Introducing ITQ

Why choose ITQ?

We asked employers what they wanted from an IT user qualification and then we worked to deliver it. The result has the full backing of a number of awarding bodies but, more importantly the enthusiastic backing of the employers who helped us pilot it to get it exactly right.

So why is everyone so enthusiastic about it?

Improved Return on Investment - ITQ provides tailored training that meets your business need. ITQ helps ensure greater Return on Investment (ROI) for any investment in training by aligning learning to business goals. Learning can take place in the workplace or outside – depending on the learners and the business need. Individuals are assessed according to the IT tasks that they need to do in their job, thereby making the qualification very relevant to their day to day job.

It's truly flexible – Different employers need their staff to have skills at different levels, according to the type of business and the role of the individual. ITQ allows different skills to be learned and assessed at different levels. So if you need your staff to have a high level of word processing skills, intermediate level spreadsheet skills, but only a basic knowledge of preparing presentations the ITQ can flex to deliver that need.

Build on existing skills - Very importantly, all IT User 'vocationally related qualifications' – VRQs - map to ITQ. So learners with City & Guilds e-Quals, BCS' ECDL, OCR's CLAIT, for example, will all be able to convert to ITQ without having to repeat competency in the skills they have already proven through these other VRQs. 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.

Bespoke Units can be included – Many employers told us that they need their staff to be trained on software that is unique to their business so the ITQ allows for bespoke units to be included to meet this business need.

Cross recognition by Awarding Bodies – If your staff already have an IT user qualification, they can use it count towards the ITQ. This allows staff to build and develop their skills to meet your needs without having to face the de-motivating prospect of starting again or having to demonstrate skills they’ve already had assessed.

Less Bureaucratic Assessment – Many employers told us they were put off N/SVQ because they found the assessment bureaucratic and burdensome. We have therefore worked hard with the Awarding Bodies and QCA/SQA to reduce the bureaucratic burden and to allow for as much assessment as possible to occur "naturally" using the systems already in place in a company.

Benchmark IT skill levels - and analyse the IT skills needs and strengths across the organisation.  Tailor an ITQ for the business, the team or the individual, including units in the use of bespoke software and non IT skills if relevant and measure everyone's skills against one common standard.

Last modified: 10 Jun 2008