BTEC First Certificate in ICT Systems Support

Long-term projections predict continuing skills gaps in ICT expertise. The nature and detail of specific knowledge and skills required is difficult to predict because of the very fast pace of change in the technologies. New entrants to ICT therefore need to build underpinning knowledge as well as specific skills so that they can adapt as needed.

This is the BTEC First Certificate for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support), suitable for learners aiming to progress directly into employment in technical roles.

What is a BTEC First Certificate?

A BTEC First Certificate is a practical, work-related, one year course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

It introduces you to the work of ICT Technicians and provides a good basis to go on to a more advanced work-related qualifications.

A BTEC First Certificate takes one year to complete, and is equivalent to two GCSEs grades A*– C.

What is the course structure?

The course is made up of three units, studied over 6 hours per week. There will also be a work placement in an ICT support environment for part of the course.

You will take the following core unit:

Uses of IT
Understand the variety and purpose of different document types and how to present information effectively to users. The effective application of ICT also means you understand enough about different software applications in order to be able to choose which tools and techniques are most suitable and use them competently

You will also take two specialist units:

Technical Faults and Diagnosis
Diagnose common faults in ICT equipment by the application of diagnostic tools, the gathering and recording of relevant information and the analysis of this information to identify the cause of faults. The unit also deals with appropriate remedies for some common technical faults.

Networking Essentials
An understanding of the function of individual hardware and software components in a network and how they interconnect.

Assessment

All units are assessed and graded and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded. Assessment will be a mix of case studies, assignments and work-based assessments, along with projects, performance observation and tests. There are no exams.

The Future

You can progress to a higher qualification at Blatch6 e.g. BTEC First Diploma which can be studied during Year 13.

With further training or study, students go into careers such as :

End user support technician
Trainee IT support officer or technician

A BTEC First Certificate prepares you for employment and also provides a good grounding to go on to a more advanced course such as:

BTEC National Diploma, Certificate or Award for IT Practitioners.

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