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Changes in the BCS Qualifications Portfolio

In recent weeks, the BCS has issued two announcements, in the form of emailed Newsletters, which aim to keep Centres informed about the significant changes to the BCS Qualifications Portfolio that are planned.  A programme of further regular announcements is anticipated.

 
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Until recently, it seemed that major changes to ECDL would have to take place by September 2007 in order that ECDL would map to the new National Occupational Standards (NOS). However, due to a more recent statement from e-skills UK (the sector skills council for IT), and another from the ECDL Foundation, which has just  announced  a  new  ECDL  Syllabus  for 2008,  the goalposts have moved.  Now, minor changes to the existing portfolio will take place this year with the more major changes taking place in 2008.

 

If Centres are to be able to comply with these changes when they take effect, then they will need to be sure that their courseware and testing software provider will develop products that incorporate them.


So we want to reassure you here and now that Activ Training is committed to carrying out any development work necessary to ensure that all our customers can deliver the new portfolio in good time and with ease, both this year and next.  In fact, we have already embarked on a significant development programme of new courseware and testing modules, about which we will give you more information and updates in the coming weeks and months through further editions of ‘Activ News’. 

 

Another thing on which you should be reassured is that, as a customer of Activ, you will receive updated versions of the courseware and testing software that arise during the term of your licence, free of charge and will continue to enjoy the usual prompt, knowledgeable and friendly support service provided through our Help Desk.

 

It is fair to say that some of the detail of the changes is still somewhat unclear, but we are working closely with the BCS so that we all move forward synchronously during what is a challenging period.

 

Here is a summary of the changes that have been announced so far:-

  • From September 2007, BCS IT User Level 1 will be renamed ‘ECDL Essentials’, and will include the present ECDL Modules 1,2 and 7, but with some minor content revisions in order to map to NOS.
  • Also in September 2007, BCS IT User Level 2 will be renamed ‘ECDL Extra’ and will include ECDL modules 3,4, 5 and 6 and the existing ‘Unit E’, as it does now.
  • ECDL Advanced will retain its name and will consist of three modules from four, plus Unit E, also as it does now.
  • New modules on IT Troubleshooting, IT Maintenance, IT Security and Website Design will be introduced in September 2008 and may be affected by the new ECDL Syllabus that will come into force then, but of which there is no detail at present.

If you want to raise any questions about the forthcoming changes with us, then please contact your Account Manager or use the enquiry form linked to this news item: Contact Us

 

Please bear in mind that this situation is somewhat volatile and therefore is subject to change.  Keep reading Activ News over the coming months for the latest information.  We will make it our job to keep you informed!
 

March 2007

 
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