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Level 2 · NCFE Self-paced
Enrolling now NCFE Approved Qualification number 603/5854/3

NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Coding

An introduction to coding: languages, terminology, design principles, best practice, testing and DevOps, plus communication and project management. 155 guided learning hours, assessed by portfolio.

Duration: 155 guided learning hours, 255 total qualification time; self-paced online study

Level
Level 2
Qualification number
603/5854/3
Awarding organisation
NCFE
Regulated status
On the RQF, regulated by Ofqual
Guided learning hours
155 hours
Total qualification time
255 hours
Delivery
100% online
Study pattern
155 guided learning hours, 255 total qualification time; self-paced online study
NCFE This qualification is awarded by NCFE and regulated by Ofqual

Course overview

This is a regulated Level 2 qualification (NCFE qualification number 603/5854/3). It is designed for learners who want to gain knowledge of coding, and it may also support progression into further study in coding or other topics within the digital sector. The qualification focuses on an introduction to coding within the digital sector.

Its objectives are to enable you to gain an understanding of the principles of coding, the stages of the software development cycle, coding terminology and the key principles of writing code, different coding types, best practices in coding, methods of testing and the DevOps process, and effective communication and project management in coding.

You study five mandatory units totalling 155 guided learning hours. Unit 01 covers coding languages, the difference between procedural and object oriented languages, syntax, the job functions, roles and careers of a coding professional, and all six stages of the software development lifecycle: requirement gathering and analysis, design, implementation or coding, testing, deployment and maintenance.

Unit 02 covers basic computer terminology including the Central Processing Unit and Random Access Memory, data and data types, units of code, DRY and WET code, open and closed source code, and the key principles of writing code such as collections, control flow, iterations, recursions, queues, stacks and lists, variables, functions and operands.

Unit 03 covers imperative, declarative, functional and object orientated coding, along with procedural, event-driven and multi-paradigm types and their advantages and disadvantages. It also covers compiled and interpreted code, and pure and impure functions including parallelisation.

Unit 04 covers best practice in coding, including the KISS principle, the single responsibility principle, separation of concerns, abstraction and solid principles. It also covers testing code, test driven development, bugs and debugging, the DevOps processes of continuous integration, continuous delivery and continuous deployment, and robust coding through exception handling and defensive programming.

Unit 05 covers communication in a coding environment, including methods of communication, adapting to different audiences, active listening, presenting information clearly and release notes. It also covers seeking and using feedback, project management including Lean and Waterfall and the triple constraint of scope, time and cost, and Agile development including Scrum, the roles of Product Owner, Scrum Master and Scrum team, and Scrum events.

Assessment is by an internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence. There are no exams. Evidence could include research, reports, a learner written statement, written or oral question and answer, discussion, assignments and presentations.

Delivery is 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.

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 Understand the principles of coding (mandatory)
3 learning outcomes
  1. Know about coding languages
    • 1.1 Define the term ‘coding’
    • 1.2 Define what is meant by a coding language
    • 1.3 Identify different coding languages available
    • 1.4 State the difference between procedural and object oriented language
    • 1.5 Define what is meant by syntax
    • 1.6 Identify different technologies that use code to run
  2. Understand job functions in coding
    • 2.1 Identify the key job functions of a coding professional
    • 2.2 Identify key skills requirements for a coding professional
    • 2.3 Explain why project management skills are important in coding
    • 2.4 Identify different roles within a coding team
    • 2.5 Explain why team working is important in coding
    • 2.6 Identify different careers and career progression available
  3. Understand the software development lifecycle
    • 3.1 Identify the key stages of the software development lifecycle
    • 3.2 Explain the different stages of the software development lifecycle
    • 3.3 Describe the importance of the planning stage
    • 3.4 Identify actions that may take place during the implementation stage
    • 3.5 Explain the importance of the testing stage
    • 3.6 Describe actions that may take place during the deployment stage
    • 3.7 Explain the importance of the maintenance stage
 M/618/1187 30
02 Understand terminology used in coding (mandatory)
3 learning outcomes
  1. Understand basic computer terminology
    • 1.1 Define what is meant by Central Processing Unit (CPU)
    • 1.2 Explain the function of Random-Access Memory (RAM)
    • 1.3 Define the term ‘data’
    • 1.4 Identify the key purpose of data types used in coding
    • 1.5 Identify ways that data can be stored
  2. Understand coding acronyms and terminology
    • 2.1 Describe what is meant by a unit of code
    • 2.2 Identify the key characteristics of DRY code
    • 2.3 Identify the key characteristics of WET code
    • 2.4 Explain the key differences between DRY and WET code
    • 2.5 Describe what is meant by open source code
    • 2.6 Describe what is meant by closed source code
  3. Understand key principles when writing code
    • 3.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘collection’
    • 3.2 Explain what is meant by control flow
    • 3.3 Define what is meant by iterations
    • 3.4 Define what is meant by recursions
    • 3.5 Explain the use of queues, stacks and lists
    • 3.6 Explain the use of variables
    • 3.7 Describe the principles of functions
    • 3.8 Define operands/operations
 T/618/1188 30
03 Understand coding design principles (mandatory)
3 learning outcomes
  1. Know about different coding types
    • 1.1 Define what is meant by imperative coding
    • 1.2 Define what is meant by declarative coding
    • 1.3 Define what is meant by functional coding
    • 1.4 Define what is meant by object-orientated coding
    • 1.5 Identify other coding types
    • 1.6 State the advantages and disadvantages of functional, object-orientated and other coding types
  2. Understand what is meant by compiled and interpreted code
    • 2.1 Define the term compiled code
    • 2.2 Define the term interpreted code
    • 2.3 Explain the principles of • compiled code • interpreted code
    • 2.4 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of: • compiled code • interpreted code
  3. Understand what is meant by a pure function
    • 3.1 Define the term ‘pure function’
    • 3.2 Define the term ‘impure function’
    • 3.3 Identify potential dependencies/needs in pure function
    • 3.4 Explain the benefits of pure function
    • 3.5 Explain the term parallelisation
    • 3.6 Describe how parallelisation is managed
 A/618/1189 20
04 Understand the processes and practice of coding (mandatory)
4 learning outcomes
  1. Understand the principles of best practice in coding
    • 1.1 Describe what is meant by the KISS principle
    • 1.2 Give examples of the disadvantages of writing complicated code
    • 1.3 Define what is meant by the single responsibility principle
    • 1.4 Describe what is meant by separation of concerns
    • 1.5 Define what is meant by abstraction
    • 1.6 Describe what is meant by solid principles
  2. Understand the methods of testing code
    • 2.1 Explain what is meant by testing code
    • 2.2 Explain why it is important to test code
    • 2.3 Identify methods of testing code
    • 2.4 Describe the characteristics of a test driven development
    • 2.5 Explain the benefits of a test driven development
    • 2.6 Identify what is meant by a bug in relation to code
    • 2.7 Describe what is meant by debugging
  3. Understand DevOps processes
    • 3.1 Define what is meant by continuous integration
    • 3.2 Define what is meant by continuous delivery
    • 3.3 Define what is meant by continuous deployment
    • 3.4 Identify the steps required for: • continuous integration • continuous delivery • continuous deployment
    • 3.5 Identify the differences between: • continuous integration • continuous delivery • continuous deployment
  4. Understand the importance of robust coding
    • 4.1 Explain what is meant by exception handling
    • 4.2 Explain what is meant by defensive programming
 M/618/1190 35
05 Understand the importance of communication and project management in coding (mandatory)
4 learning outcomes
  1. Understand the importance of communication
    • 1.1 Explain the importance of communication
    • 1.2 Describe different methods of communication
    • 1.3 Identify when to use different methods of communication
    • 1.4 Explain the importance of adapting communication for different audiences
    • 1.5 Define what is meant by active listening
    • 1.6 Describe methods of active listening
    • 1.7 Describe ways of verbally presenting information and ideas clearly
    • 1.8 Explain how release notes are used to communicate information to others
  2. Understand the purpose of feedback in developing communication skills
    • 2.1 Describe ways of seeking feedback on communications
    • 2.2 Explain the purpose of using feedback to develop communication skills
    • 2.3 Explain what is meant by productive feedback
  3. Understand the principles of project management
    • 3.1 Define what is meant by project management
    • 3.2 Define the role of a Project Manager
    • 3.3 Identify the principles of Lean project management
    • 3.4 Identify the principles of Waterfall project management
    • 3.5 Explain what is meant by the triple constraint
  4. Understand Agile developments
    • 4.1 Define what is meant by an Agile development
    • 4.2 Identify the key characteristics of an Agile development
    • 4.3 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of an Agile development
    • 4.4 Describe what is meant by Scrum
    • 4.5 Explain the role of a: • Product Owner • Scrum Master • Scrum team
    • 4.6 Describe different Scrum events
 T/618/1191 40
Total guided learning hours 155

Entry requirements

  • There are no specific prior skills or knowledge a learner must have for this qualification.
  • Learners should be aged 16 or above to undertake this qualification.
  • Learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved a Level 1 Digital Skills or Information Technology related qualification.
  • All assessment evidence must be produced in English.
  • Registration is at the discretion of the centre, in accordance with equality legislation.
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

Your work is assessed by our qualified assessors, internally quality assured, and externally quality assured by NCFE. Assessment is against the criteria published in the qualification specification, and your assessor tells you what is needed before you start each unit.

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.

Progression

Progression: prepares you for our Level 3 Certificate in Coding Practices, and for junior and trainee roles in software development. This qualification does not carry UCAS Tariff points.

Other names for this qualification

The regulated title is NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Coding, qualification number 603/5854/3. People also look for it as:

  • Level 2 Coding
  • Coding Level 2
  • NCFE Level 2 Coding
  • Level 2 programming
  • programming Level 2
  • NCFE Level 2 programming
  • 603/5854/3
  • NCFE 603/5854/3
  • Coding course online
  • Coding qualification UK
  • Coding distance learning
  • programming course online

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 2 Certificate in Understanding Coding, and how do I get my certificate?

NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Coding is awarded by NCFE, an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation, and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification number is 603/5854/3. 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 2 Certificate in Understanding Coding take?

This qualification carries 155 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 255 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 specific prior skills or knowledge a learner must have 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 £395. 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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