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Level 3 · NCFE Self-paced
Enrolling now NCFE Approved Qualification number 603/5793/9

NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Coding Practices

Level 3 coding: methodologies, requirements, coding standards and design, databases, writing and debugging interpreted and compiled code, testing, and deployment. 180 guided learning hours, UCAS points are allocated to this qualification; see UCAS for the current tariff.

Duration: 180 guided learning hours, 260 total hours, self-paced online

Level
Level 3
Qualification number
603/5793/9
Awarding organisation
NCFE
Regulated status
On the RQF, regulated by Ofqual
Guided learning hours
180 hours
Total qualification time
260 hours
Delivery
100% online
Study pattern
180 guided learning hours, 260 total hours, self-paced online
NCFE This qualification is awarded by NCFE and regulated by Ofqual
NCFE Account No. 11001657

Course overview

This is a regulated Level 3 qualification (NCFE qualification number 603/5793/9). It is designed for learners who want to increase their knowledge, skills and understanding of coding. Successful completion of the required units will allow you to develop in-depth knowledge, skills and understanding of coding practices, and it supports progression into relevant employment and further study in coding. Throughout this qualification the term coding is used, which is also known as programming.

This qualification has been allocated UCAS points. Please refer to the UCAS website for the points allocation and the most up-to-date information.

The qualification aims to focus on the study of coding within the Information and Communication Technology sector, to offer breadth and depth of study incorporating a key core of knowledge, and to provide opportunities to acquire a number of practical and technical skills.

Its objectives are to enable you to understand the stages of the software development lifecycle, software methodologies and how working as a team contributes to effective software delivery; understand the purpose and use of coding standards, coding principles and practices and coding design processes; write and debug interpreted and compiled code distinguishing the different coding solutions; fix bugs using appropriate techniques and reflect on how bugs can be prevented; and understand deployment, configuration management and version control systems.

You study five mandatory units totalling 180 guided learning hours. Unit 01 covers the scrum, kanban, waterfall and agile methodologies and when each is suitable, requirements capture including epics, features, user stories and backlogs, risk management and the critical path, and how teamwork contributes to effective software delivery.

Unit 02 covers coding standards and the consequences of not following them, good coding principles and practices such as KISS, SOLID, DRY, defensive programming, commenting, refactoring and patterns, code reviews including pair and mob programming, databases covering structured and unstructured data, table structure, primary and foreign keys, querying and indexing, the principles of interface design covering UX, UI and information architecture, and building security by design into software at the development stage.

Unit 03 is practical. It covers the tools used in coding, selecting a development environment, source code control, the key concepts of coding and object orientated programming, and writing and debugging both interpreted and compiled code. You will implement a solution in each and distinguish the differences between them.

Unit 04 covers the levels, types and methods of testing across the software development lifecycle, functional and non-functional testing, test driven development and unit tests, and identifying and fixing bugs. You will diagnose a bug using variable watching, compiler warnings and unit tests, perform a fix on broken code and reflect on how the bug could have been prevented.

Unit 05 covers packaging an artefact, deployment planning, the difference between build and deploy, canary deployment, deployment and rollback strategies, continuous deployment, maintenance and change management, and configuration management and version control systems.

Assessment is by an internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence, with no exams. Evidence could include research, reports, a learner written statement, written or oral questions and answers, discussion, assignments and presentations. There is no work or industry placement requirement.

Delivery is 100% online with tutor support.

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 Coding requirements and planning (mandatory)
4 learning outcomes
  1. Understand software methodologies in project management
    • 1.1 Summarise the key features of the following: • scrum • kanban • waterfall • agile
    • 1.2 Describe the similarities and differences between: • scrum • kanban • waterfall • agile
    • 1.3 Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology
    • 1.4 Give an example of when each methodology is most suitable
  2. Understand the capture and documentation of requirements
    • 2.1 Identify the process of requirements capture
    • 2.2 Describe the following terms: • epics • features • user stories • backlogs
    • 2.3 Explain alternative methods of documenting requirements
  3. Understand risk management
    • 3.1 Explain what is meant by risk management
    • 3.2 Describe potential risks that could affect project delivery
    • 3.3 Describe how to reduce risk and follow risk mitigation
    • 3.4 Explain what is meant by a project’s critical path
  4. Understand how teamwork contributes to effective delivery of software
    • 4.1 Explain the need to develop working relationships with other teams
    • 4.2 Identify the benefits of developing positive working relationships with other teams and departments
    • 4.3 Explain conflict management techniques that may be used for effective team collaboration
    • 4.4 Explain the potential impact of ineffective working relationships with other teams and departments
    • 4.5 Explain how team members can reflect on progress and identify improvements
 M/618/0976 30
02 Understand coding design (mandatory)
6 learning outcomes
  1. Understand the use of coding standards
    • 1.1 Identify the importance of coding standards
    • 1.2 Explain the consequences of not following coding standards
    • 1.3 Explain the processes and tools that could be used to promote coding standards
  2. Understand the purpose of good coding principles and practices
    • 2.1 Identify good coding principles and practices used by Software Developers
    • 2.2 Explain why it is important to follow good coding principles and practices
    • 2.3 Draw conclusions from the use of coding practices and principles
  3. Know about coding reviews
    • 3.1 Identify different types of coding review
    • 3.2 Explain why code is reviewed
    • 3.3 Explain why it is important to undertake a coding review
    • 3.4 Explain the importance of effective feedback in a coding review
    • 3.5 Distinguish the difference between submitting and performing a coding review
    • 3.6 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of: • pair programming • mob programming
  4. Understand databases
    • 4.1 Explain what is meant by: • structured data • unstructured data
    • 4.2 Describe what is meant by databases
    • 4.3 Describe the structure and key components of a database table
    • 4.4 Explore the use of primary and foreign keys
    • 4.5 Describe techniques for querying databases
    • 4.6 Explain the purpose of database indexing
  5. Understand the principles of interface design
    • 5.1 Identify the elements of UX (User Experience) design
    • 5.2 Describe the differences between UX and UI (User Interface)
    • 5.3 Explain the key skills required for creative problem-solving
    • 5.4 Describe the key methods and techniques used in creative problem-solving
    • 5.5 Explain the importance of IA (information architecture) and UX
    • 5.6 Explain the principles of good user interface design
  6. Understand the importance of building security by design into software at the development stage
    • 6.1 Describe what is meant by building security by design into software at the development stage
    • 6.2 Explain methods used to ensure software is secure
    • 6.3 Identify types of security issues and threats that can impact software development
 A/618/0978 40
03 Implementation of coding (mandatory)
3 learning outcomes
  1. Understand tools used in coding
    • 1.1 Identify tools used in coding
    • 1.2 Select the appropriate development environment for different languages
    • 1.3 Describe what is meant by source code control
    • 1.4 Evaluate source code control solutions
  2. Understand key concepts of coding
    • 2.1 Explain these common coding concepts: • iterations • sequences • selection • data • methods
    • 2.2 Explain these object orientated programming concepts: • objects • fields • interfaces • classes • properties • encapsulation • abstraction • inheritance • polymorphism
  3. Be able to debug and write code
    • 3.1 Identify how to write and debug interpreted code
    • 3.2 Identify how to write and debug compiled code
    • 3.3 Identify issues that can occur cross-platform
    • 3.4 Implement a solution in: • interpreted code • compiled code
    • 3.5 Distinguish the differences between the coding solutions
 F/618/0979 40
04 Software testing (mandatory)
3 learning outcomes
  1. Understand different levels, types and methods of testing
    • 1.1 Identify different levels, types and methods of testing
    • 1.2 Explain the types and methods of testing used within the stages of the Software Development Lifecycle
    • 1.3 Explain the differences between functional and non-functional testing
  2. Know about test driven development
    • 2.1 Explain what is meant by test driven development
    • 2.2 Describe the structural composition of a unit test
    • 2.3 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of unit testing
    • 2.4 Consider what would make a bad unit test
  3. Be able to identify and fix a bug
    • 3.1 Explain techniques which can be used to identify and fix bugs
    • 3.2 Describe the benefits of the following techniques: • variable watching • compiler warnings • unit test
    • 3.3 Diagnose the cause of a bug using the following techniques: • variable watching • compiler warnings • unit test
    • 3.4 Perform a fix on broken code
    • 3.5 Reflect on how the bug could have been prevented
 T/618/0980 40
05 Understand deployment, maintenance and configuration management (mandatory)
3 learning outcomes
  1. Know about deployment
    • 1.1 Explain how to package an artefact
    • 1.2 Explain the importance of deployment planning
    • 1.3 Explain the difference between build and deploy
    • 1.4 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of canary deployment
    • 1.5 Describe what is meant by deployment strategy
    • 1.6 Describe what is meant by continuous deployment
    • 1.7 Identify what is meant by rollback strategy
  2. Understand maintenance in coding
    • 2.1 Identify the key elements of maintenance
    • 2.2 Explain why documentation of maintenance is important
    • 2.3 Explain the improvements that could be made in maintenance
    • 2.4 Explain why change management is used in maintenance
  3. Understand configuration management and version control systems
    • 3.1 Explain what is meant by configuration management
    • 3.2 Explain the tools and techniques used in configuration management systems
    • 3.3 Explain the main features and benefits of version control systems
 A/618/0981 30
Total guided learning hours 180

Entry requirements

  • There is no specific prior 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 2 digital skills or information technology related qualification, and a Level 2 mathematics qualification.
  • You will need a computer with a development environment, as Units 03 and 04 require you to write, debug and fix code.
  • Work or industry placement experience is not required.
  • 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 higher-level study in software development, including our Level 4 diplomas, and for developer roles. This qualification does not carry UCAS Tariff points.

Common questions

Who awards NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Coding Practices, and how do I get my certificate?

NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Coding Practices is awarded by NCFE, an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation, and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification number is 603/5793/9. The Data and AI School of London is an NCFE approved centre (Account No. 11001657). 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 3 Certificate in Coding Practices take?

This qualification carries 180 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 260 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 is no specific prior 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 £495. 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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