Learners with no or low digital skills will benefit from accessing a fully funded and up-to-date qualification that reflects the evolving digital landscape.

The Essential Digital Skills framework defines the digital skills adults need to safely benefit from, participate in and contribute to the digital world. These qualifications are suitable for all ages and support the development of key digital skills such as using devices, creating and editing digital media, using technology to communicate, buying and transacting online, and how to stay safe and secure when using technology.

Qualifications will be available in Entry Levels and Level 1 and available to teach in England only.

The standards set out the digital skills needed for work and life across two skills levels:

Entry Level – designed for adults with no or little prior experience of using digital devices or the internet.

• 45 GLH | 50 TQT

Level 1 – designed for adults with some experience of using digital devices and the internet but lacking secure basic digital skills.

• 45 GLH | 50 TQT

The standards include a single Entry Level, rather than three entry sub-levels to reflect how digital skills are typically taught, learned and applied. The Entry Level skills statements include skills across the three entry sub-levels.

Assessment at Entry Level

• Task based assessment
• Question paper
• Observation with the learner.

Assessment at Level 1

• Task based assessment
• Question paper

First Teach September 2020 (subject to Ofqual approval).