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Use ICT systems

This page gives a basic summary of the skills you must demonstrate for the Use ICT systems component of the ICT Functional Skills qualification.

Please note these are not full explanations, just basic guidance to help students understand the level of skills required.  For the full explanation you should see the QCA Functional Skills standards (PDF) although please note this is not really written for students. Please speak to your teacher for a fuller explanation.

Entry Level

Learners can:
interact with ICT for a given purpose, including

  • interact with and use an ICT system for a given puprose or to meet needs
    ICT: computer, touch screen, cash machine, mobile phone, multimedia devices, on-screen information
    purpose: find local community information, use learning software
  • recognise and use interface features
    icon, option button, hotspot, window, dialogue box, menu, drag and drop
  • use computer hardware
    keyboard, screen, printer, point and click device, headphones, microphone
  • use software applications for a purpose
    text processing, graphics, web browser, email
  • use correct procedures to start and shut down an ICT system
    log in, log out, use shutdown menu
  • use input and output devices
    keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, printer, headphones
  • select and use software applications to meet needs and solve problems
    word processing, graphics, internet browser, email, audio or video player
  • understand that settings can be adjusted according to individual needs
    window size, mouse settings, icon size, screen resolution, desktop contrast, volume
store information

  • work with files to enable storage and retrieval of information
    create, open, save, print and close files, name files appropriately
  • insert and remove media
    CD, DVD, memory stick, hard drives
follow and understand the need for safety and security practices

  • minimise physical stress
    adjust seating and lighting, avoid hazards, take breaks, arrangement of hardware and cables, wrist rests and other devices
  • keep access information secure
    keep copies safe, keep password or PIN secret
  • understand the need to stay safe and to respect others when using ICT-based communication
    avoid inappropriate disclosure of  personal information, use appropriate language

Level 1


interact with and use ICT systems independently to meet needs

  • use correct procedures to start and shut down an ICT system
    log in, log out, use shutdown menu
  • use a  communication service to access the internet
    broadband, dial-up, network, mobile device
  • select and use software applications to meet needs and solve given problems
    word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, internet browser, email, audio and video software
  • recognise and use interface features effectively to meet needs
    desktop, windows, dialogue box, menu, submenu, toolbar, scrollbar, drag and drop, zoom, minimise, maximise
  • adjust system settings as appropriate to individual needs
    window size, mouse settings, icon size, screen resolution, desktop contrast, volume
use ICT to plan work and evaluate their use of ICT systems

  • use ICT to plan and organise work
    time, convenience, cost
manage information storage
  • work with files and folders to organise, store and retrieve information
    create, open, save, save as, print and close files, create folders and subfolders, name files and folders appropriately
  • insert, remove, label and store media safely
    CD, DVD, memory stick, hard drives
follow and understand the need for safety and security practices
  • minimise physical stress
    adjust seating and lighting, avoid hazards, take breaks, arrangement of hardware and cables, wrist rests
  • keep information secure
    keep copies safe, take backups,keep password or PIN secret
  • understand the danger of computer viruses, and how to minimise risk
    use virus-checking software, treat files from unknown sources with caution
  • understand the need to stay safe and to respect others when using ICT-based communication
    avoid inappropriate disclosure of personal information, avoid misuse of images, use appropriate language,  respect confidentiality, use copy lists with discrimination

Level 2


select, interact with and use ICT systems independently for a complex task to meet a variety of needs

  • use correct  procedures to start and shut down an ICT system
    log in, log out, use shutdown menu
  • select and use a communication service to access the internet
    broadband, dial-up, network, mobile device
  • select and use software applications to meet needs and solve problems
    word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, browser, email, audio and video software
  • select and use interface features and system facilities effectively to meet needs
    desktop, windows, dialogue box, menu, submenu, toolbar, scrollbar, drag and drop, zoom, template, wizard
  • select and adjust system settings as appropriate to individual needs
    window size, mouse settings, icon size, screen resolution, desktop contrast, volume, date and time

use ICT to effectively plan work and evaluate the effectiveness of the ICT system used

  • use ICT to effectively plan work; review the effectiveness of ICT tools to meet needs in order to inform future judgments
    time, convenience, cost, quality, range of facilities, versatility

manage information storage to enable efficient retrieval

  • manage files and folder structures to enable efficient information retrieval
    create, open, save, save as, print, close, delete, view, rename, move and copy files, create folders and subfolders, name files and folders appropriately
  • insert, remove, label and store media safely
    CD, DVD, memory stick, hard drives
follow and understand the need for safety and security practices
  • minimise physical stress
    arrangement of hardware and cables, wrist rests and other devices
  • keep information secure
    keep copies safe, take backups, keep password or PIN secret
  • understand the danger of computer viruses and how to minimise risk
    use virus-checking software, treat files from unknown sources with caution
  • understand the need to stay safe and to respect others when using ICT-based communication
    avoid inappropriate disclosure of personal information, avoid misuse of images, use appropriate language, respect confidentiality, use copy lists with discrimination

troubleshoot

  • identify ICT problems and take appropriate action
    software freeze, respond appropriately to error dialogue, virus threat, storage full, paper jam, uninstall software, know when and whom to ask for help to fix the problem

Please note in places we have copied directly from the standards.  This is necessary to prevent ambiguity and we acknowledge the copyright of the QCA