quality assurance criteria for this qualification, the centre must ensure that the
following internal roles are undertaken:

Expert witnesses
Expert witnesses can be drawn from a wide range of people who can attest to performance in the
workplace, including line managers, coaches and experienced colleagues from inside the
candidate’s organisation or from other organisations such as customers or clients.
The expert witness can, in particular, provide evidence relating to the candidate’s competence:
• when working with, or supporting, specialist products, equipment or systems;
• in meeting customer requirements; and
• of working within organisational procedures.

Expert witnesses should at least:

• have a minimum of 2 years supervisory, managerial or training experience in the units for which
they are providing evidence;
• demonstrate a working knowledge of the National Occupational Standards units they are
attesting to; and
• demonstrate clear evidence of appropriate continuous professional development.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 17

 In addition it would be desirable for the expert witness to hold or be working towards an
appropriate unit of competence in the assessment of workplace performance. If this is not the case,
they should hold a post that involves responsibility for the quality of work performed by those for
whom they are acting as an expert witness.

Staff delivering the qualifications

All new teachers delivering publicly funded qualifications in the learning and skills sector (all post 16
education – including FE, adult and community learning, work-based learning, offender education) in
England are now required to take qualifications which form part of the Qualified Teacher – Learning
and Skills (QTLS) framework. City & Guilds offers a range of qualifications within the QTLS
framework. Details are available on the QTLS pages of www.cityandguilds.com.

Staff delivering this qualification must also be able to demonstrate that they meet the following
occupational expertise requirements.
• be technically competent in the area for which they are delivering training and/ or have
experience of providing training. This knowledge must be at least to the same level as the
training being delivered.
• have at least recent relevant experience in the specific area they will be assessing.

Centre staff may undertake more than one role eg tutor and assessor or internal verifier, but must
never internally verify their own assessments.

Trainer / tutors must

• be occupationally knowledgeable in the area for which they are delivering training. This
knowledge must be at least to the same level as the training being delivered.
• have credible experience of providing training.

Assessors and internal verifiers

Assessors
Assessors will be appointed by approved centres to assess candidate performance and judge the
validity of work place assessments.

Where expert witnesses make a significant contribution to the assessment process:

• the assessor will be responsible for approving the selection of expert witnesses including
evidence of occupational competence and monitoring their contribution to the assessment
process; and
• a register of all accepted expert witnesses must be maintained by the centre and be subject to
review as part of the external verification process.

The assessor will be responsible for making assessment judgements including for units where
evidence relies extensively on expert witness testimony. The assessor will make use of appropriate
expert witness testimony as part of the overall assessment of the candidate. In addition the
assessor must ensure that witness testimony clearly matches the level and breadth of performance
described in the NOS, and this may be done, for example, by the assessor questioning the witness
against the knowledge and skills specified in the NOS.

• In addition to the requirements of the regulatory authorities, assessors must:have carried out
continued professional development to familiarise themselves with current standards for
assessment; and
• have relevant (IT, CT or CC) experience and occupational competence to enable them to make a
valid judgement about demonstration of competence in the area they will be assessing.

18 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

Internal Verifiers
Internal verifiers will be appointed by approved centres to ensure the quality and consistency of
assessments within the centre.

In addition to the requirements of the regulatory authorities, Internal Verifiers must have the
relevant (IT, CT or CC) experience and occupational competence to enable them to make a valid
judgement about a demonstration of competence in the area they will be verifying.

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Centres are expected to support their staff in ensuring that their knowledge of the occupational
area and of best practice in delivery, mentoring, training, assessment and verification remains
current, and takes account of any national or legislative developments.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 19

 Centre requirements
4.3 Administration, registration and certification

QCF Technical Requirements

Centres must register with QCA to obtain access to the Learner Registration Service (LRS) in order to
obtain the Unique Learner Number (ULN) and Learner Achievement Record (LAR) for their learners.
Information on how to do this can be obtained from www.cityandguilds.com/QCFIT

Learners are awarded credit for the unit they have completed which is recorded on their QCF
Learner Achievement Record (LAR). They may continue to accumulate credit towards a full
qualification at a later date if they wish; provided it is within the timescales of accreditation for the
particular qualification. The LAR also indicates to the learner how many more credits they need in
order to achieve a full qualification and progression routes.

City & Guilds’ administration

Full details of City & Guilds’ administrative procedures for this qualification are provided in the
Online Catalogue. This information includes details on:
• registration procedures
• enrolment numbers
• fees
• entry for examinations
• claiming certification.

Centres should be aware of time constraints regarding the registration and certification periods for
the qualification, as specified in the City & Guilds Online Catalogue.

Centres must follow all administrative guidance carefully, particularly noting that fees, registration
and certification end dates for the qualification are subject to change. The latest News is available
on the website (www.cityandguilds.com).

Regulations for the conduct of examinations

Regulations for the conduct of examinations for online and written examinations are given in
Providing City & Guilds qualifications - a guide to centre and qualification approval and in the Online
Catalogue. Centres should ensure they are familiar with all requirements prior to offering
assessments.

Retaining assessment records

Centres must retain copies of candidate assessment records for at least three years after
certification.

Notification of results
After completion of assessment, candidates will receive, via their centre, a ‘notification of candidate
results’, giving details of how they performed. It is not a certificate of achievement.

20 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

Certificates of unit credit (CUCs)
A certificate of unit credit records the successful completion of a unit. Centres can apply to City &
Guilds for CUCs at any time after candidates have achieved a unit. They do not need to wait until the
full programme of study has been completed.

Full certificates
Full certificates are only issued to candidates who have met the full requirements of the
qualification, as described in section 2.4 Rules of combination.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 21

 Centre requirements
4.4 Quality assurance

This information is a summary of quality assurance requirements.

Providing City & Guilds qualifications and in the Centre toolkit provide full details and
guidance on:
• internal quality assurance
• external quality assurance
• roles and responsibilities of quality assurance staff.

Internal quality assurance

Approved centres must have effective quality assurance systems to ensure optimum delivery and
assessment of qualifications.

Quality assurance includes initial centre approval, qualification approval and the centre’s own
internal procedures for monitoring quality. Centres are responsible for internal quality assurance,
and City & Guilds is responsible for external quality assurance.

External quality assurance

External quality assurance for the qualification will be provided by City & Guilds external verification
process.

External verifiers are appointed by City & Guilds to approve centres, and to monitor the assessment
and internal quality assurance carried out by centres. External verification is carried out to ensure
that assessment is valid and reliable, and that there is good assessment practice in centres.

To carry out their quality assurance role, external verifiers must have appropriate occupational and
verifying knowledge and expertise. City & Guilds’ external verifiers attend training and development
designed to keep them up-to-date, facilitate standardisation between verifiers and share good
practice.

City & Guilds external verifiers use electronic report forms designed to provide an objective risk
analysis of individual centre assessment and verification practice.

External verifiers:
External verifiers are appointed by City & Guilds to monitor and assure quality and consistency of
assessments within and between centres. In addition, where expert witnesses make a significant
contribution to the assessment process, the register of all accepted expert witnesses should be
reviewed as part of the external verification process.

In addition to the requirements of the regulatory authorities, External Verifiers must have the
relevant (IT or CT) experience and occupational competence to enable them to make a valid
judgement about a demonstration of competence in the area they will be verifying.

22 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

The role of the external verifier is to:
• provide advice and support to centre staff
• ensure the quality and consistency of assessments within and between centres by the use of
systematic sampling
• regularly visit centres to ensure they continue to meet the centre and qualification approval
criteria
• provide feedback to centres and to City & Guilds.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 23

 5 Course design and delivery
5.1 Initial assessment and induction

Centres will need to make an initial assessment of each candidate prior to the start of their
programme to ensure they are entered for an appropriate type and level of qualification.

The initial assessment should identify:

• any specific training needs the candidate has, and the support and guidance they may require
when working towards their qualification. This is sometimes referred to as diagnostic testing.
• any units the candidate has already completed, or credit they have accumulated which is
relevant to the qualification they are about to begin.

City & Guilds recommends that centres provide an induction programme to ensure the candidate
fully understands the requirements of the qualification they will work towards, their responsibilities
as a candidate, and the responsibilities of the centre. It may be helpful to record the information on
a learning contract.

Further guidance about initial assessment and induction, as well as a learning contract that centres
may use, are available in the Centre toolkit.

24 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

Course design and delivery
5.2 Recommended delivery strategies

Centre staff should familiarise themselves with the structure, content and assessment requirements
of the qualification before designing a course programme.

Centres may design course programmes of study in any way that

• best meets the needs and capabilities of their candidates
• satisfies the requirements of the qualification.

In particular, staff should consider the skills and knowledge related to the national occupational
standards.

City & Guilds recommends that centres address the wider curriculum, where appropriate, when
designing and delivering the course. Centres should also consider links to the National Occupational
Standards, Key/Core/Functional Skills and other related qualifications. Relationship tables are
provided in section Relationships to other qualifications to assist centres with the design and
delivery of the qualification.

Centres may wish to include topics as part of the course programme which will not be assessed
through the qualification.

For further information to assist with the planning and development of the programme, please refer
to the following:
• all mandatory units must be assessed using evidence from the workplace
• CISCO units must be assessed by the relevant CISCO test
• CompTIA units must be assessed by the relevant CompTIA test
• Microsoft units must be assessed by the relevant Microsoft test
• all other optional units can be assessed using other assessment methodologies, eg evidence
from the workplace, simulation, Real Work Experience or contributing qualification assessment.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 25

 Course design and delivery
5.3 Data protection, confidentiality and legal requirements

Data protection and confidentiality

Data protection and confidentiality must not be overlooked when planning the delivery of this
qualification.

Centres offering this qualification may need to provide City & Guilds with personal data for staff and
candidates. Guidance on data protection and the obligations of City & Guilds and centres are
explained in Providing City & Guilds qualifications.

It is extremely important to protect the identity of the individuals encountered by candidates in the
work setting, eg customers, clients and patients.

Confidential information must not be included in candidate portfolios or assessment records.

Confidential information should remain in its usual location, and a reference should be made to it in
the portfolio or assessment records.

Images of minors being used as evidence

If videos or photographs of minors (those under 18) are used as the medium to present evidence as
part of the qualification, both centre and candidate have responsibilities for meeting child
protection legislation.

Centres are responsible for informing candidates of the following:

• getting permission from the minor’s parent/guardian prior to collecting the evidence
• reasons and restrictions for using photographs or video recordings as evidence
• period of time for which the photographs or video recordings may be kept
• obligation to keep photographs or video recordings secure from unauthorised access
• secure electronic storage requirements of photographs or video recordings
• associated child protection legislation.

Legal requirements
There is no legislation affecting the qualification.

26 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

6 Relationships to other qualifications
6.1 Links to National Occupational Standards/other qualifications

City & Guilds has identified the connections to the NOS/previous NVQ/VRQ on the NQF. This
mapping is provided as guidance and suggests areas of overlap and commonality between the
qualifications. It does not imply that candidates completing units in one qualification are
automatically covering all of the content of the qualifications listed in the mapping.

Centres are responsible for checking the different requirements of all qualifications they are
delivering and ensuring that candidates meet requirements of all units/qualifications. For example,
units within a QCF qualification may be similar in content to units in the NQF qualification which the
candidate may have already undertaken and this may present opportunities for APL.

This qualification has connections to the:

• Level 2 NVQ for Communications Technologies Practitioners (3661-02)
• Level 2 Certificate in Communications Cabling (3666)
• Level 2 NVQ for IT Practitioners (4324-02)
• Level 2 Diploma for Software Developers (7266-22)
• Level 2 Diploma in ICT Systems Support (7266-26)
• Level 2 Diploma for ICT Practitioners (7266-24)
• Level 3 NVQ for Communications Technologies Professionals (3661-03)
• Level 3 Diploma in ICT Communications Systems (3662-03)
• Level 3 Diploma in Designing and Planning Communications Networks (3663-03)
• Level 3 NVQ for IT Professionals (4324-03)
• Level 3 Advanced Diploma for IT Professionals (7266-25 and 7266-29)
• Level 3 Advanced Diploma in ICT Systems Support (7266-27)

NQF units QCF units

Unit Number/Title Unit Number/Title

D/102/7619 Customer care 1 T/500/7157 Customer care in ICT1

D/102/7619 Customer care 2 A/500/7158 Customer care in ICT2
K/102/7655 Customer care 3 F/500/7159 Customer care in ICT3
D102/7659 Data analysis and data K/500/7205 Data analysis and data structure
structure design 3 design 3
R/102/7620 Develop personal and Y/501/2917 Develop personal and
organisational effectiveness 2 organisational effectiveness 2
Develop personal and R/500/7182 Develop personal and
D/102/7653 organisational effectiveness 3 organisational effectiveness 3

K/102/7607 Health and safety in ICT and Y/500/7183 Health and safety in ICT and
Contact Centres 1 Contact Centres 1

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 27

 NQF units QCF units
Unit Number/Title Unit Number/Title

T/102/7609 Interpersonal and written M/500/7206 Interpersonal and written

communication 1 communication 1
Y/102/7621 Interpersonal and written T/500/7207 Interpersonal and written
communication 3 communication 2
M/102/7656 Interpersonal and written A/500/7208 Interpersonal and written
communication 3 communication 3
T/102/7626 Investigating and defining K/500/6796 Investigating and defining
requirements 2 requirements 2
A/102/7658 Investigating and defining M/500/6797 Investigating and defining
requirements 3 requirements 3
T/102/7660 Managing software T/500/6798 Managing software development
development 3 3
A/102/7661 Quality management of ICT T/500/7210 Quality management of ICT
products and services products and services
K/102/7610 Remote support for products R/500/7215 Remote support for products or
or services 1 services 1
H/102/7623 Remote support for products Y/500/7216 Remote support for products
and services 2 and services 2
T/102/7657 Remote support for products D/500/7217 Remote support for products
and services 3 and services 3
M/102/7611 Security of ICT systems 1 K/500/7219 Security of ICT systems 1
F/102/7662 Security of ICT systems 3 D/500/7220 Security of ICT systems 3
F/102/7628 Software development - J/500/7261 Software development -
component creation 2 component creation 2
J/102/7663 Software development - R/500/7263 Software development -
component creation 3 component creation 3
A/102/7627 Software development – H/500/7266 Software development – design
design 2 2
L/102/7664 Software development – M/500/7268 Software development – design
design 3 3
T/102/7612 Software installation and D/500/7265 Software installation and
upgrade 1 upgrade 1
A/102/7644 Software installation and D/500/7329 Software installation and
upgrade 2 upgrade 2
R/102/7665 Software installation and R/500/7330 Software installation and
upgrade 3 upgrade 3
F/102/7645 System management 2 Y/500/7331 System management 2
Y/102/7666 System Management 3 D/500/7332 System management 3
A/102/7613 System operation 1 H/500/7333 System operation 1
J/102/7667 System operation 2 F/500/7338 System operation 2
D/102/7703 System operation 3 A/500/7340 System operation 3
F/102/7614 Technical advice and J/500/7342 Technical advice and guidance 1
guidance 1 L/500/7343 Technical advice and guidance 2
L/102/7647 Technical advice and R/500/7344 Technical advice and guidance 3
guidance 2
D/102/7670 Technical advice and
guidance 3

28 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

NQF units QCF units
Unit Number/Title Unit Number/Title

J/102/7615 Technical fault diagnosis 1 L/500/7388 Technical fault diagnosis 1

Y/102/7649 Technical fault diagnosis 2 R/500/7389 Technical fault diagnosis 2
H/102/7669 Technical fault diagnosis 3 J/500/7390 Technical fault diagnosis 3
L/102/7616 Technical fault remedy M/500/7349 Technical fault remedy selection
selection 1 1
R/102/7648 Technical fault remedy H/500/7350 Technical fault remedy selection
selection 2 2
H/102/7699 Technical fault remedy K/500/7351 Technical fault remedy selection
selection 3 3
R/102/7617 Testing ICT systems 1 T/500/7353 Testing ICT systems 1
R/102/7651 Testing ICT systems 2 A/500/7354 Testing ICT systems 2
M/102/7676 Testing ICT systems 3 F/500/7355 Testing ICT systems 3
L/102/7650 User profile administration 2 H/500/7378 User profile administration 2
User profile administration 3 K/500/7379 User profile administration 3
H/102/7671
Y/102/7618 Working with ICT hardware H/500/7381 Working with ICT hardware and
and equipment 1 equipment 1
Working with ICT hardware K/500/7382 Working with ICT hardware and
Y/102/7652 and equipment 2 equipment 2
Working with ICT hardware M/500/7383 Working with ICT hardware and
and equipment 3 equipment 3
Y/102/7672
J/102/5699 Internets and intranets 1 R/500/7280 Internets and intranets 1
L/102/5719 Internets and intranets 2 Y/500/7281 Internets and intranets 2
D/102/5739 Internets and intranets 3 D/500/7282 Internets and intranets 3
M/102/5700 E-mail 1 T/500/7286 E-mail 1
F/102/5720 E-mail 2 F/500/7288 E-mail 2
R/102/5740 E-mail 3 A/500/7290 E-mail 3
T/102/5701 Word processing software 1 J/500/7292 Word processing software 1
Word processing software 2 H/500/6781 Word processing software 2
J/102/5721 Word processing software 3 M/500/6783 Word processing software 3

Y/102/5741
A/102/5702 Spreadsheet software 1 F/500/6769 Spreadsheet software 1
L/102/5722 Spreadsheet software 2 T/500/6770 Spreadsheet software 2
D/102/5742 Spreadsheet software 3 A/500/6771 Spreadsheet software 3
F/102/5703 Database software 1 R/500/7294 Database software 1
R/102/5723 Database software 2 Y/500/7295 Database software 2
H/102/5743 Database software 3 D/500/7296 Database software 3
J/102/5704 Website software 1 H/500/7297 Website software 1
Y/102/5724 Website software 2 K/500/7298 Website software 2
K/102/5744 Website software 3 M/500/7299 Website software 3
L/102/5705 Artwork and imaging Y/500/7300 Artwork and imaging software 1
software 1 D/500/7301 Artwork and imaging software 2
D/102/5725 Artwork and imaging H/500/7302 Artwork and imaging software 3
software 2
Artwork and imaging

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 29

 NQF units QCF units
Unit Number/Title Unit Number/Title

M/102/5745 software 3

R/102/5706 Presentation software 1 K/500/7303 Presentation software 1

H/102/5726 Presentation software 2 M/500/7304 Presentation software 2
T/102/5746 Presentation software 3 T/500/7305 Presentation software 3

Contacting the Sector Skills Council

Name of SSC e-skills UK
Address 1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR
Telephone 0207 963 8920
Fax 0207 592 9138
e-mail info@e-skills.com
URL www.e-skills.com

Employer units
Employers’ units are those designed by a single employer based on their own in-house training,
systems and assessment regimes. They are nationally recognised and awarded, but as they refer
only to one employer, their use is limited to the restricted optional group.

Vendor units
The following units were developed by other vendors, centres wanting to offer these units must
adhere to the guidelines of each vendor. The certificates are issued by the relevant vendor’s test.

The following units of assessment in this qualification were developed by CISCO

QCF units
Unit Number/Title

K/501/2968 Cisco ICND – Interconnecting Cisco

Networking Devices (CCNA parts 3
and 4)
H/501/2967 Cisco INTRO – Introduction to CISCO
Networking Technologies (CCNA
parts 1 and 2)

Contacting CISCO
Name of Vendor Cisco Systems Ltd
Address 11 New Square
Bedfont Lakes
Feltham
TW14 8HA
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0)20 8824 1000
Fax +44 (0) 208 824 1001
URL www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad

30 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

The following units of assessment in this qualification were developed by CompTIA

NQF units QCF units

Unit Number/Title Unit Number/Title

T/500/5827 CompTIA A+ 603 J/501/3593 CompTIA A+ 603

T/500/5828 CompTIA A+ 604 L/501/3594 CompTIA A+ 604

K/500/5826 CompTIA A+ 602 F/501/3592 CompTIA A+ 602

H/500/5825 CompTIA A+ Essentials R/501/3595 CompTIA A+ Essentials

D/500/5824 CompTIA DHTI+ D/501/3597 CompTIA DHTI+

n/a CompTIA Convergence + Y/501/3596 CompTIA Convergence +

D/500/1451 CompTIA Linux+ H/501/3598 CompTIA Linux+

Y/500/1450 CompTIA Network+ L/00/7312 CompTIA Network+

H/500/1452 CompTIA Security+ K/501/3599 CompTIA Security+

n/a CompTIA Server+ R/501/3600 CompTIA Server+

Contacting CompTIA

Name of Vendor CompTIA

Address 5th Floor, City Tower
40 Basinghall Street
London, EC2V 5DE
Telephone +44 (0) 207 330 6060
Fax +44 (0) 207 330 6061
e-mail info_uk@comptia.org
URL http://uk.comptia.org

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 31

 The following units of assessment in this qualification were developed by Microsoft
NQF units
Unit Number/Title
n/a MS 70-210 Installing,
Configuring and
Administering MS Windows
2000 Professional
n/a MS 70-227 Installing,
Configuring, and
Administering Microsoft
Internet Security and
Acceleration (ISA) Server
2000, Enterprise Edition
n/a MS 70-228 Installing,
Configuring and
Administering Microsoft SQL
Server 2000 Enterprise
Edition
J/500/4280 MS 70-270 Installing,
Configuring and
Administering MS Windows
XP Professional
Y/500/4283 MS 70-284 Implementing and
Managing Microsoft
Exchange Server 2003
L/500/4281 MS 70-290 Managing and
Maintaining a Windows
Server 2003 Environment
K/500/7155 MS 70-291 Implementing,
Managing, and Maintaining a
Windows Server 2003
Network Infrastructure
n/a MS 70-293 Planning and
Maintaining a Microsoft
Windows Server 2003
Network Infrastructure
n/a MS 70-299 Implementing and
Administering Security in a
Microsoft Windows Server
2003 Network
32 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)
QCF units
Unit Number/Title
Y/501/2867 MS 70-210 Installing, Configuring
and Administering MS Windows
2000 Professional
K/501/2825 MS 70-227 Installing, Configuring,
and Administering Microsoft
Internet Security and Acceleration
(ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
M/501/2826 MS 70-228 Installing, Configuring
and Administering Microsoft SQL
Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
A/501/2604 MS 70-270 Installing, Configuring
and Administering MS Windows XP
Professional
T/501/2827 MS 70-284 Implementing and
Managing Microsoft Exchange
Server 2003
J/501/2606 MS 70-290 Managing and
Maintaining a Windows Server 2003
Environment
H/501/2824 MS 70-291 Implementing,
Managing, and Maintaining a
Windows Server 2003 Network
Infrastructure
H/501/2712 MS 70-293 Planning and Maintaining
a Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Network Infrastructure
R/501/2866 MS 70-299 Implementing and
Administering Security in a
Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Network
H/502/3628 MS 70-622 - Supporting and
Troubleshooting Applications on a
Windows Vista Client for Enterprise
Support Technicians
K/502/3646 MS 70-623 - Supporting and
Troubleshooting Applications on a
Windows Vista Client for Consumer
Support Technicians
A/502/3649 MS 70-624 - Deploying and
Maintaining Windows Vista Client
and 2007 Microsoft Office System
Desktops
J/502/3556 MS 70-236 - Configuring Microsoft
Exchange Server 2007
 H/502/3581 MS 70-431 - Microsoft SQL Server
2005 - Implementation and
Maintenance
M/502/3650 MS 70-640 - Configuring Windows
Server 2008 Active Directory
J/502/3640 MS 70-642 - Configuring Windows
Server 2008 Network Infrastructure
L/502/3638 MS 70-643 - Configuring Windows
Server 2008 Applications
Infrastructure
J/502/3637 MS 70-646 - Windows Server 2008,
Server Administrator
T/502/3634 MS 70-647 - Windows Server 2008,
Enterprise Administrator

Contacting Microsoft

Name of Vendor Microsoft Ltd

Address Microsoft Campus
Reading
RG6 1WG
Telephone +(44)0870 60 10 100
Fax +(44)0870 60 20 100
URL www.microsoft.com

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 33

 Relationships to other qualifications
6.2 Apprenticeship framework

Apprenticeship frameworks

The e-skills UK approach to competence-based qualifications combines NOS-based units with

the opportunity to complete a broader set of industry recognised certifications, such as vendor
certifications. It will test the principles of the credit framework in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland and develop the competence needed to be an IT or Telecoms Professional.

The apprenticeship is based on credit values being assigned to units from IT and Telecoms.
Learners have to achieve a certain number of credits of competence plus credits from systems
and principles units. The number of credits that a learner needs to achieve the level 3
apprenticeship framework is below.

Advanced Apprenticeship for IT and Telecoms Professionals (level 3)

Competence Knowledge Transferable Skills
Level 3 Diploma in ICT Level 3 Certificate in ICT Key Skills:
Professional Competence Systems and Principles for • Communication level 2
Qual title

(72 credits) Apprentices (min 24 credits) • Application of Number

level 2
Employment Rights and
Responsibilities (ERR)

This qualification supports the Employment rights and responsibilities (ERR) of the apprenticeship
framework.

Full details of the requirements of the apprenticeship framework for the IT and Telecoms sector are
available from:

Name of SSC e-skills UK,

Address 1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR
Telephone 0207 963 8920
Fax 0207 592 9138
e-mail apprenticeships@e-skills.com
URL www.e-skills.com/apprenticeships

34 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

Accreditation of prior learning and experience (APEL)
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL)
recognise the contribution a person’s previous experience could contribute to a qualification.

All existing NVQ achievements can be used as APA against the QCF NOS-based units as the
standards have not been changed in any way for these units.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 35

 7 Assessment
7.1 Evidence requirements

Evidence requirements

All mandatory units must be assessed in the workplace but optional units can be
assessed through a wider variety of assessment methods. Occupational competence can
be assessed in the workplace by managers, coaches or external assessors.

Usually you can find evidence of your candidates’ performance from assessor observation and/or
testimony from an expert witness of the candidate carrying out activities in the workplace.

Optional units can be assessed using assessments from contributing qualifications such as e-Quals
07.

What can be accepted as evidence?

Candidates can draw on past experience to provide evidence as well as collecting evidence from
their current job. The potential sources and what is acceptable as evidence follow.

Background evidence
Copies of CVs, previous or current job descriptions, any previous certificates which relate to this
award. Candidates can also include performance evidence from previous experiences and
achievements.

CV
Job descriptions
Certificates
Records of achievement
Accounts of experience
Case studies or projects from previous work
Licences
Records of courses attended
Staff appraisals
Products
Endorsements
Employer references

36 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

7 Assessment
7.2 Observed performance and products of performance

Work is a natural source of evidence. Often there are products from the assessed activity which
should be retained as a valuable source of evidence, for example:

Letters relating to work Completed Forms

Job Sheets Plans
Diaries Completed projects, case studies or assignments
that are part of your work
Finished or end products Witness statements about your work
Contact with clients Memos and reports
Logbooks Checklists
Tape recordings Visual aids/photographs/videos
Authenticated reports from appropriate Staff appraisals
personnel, e.g. line managers
References received Witness Statements from clients

Supplementary evidence
Where it is not possible to gain sufficient performance evidence through direct observation of work
activities or products of this work, it will be necessary for you to ask for supplementary evidence.
This could be by asking for the candidate to:

• answer oral or written questions

• attend an interview
• complete written tests
• provide a written personal account of competence to support other evidence
.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 37

 Assessment
7.3 Recording forms

Candidates and centres may decide to use a paper -based or electronic method of recording
evidence.

City & Guilds endorses several e-Portfolio systems. Further details are available at
www.cityandguilds.com/eportfolios.

City & Guilds has developed a set of Recording forms including examples of completed forms, for
new and existing centres to use as appropriate. Recording forms are available on the City & Guilds
website.

Although it is expected that new centres will use these forms, centres may devise or customise
alternative forms, which must be approved for use by the external verifier, before they are used by
candidates and assessors at the centre.

Amendable (MS Word) versions of the forms are available on the City & Guilds website.

38 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

8 Units
8.1 About the units

Availability of units
The units for this qualification are available to download from the centres and training providers
section of the City & Guilds website.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 39

 Appendix 1 Sources of information about level
accreditation, qualification and credit frameworks and level
descriptors

Please visit the following websites to find current information on accreditation, qualification level
descriptors and national qualification and credit frameworks and in each country.

Nation Framework Who to contact Websites

England Qualification and Credit The Qualifications and Curriculum www.qca.org.uk

Framework (QCF) Authority

Scotland Scottish Credit and The Scottish Qualifications www.scqf.org.uk

Qualifications Authority www.sqa.org.uk
Framework (SQC
Wales The Credit and The Department for Education, www.wales.gov.uk
Qualifications Culture and Welsh Languauge
Framework for Wales (DECWL)
(CQFW)
Northern Qualification and Credit The Council for Curriculum, www.ccea.org.uk
Ireland Framework (QCF) Examinations and Assessment

40 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)

Appendix 2 Obtaining centre and qualification approval

Only approved organisations can offer City & Guilds qualifications. Organisations approved by City &
Guilds are referred to as centres.

Centres must meet a set of quality criteria including:

• provision of adequate physical and human resources
• clear management information systems
• effective assessment and quality assurance procedures including candidate support and
reliable recording systems.

An organisation that has not previously offered City & Guilds qualifications must apply for approval
to become a centre. This is known as the centre approval process (CAP). Centres also need
approval to offer a specific qualification. This is known as the qualification approval process
(QAP), (previously known as scheme approval). In order to offer this qualification, organisations
which are not already City & Guilds centres must apply for centre and qualification approval at the
same time. Existing City & Guilds centres will only need to apply for qualification approval for the
particular qualification.

Full details of the procedures and forms for applying for centre and qualification approval are given
in Providing City & Guilds qualifications - a guide to centre and qualification approval, which is also
available on the City & Guilds centre toolkit, or downloadable from the City & Guilds website.

Regional / national offices will support new centres and appoint a Quality Systems Consultant to
guide the centre through the approval process. They will also provide details of the fees applicable
for approvals.

Assessments must not be undertaken until qualification approval has been obtained.

City & Guilds reserves the right to withdraw qualification or centre approval for reasons of debt,
malpractice or non-compliance with City & Guilds’ policies, regulations, requirements, procedures
and guidelines, or for any reason that may be detrimental to the maintenance of authentic, reliable
and valid qualifications or that may prejudice the name of City & Guilds. Further details of the
reasons for suspension and withdrawal of approval, procedures and timescales, are contained in
Providing City & Guilds qualifications.

Approval for global online assessment (GOLA)

In addition to obtaining centre and qualification approval, centres are also required to set up a GOLA
profile in order to offer online examinations to candidates. Setting up a GOLA profile is a simple
process that need only be completed once by the centre.

Details of how to set up the profile and GOLA technical requirements are available on the City &
Guilds website (www.cityandguilds.com/e-assessment). The GOLA section of the website also
has details of the GOLA helpline for technical queries and downloads for centres and candidates
about GOLA examinations.

Centres should also refer to Providing City & Guilds qualifications - a guide to centre and
qualification approval for further information on GOLA.

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 41

42 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)
Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 43
44 Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83)
Published by City & Guilds
1 Giltspur Street
London
EC1A 9DD
T +44 (0)20 7294 2787
F +44 (0)20 7294 2413
www.cityandguilds.com

City & Guilds is a registered charity

established to promote education
and training

SP-03-7540

Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (7540-03 and 7540-83) 45