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Level 1 · NCFE
Enrolling now NCFE Approved Qualification number 610/2808/3

NCFE Level 1 Digital Functional Skills

Prove the digital skills employers expect: devices and information, documents, online communication, transactions and online safety.

Duration: 55 guided learning hours, 55 total qualification time; booked assessments

Level
Level 1
Qualification number
610/2808/3
Awarding organisation
NCFE
Regulated status
On the RQF, regulated by Ofqual
Guided learning hours
55 hours
Total qualification time
55 hours
UCAS Tariff points
None at this level
Delivery
100% online
Study pattern
55 guided learning hours, 55 total qualification time; booked assessments
NCFE This qualification is awarded by NCFE and regulated by Ofqual

Course overview

This Level 1 qualification certifies the practical digital skills needed in almost every modern job, following the national Digital Functional Skills standards across five areas: using devices and handling information; creating and editing; communicating; transacting; and being safe and responsible online.

Learners work through realistic tasks, managing files, producing documents, emailing and collaborating, completing online forms and purchases, and protecting themselves and their data, delivered 100% online with tutor support. Tutor support means you can email your tutor with a question and get an answer within 2 working days. Feedback on assessed work is separate and takes up to 10 working days.

Assessment is through an NCFE-set assessment taken when the learner is ready. The qualification evidences workplace digital competence and supports progression to Level 2 digital study and beyond.

What you will study

The units below, their unit reference numbers and their guided learning hours are taken directly from the NCFE qualification specification.

Unit Title Unit reference Hours
01 Using devices and handling information (mandatory)
1 learning outcome
  1. Using devices and handling information
    • 1.1 Be able to carry out searches on the internet, including: S
    • 1.2 Be able to take account of the following when selecting information from the S
    • 1.3 Understand that search results may include sponsored results or K
    • 1.4 Be able to carry out searches for files, including: S
    • 1.5 Be able to create and use a hierarchical folder structure to organise files and S
    • 1.6 Know and understand how to save a file on cloud storage using one device and K
    • 1.7 Know and be able to appropriately use terminology describing data storage K
    • 1.8 Know and understand the limitations on file sizes when using some online K
    • 1.9 Be able to use online resources to identify solutions to common technical S
 Not stated 12
02 Creating and editing (mandatory)
1 learning outcome
  1. Creating and editing
    • 2.1 Be able to use suitable applications to enter, edit, format layout and save S
    • 2.2 Be able to use appropriate layout conventions for information and audiences, S
    • 2.3 Be able to edit an image using an appropriate tool, including: S
    • 2.4 Be able to process numeric data using simple formulae up to 2 mathematical S
    • 2.5 Be able to process numeric data by values in a column, including: S
    • 2.6 Be able to format numeric data, including: S
    • 2.7 Be able to chart a single series of numeric data using an appropriate type of chart S
 Not stated 20
03 Communicating (mandatory)
1 learning outcome
  1. Communicating
    • 3.1 Be able to use email for a range of contexts and audiences, including: S
    • 3.2 Be able to use online messages for a range of contexts and audiences, S
    • 3.3 Know what steps can be taken to limit a digital footprint, including: K
 Not stated 10
04 Transacting (mandatory)
1 learning outcome
  1. Transacting
    • 4.1 Be able to manage account settings for an online service, including: S
    • 4.2 Be able to complete online forms and upload documents or images: S
    • 4.3 Be able to carry out checks to reduce the risks involved in transactions online, S
 Not stated 6
05 Being safe and responsible online (mandatory)
1 learning outcome
  1. Being safe and responsible online
    • 5.1 Understand key rights under data protection laws and the circumstances K
    • 5.2 Understand the importance of protecting personal information and privacy K
    • 5.3 Know how to back up files to the cloud. K
    • 5.4 Know how to avoid exposure to malware such as worms, trojans and K
    • 5.5 Know of and know how to minimise the effects of health risks that may result K
 Not stated 7
Total guided learning hours 55

Entry requirements

  • There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
  • Typically suitable for learners aged 16 and over; also available to pre-16 learners.
  • An initial assessment is recommended to confirm the appropriate starting level.
Take it with you

The course guide

Everything on this page as one document you can keep, print, or send to whoever is deciding with you.

  • All 5 units, with the hours behind each one
  • How you are assessed, and who checks the marking
  • How paying works, and what is due when
  • Entry requirements and where the qualification leads
Download the guide (PDF)

Generated from this qualification's record, so the units and hours in it are the ones on this page. The fee is here on the page rather than in the guide, so a saved copy cannot quote you an old one.

How you are assessed

Functional Skills use assessments set and marked by NCFE. They are taken online under remote invigilation, which we arrange with you rather than something you book yourself, and you take them when your tutor agrees you are ready. You will be asked to confirm your identity before the assessment starts, and we check your device and connection with you beforehand so that nothing goes wrong on the day.

For what happens after you submit: who marks it, who checks the marking, how long feedback takes and what to do if you disagree with a decision, see how assessment works.

If you need an adjustment to how you are assessed, for a disability or any other reason, ask us before you begin. We arrange adjustments under our Reasonable Adjustments policy, and you can request one online.

How we assess and quality assure is set out in DAIS-POL-016 Assessment and Internal Quality Assurance.

How you study, and what you need

You study online through our virtual learning environment, which is where the teaching material, your assessment submissions, your feedback and your progress all live. You work at your own pace, with tutor support throughout. Everyone completes a short online induction before starting an assessed unit.

What you need to take part
Device Laptop or desktop computer
Operating system Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 or later
Browser Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, latest version
Internet speed 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload
Webcam Required for live sessions and identity verification
Microphone Required for live sessions

These are the minimum requirements published in DAIS-POL-024 Online Learning and Digital Delivery.

Support, and how quickly we reply

These are the response times we commit to in policy, not an aspiration.

What How Response
General questions Message your tutor in the VLE Within 2 working days
Assessment feedback Returned in the VLE or e-portfolio Within 10 working days of submission
Technical problems Technical support email Within 1 working day
Urgent welfare concerns Email to the Designated Safeguarding Lead Within 1 working day

Published in DAIS-POL-024 and DAIS-POL-009 Learner Support.

Registration and your certificate

We register you with NCFE before you begin any assessed unit, and we collect your Unique Learner Number as part of that. When your assessment decisions are finalised and quality assured, we claim your certificate through the NCFE portal and you are notified digitally. The certificate comes from NCFE, not from us.

Set out in DAIS-POL-008 Learner Registration and Certification.

Other names for this qualification

The regulated title is NCFE Level 1 Digital Functional Skills, qualification number 610/2808/3. People also look for it as:

  • Level 1 Digital Functional Skills
  • Digital Functional Skills Level 1
  • 610/2808/3
  • NCFE 610/2808/3
  • Digital Functional Skills course online
  • Digital Functional Skills qualification UK
  • Digital Functional Skills distance learning

If you arrived searching one of those, you are in the right place: they all describe this one qualification.

Fees and paying for it

Ways to pay
Pay in full, or spread the cost over 3 interest-free payments with Klarna.
Nothing is paid when you apply. Payment is only taken after you accept an offer, and we will confirm the exact amounts with you before then. Fees and how to pay.

Klarna Spread the cost with Klarna

Investing in your own skills
Your fee pays for the part that gives a qualification its value: assessment by a qualified assessor, independent quality assurance, and a certificate issued by NCFE on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, regulated by Ofqual.
You can start now rather than waiting for a September intake, and study around work. Tutor replies come within 2 working days, and assessment feedback within 10.
You finish with evidence as well as knowledge: a portfolio of your own work, and a qualification that stays on your record for life. Of everything you can spend money on, your own skills are the one thing that follows you into every job you ever take.

Many employers will pay for this, and most people never ask. Send them the one-page case: what it costs, what it asks of the business, and how to check us independently. How employer funding works.

Common questions

Who awards NCFE Level 1 Digital Functional Skills, and how do I get my certificate?

NCFE Level 1 Digital Functional Skills is awarded by NCFE, an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation, and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification number is 610/2808/3. The Data and AI School of London is an NCFE approved centre. We register you with NCFE before you start any assessed unit and collect your Unique Learner Number. Once your work is assessed and quality assured we claim your certificate through the NCFE portal, and it is issued by NCFE rather than by us.

How long does NCFE Level 1 Digital Functional Skills take?

This qualification carries 55 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 55 hours. It is studied online at your own pace, so how long it takes in calendar time depends on how much you can commit each week.

What do I need before I can start?

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. We assess every applicant individually and will tell you if a different level would suit you better.

Can I study this entirely online?

Yes. Teaching, materials and assessment are all delivered through our Moodle-based virtual learning environment, so you can study from anywhere in the UK. You need a laptop or desktop computer, a current version of Chrome or Firefox, and a broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Tutor support is available throughout, and we answer questions within 2 working days and return assessment feedback within 10 working days of submission.

Can I enrol now, and when do I pay?

The fee is £295. Enrolment is open, so you can apply online today. Nothing is paid at application: payment is taken only after you accept an offer.

Not sure this is the right qualification?

Ask before you apply. We will say honestly if a different level would suit you better.

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