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Functional Digital Skills – Entry Level 3 and Level 1

Colchester Institute is now offering the Functional Digital Skills Qualification. These skills are essential in many job roles as more digital technology is used to carry out tasks.

These courses are offered at Entry Level 3 and Level 1 and are fully funded for students aged 16-19 and adults aged 19+ who are employed or seeking work but have low or no digital skills.

This course is offered at two levels:

  • Entry Level 3 – designed for people with no or little prior experience of using digital device or the internet.
  • Level 1 – perfect for adults with some experience of using digital devices and the internet but lack secure basic digital skills.

The Entry Level 3 courses are for newer computer users and Level 1 for those that would like to develop their skills.

Both levels will prepare you for working in an increasingly digital world, providing the support you need to build your confidence when working with computers and applications for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.

These new courses are part of a government initiative to ensure no one is left behind from the rapid changes to technology. If you would like to learn new skills or sharpen those you already have, please make a booking enquiry today!

Digital Skills
Course Outline: This course is designed for learners who wish to better their employment opportunities.
DurationFlexible programme available to learners aged 18 or over
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester
Braintree
Clacton
Dovercourt
Start DateLearners can enrol on these courses throughout the year
AttendanceFlexible attendance throughout the year
PriceThe EDSQ Digital Skills qualifications are free for adult learners aged 19+
Entry Level

Struggling to get on because you lack digital skills?

Designed for adults with no or little prior experience of using digital devices or the internet, this qualification is what you need to learn how to use your smartphone or tablet more effectively.

The government will provide entitlement funding for learners in England aged 16 -19 and for adults, aged 19+ (employed or unemployed) with no or low digital skills who take the Ofqual approved Functional Digital Skills qualifications.

Suitable for anyone with no or very low digital skills, this is an online course that covers all five skills areas set out in the national standards:

  • Using devices and handling information.
  • Creating and editing.
  • Communicating.
  • Transactions.
  • Being safe and responsible online.

Learning and assessment will take place online*, and staff are able to provide additional support where necessary.

*Assessments must be sat onsite in your local Adult Skills Centre

Level 1

52% of people in the workforce do not have the digital skills required to carry out their jobs.

Designed for adults with some experience of using digital devices and the internet but lacking secure basic digital skills, this qualification can help you ensure you are not left behind as the role of technology increases.

Suitable for anyone, working or unemployed, who needs to increase their confidence when using digital technology, this qualification covers all five skills areas set out in the national standards:

  • Using devices and handling information
  • Creating and editing
  • Communicating
  • Transactions
  • Being safe and responsible online

Learning and assessment are both online and the course can be undertaken remotely. However, exams must be sat onsite at your local Adult Skills Centre.

How is the course assessed?

The course is assessed through one final exam that takes place in your local Adult Skills Centre. It is a two-hour test that covers knowledge questions and practical tasks involving creation of documents, simple spreadsheets and presentations.

Book a Careers Advice Appointment

The Adult Careers Service at Colchester Institute. Providing Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)

Colchester Institute is pleased to offer this free, confidential and impartial service for all adults (19+) employed and unemployed.

The Adults Careers Service can help you take the next step in finding the advice you need to make the right decision about your learning and working life.

For your free IAG session at a centre near you, please contact us using the telephone number or email below:

01206 583333
acs@colchester.ac.uk

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2025-26 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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