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Digital Functional Skills Qualification (Level 1)

Essential digital skills for life long success.

Please note: Assessment dates will be available in January 2026 to start the course in February. Complete an enquiry form to be added to the waiting list.

Course description

Accredited by NOCN.

The course will equip you with the confidence to use digital skills effectively in a variety of contexts.  You will work towards preparing to successfully pass your assessment and achieve your qualification on completion. 

During your participation of the course you will develop the following skills:

Using devices and handling information

  • Device features: Understanding the main features and uses of different types of devices.
    • Application software: Knowing what applications are and the main types of application software.
    • Online navigation: Navigating online content to locate required information.
    • Internet searches: Conducting searches on the internet.
    • File management: Using files and folders to organise and retrieve information. 

Communicating

  • Digital footprint: Understanding the implications of a digital footprint and the activities that leave one. 

Transacting

  • Verification checks: Complying with verification checks to complete online transactions. 

Being safe and responsible online

  • Online safety: Understanding the need to stay safe and respect others when using the internet.
  • Privacy protection: Knowing methods to protect personal information and privacy online.
  • Security features: Setting up and using security features to access devices and online services.
  • Physical health: Knowing how to minimise physical stresses from using devices. 

Enquire

Course level

Level 1 - These qualifications are for learners who want to build on their basic skills or knowledge gained at Entry Level, or those who have gained some experience in the workplace.

Who is this course for?

Residents of Calderdale aged 19+ who already have basic mouse, keyboard and computing skills. You will ideally have achieved the Entry 3 digital skills qualification or have demonstrated your ICT skills as working towards level 1 via an electronic initial assessment.  You are ready to sit an exam to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

What do I need to bring?

  • A pen – black or blue.
  • Highlighter pens.

You will use Google Classroom throughout your course to view work from your lessons, receive messages from your tutor, and access online resources. You can access this on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop/computer. Your tutor will support you to log-in during your first lesson, and the Learner Support team is always on hand to help with any issues. 

Assessment process

We want you to build on the skills you already use. During the assessment process you will complete an electronic initial assessment which will inform you about your current level of knowledge. You will then complete a diagnostic assessment which will inform you about the gaps in your current level of knowledge. Your teacher will use the assessment results to plan lessons to support your progress. 

Exam process:

  • 1 hour 45 minutes scenario based task.
  • 15 minutes knowledge test.
Qualification-based learning

Course information

Start date: 10th February 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Day: Tuesday
Venue: Heath Campus

Course length: 18 weeks
Course code: IT01DFS2
Course level: Level 1

Fees

Full fee: Free of charge
Fee waiver available: N/A
Additional costs: No

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Additional information

Learning delivery method

We have the skills, resources and dedication to help you access the learning you need to enrich your life.

Your course will be delivered by a highly qualified, experienced and knowledgeable tutor via:

  • The classroom, face-to-face teaching at Heath Campus or other venues in Calderdale.
  • Also, Google Classroom will be used to access:
    • electronic learning resources;
    • coursework set by your tutor;
    • collaborative work;
    • and online sessions, if needed.

What we expect from you

You must do various learning activities so we can make sure you are making the expected progress. This is because:

  • your course is funded in full or part by the Government via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority;
  • and all Calderdale Adult Learning (CAL) learning is subject to Ofsted inspection.

You may need to do extra work outside of session times to extend your learning or comprehension, where needed. Also, you are expected to be:

  • punctual;
  • attend regularly;
  • and show commitment to achieve successful completion of the course.

Important: You may lose your place, if:

  • your attendance drops below 88%;
  • or you do not attend three classes in a row and have not informed CAL.

How you will know if you are making progress

An Initial Assessment activity at the start of the course will enable your tutor to assess your starting point.

  • For non-accredited learning this will be completed using a set tutor assessment relevant to the subject area.
  • For accredited courses this requires learners to complete an assessment on the BKSB learning platform.

In every class we acknowledge and accommodate for different levels of skill and experience. This is so learners will be encouraged to identify and work on their own areas for improvement.

You will have a 'Learner Journey' with your tutor. Here, you will set the learning targets that you want to meet.

During the course, you will have the chance to:

  • discuss your progress with your tutor;
  • complete regular assessments;
  • and be given feedback, both verbal and written, on work that you produce.

Support for your progression and next steps

Please refer to:

  • the advice given to you by your course tutor towards the end of your course;
  • or speak to CAL's IAG Officer for information on how you can progress.

For our latest courses, see: Adult Learning.

If you need support in literacy, numeracy, IT or employability skills, please speak to your tutor in the first instance.

Information, advice and guidance

CAL Service has been awarded the matrix Standard, the national quality standard for organisations delivering IAG on learning and work.

We aim to help learners progress through their chosen course of study. Tutors, learning support staff and our IAG Officer can help you decide if a course is right for you. If it is not, we will aim to put you in touch with another provider.

For more detailed and specific careers advice, we work in partnership with the Education Development Trust.

You can also contact the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900. Their website is also an excellent source of information on careers, finding a job, courses and learning: National Careers Service.

Contact us

Calderdale Adult Learning:

Address:

  • Heath Campus, Unit 4, Free School Lane, Halifax. HX1 2PS.

Phone:

Email:

Office hours:

  • Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm.
  • Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

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