Course Type: Beginner

ABOUT

In an increasingly digital world, cyber security is fast becoming a main concern for many organisations. With complex online scams and cyber crime, it’s essential that organisations have an understanding of preventative measures to maintain cyber security, including techniques and security checks needed to store data securely. This online course is a key starting point for anyone looking to begin their career in cyber security.

MODULES

• Introduction to cyber security
• Understand terminology used in cyber security
• Understand legal and ethical aspects of cyber security
• Understand common threats to cyber security
• Understand methods of maintaining cyber security
• Working with others in cyber security

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be a British, EU or EEA citizen, had been a permanent resident of the UK, EU or EEA for the whole of the previous 3 years and aged 19 or over. If you are aged between 19 and 23, you must also hold a Level 2 qualification.

EQUIPMENT

If you choose to complete the course online, you will need a computer or a laptop with access to the internet. If not, you’ll just need writing materials for the postal work booklet (it helps to underline in pencil).

NEXT STEPS

Once complete, you may complete another free qualification. We recommend Level 2 Working with People with Mental Health Needs, Level 2 Understanding Behaviour That Challenges or Children and Young People’s Mental Health qualification. There is a variety of courses available, so please look at our courses and see what interests you.

MODE OF STUDY

Online, remote delivery or postal

About the course

Are you interested in gaining a qualification to demonstrate your understanding of and competency in digital literacy skills?

The purpose of this qualification is to allow students to demonstrate understanding of and competency in, digital literacy skills. It will help students progress to a work role where digital literacy skills are required.

The objectives of this qualification are to enable students to use confidently the modules below. The qualification is run by NCFE and is a recognised qualification at Level 2.

– You complete six short units over a period of 12 weeks
– You will be asked to complete a short checklist before starting your course to check that you are on the right course, as it is also available at Level 1
– You will be allocated an online assessor who will check your work after you complete each unit to make sure you have covered the relevant tasks and receive feedback on your work
– Although this course is free to complete, if you withdraw from the course without completing you could be invoiced £100 for non-completion

Modules

• Understand how to protect devices and data
• Communicate socially and professionally using technology
• Apply digital skills in personal and business situations
• Use digital resources to facilitate their own career progression

Entry requirements

You must be a British, EU or EEA citizen, have been a permanent resident of the UK, EU or EEA for the whole of the previous three years and aged 19 or over. If you are aged between 19 and 23, you must also hold a Level 2 qualification.

Equipment needed

To achieve the qualification you will need to have access to:
1. A personal computer, laptop, tablet or other digital device
2. A web browser and Internet connectivity
3. An email account, instant messaging account, video messaging and social networks
4. Be able to store completed work i.e. USB memory stick, network folder, work permitted computer storage
5. Online meeting software and equipment such as a webcam and microphone
6. Blogging software
7. Word processing software
8. Printer

Next steps

About the course

This course is free only for residents within the following areas: Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) is an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills and a pre-career starting point that helps individuals decide if a career in IT is right for them. It can also help organisations prepare non-technical teams for digital transformation.

Why is it different?

ITF+ is the only single certification that covers all areas of IT foundations making it ideal for non-technical professionals.

The CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam will certify that the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT infrastructure, application and software, software development, database fundamentals, and security.

In addition, candidates will have the ability to demonstrate their knowledge to:

– Install software
– Establish basic network connectivity
– Identify/prevent basic security risks
– Explain troubleshooting theory and preventative maintenance of devices

Modules

• IT concepts and terminology – understanding the basics of computing, systems, data and troubleshooting
• Applications and software – identifying common software applications and their purpose
• Infrastructure – understanding the hardware components in a computer, installing additional devices such as printers and establishing a basic wireless network
• Software development – understanding programming languages and their purpose
• Database fundamentals – understanding database concepts, structures and purpose
• Security – identifying and preventing basic security risks

Entry requirements

You do not need to hold any digital qualifications but a keen interest in the subject and a desire to work in the sector are key.

Equipment needed

Other than a notepad all equipment required for training will be supplied.

Next steps

On successful completion of the CompTIA ITF+ exam certification, you will be able to progress on to the CompTIA A+, which many employers in the digital sector look for when recruiting staff.