INTRODUCTION
Information Technology (IT) influences the lives of everyone, wherever we live or work in the world. Almost every aspect of our daily lives now involves using IT skills. In the increasingly dynamic world of work, people need to be able to work effectively with IT, to develop transferable IT skills and to apply those skills across different contexts and software packages. With advances in technology, people are also keen to ensure that their IT skills are kept up to date to make themselves competent, capable and competitive in today’s employment markets.

The Cambridge International Diplomas in IT recognise achievement in a range of skills which are required to use effectively a number of IT applications. These skills are assessed on the computer in the context of practical skills.

ASSESSMENT
Assessments are computer-based and available on demand throughout the year to complement flexible training patterns and learning needs.

The assessments use the latest developments in computer-based technology to assess a candidate’s ability to use software-specific applications and to develop IT skills.

All assessment is carried out on-screen and the immediate feedback of results to candidates is a central feature of these diplomas.

Within each application area, candidates will be required to enter and manipulate data, work closely to given specifications and successfully complete a range of tasks as specified. During the assessments they will be required to edit, copy, save and/or print the data on which they are working as appropriate.

FORM OF ASSESSMENT
Cambridge International Diploma in IT Skills is available in two levels, Foundation and Standard:

			Diploma in IT Skills Foundation Level is designed for anyone who wishes to develop basic competence in specific IT applications and to gain a broad introduction to practical, work-related IT skills. It is suitable for students, employees and trainees who shish to develop practical IT skills and for those who wish to receive recognition for basic IT competence that they may already possess.
			Diploma in IT Skills Standard Level is designed for anyone who has already gained a broad introduction to work-related IT skills and wishes further to develop competence in specific IT applications. It is suitable for students, employees and trainers who whish to develop practical IT skills and for those who wish to receive recognition for IT competence that they may already possess.

DIPLOMA STRUCTURE

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Each module can be examined separately as and when a candidate is ready. All candidates will receive immediate feedback of results indicating how well they have performed and whether or not they have passed the module assessment. Successful candidates will be issued a Statement of Result by the British Council.

For the four Application Modules of Word Processing, Databases, Spreadsheets and Presentations, the assessment is divided into three separate exercises. Each exercise has a set of on-screen instructions.

The Application Module in Using the Computer and Managing Files comprises a single exercise with several sets of instructions involving manipulation of a number of files across a number of directories and associated file management activities.

The Electronic Communication module is assessed by a combination of two separate practical tasks, one in a simulated email application, the other in a simulated internet environment. The practical tasks test candidates’ skills in managing e-mail and also in basic internet skills.

The assessments for these modules focus on the candidate’s ability to carry out practical tasks rather that to explain the theory of how the tasks are completed. Candidates are assessed on their performance of these tasks.

Each Application Module assessment is designed to be completed in 45 minutes or less. Candidates are shown the time remaining for the assessment by an on-screen clock. At the end of 45 minutes the test will automatically end and begin to mark the tasks carried out by the candidate.

To achieve the Cambridge International Diploma in IT Skills, candidates must successfully complete all Core Modules and at least one from a choice of Optional Modules. When the five Application Modules have been completed successfully, a candidate will receive a full Cambridge IT International Diploma certificate.

The assessments do not directly assess language skills, but are designed to give candidates the opportunity to show they can apply the skills specified in the syllabus.

CERTIFICATION
Two types of certification options are available:

			Standard Service – Candidates are awarded one final certificate on completion of five application modules.
			Premier Service – As an alternative, centres may choose to award candidates a certificate on completion of each application module.