Administration at a glance - Digital Employability

Other vocational qualifications

Following a review of our qualifications and in light of changes to funding, we have made the decision to withdraw the suite of OCR Digital Employability Entry Level 1-3 and Level 1 Award qualifications. The last entry date is 31 December 2021 and the last date to claim certificates is 31 December 2022. See our update for more details.

Whether you’re new to OCR, or already offer our qualifications, you might find our admin overview useful. This outlines the main administration processes for our Digital Employability qualifications, and will guide you to the relevant, detailed information on our website.

Part of our Life Skills suite, Digital Employability is a relevant and practical qualification providing the IT skills that students need in the workplace and everyday life. Ideal for a range of learners from 14-16 through to adult, it’s available from Entry Level 1 to Level 1 to suit various levels of knowledge and experience.

1. Get approved

If you’re not already an approved centre, the first step to offering Digital Employability qualifications is to complete the vocational centre approval form.

For Entry Level 3 and Level 1 qualifications, you’ll need access to Surpass, the on-screen test system. We’ll have set this up if you have specifically applied for Digital Employability approval, but if you were automatically approved, you’ll need to sign up.

2. Apply for access arrangements

You may need to apply for access arrangements before an on-screen test to enable students with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to access the assessment.

See the access arrangements page for more information.

3. Make entries

For the internally assessed units, you’ll need to register your students by making entries via Interchange so we can allocate a moderator to your centre and you can make claims. You can enter students for either the full award or individual units (but not both). There are no entry deadlines.

You don't need to make entries for the on-screen tests (Unit 1 of Entry Level 3 and Level 1 qualifications).

More detailed information is available in the Entries section and the Vocational Qualifications entry codes booklet.

4. Internal assessment arrangements

Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2 and Units 2–7 of Entry Level 3 and Level 1 qualifications

Assessment and moderation can take place at any time.

Entry Level 1 and Entry Level 2: These qualifications are assessed via an OCR-supplied evidence booklet, downloaded from the qualification page.
Entry Level 3 and Level 1: The internally assessed units are assessed via live assignments, downloaded from Interchange (Coursework and Tests, Entry Level area).

Once candidates have completed units, you can make claims for unit or full awards via Interchange. You must then send the work to the OCR moderator by post or email within 24 hours.

See the remote moderation page for more details.

5. Conduct on-screen tests

Unit 1 of Entry Level 3 and Level 1 qualifications only

You must deliver the tests in line with the regulations specified in the OCR Instructions.

The mandatory on-screen tests can be run at any time. You’ll need to use the on-screen test system, Surpass, to schedule and run the on-line tests for your learners. Practice tests are available.

See the on-screen test section for full details.

6. Receive results

Results will be issued electronically, via Interchange, as follows:

Internally assessed units - Within 21 days of submitting the work.
On-screen tests - Four to six weeks after the test.

7. Receive certificates

We’ll issue certificates five working days after the results are published.

Unit certificates will be issued once a candidate has achieved a unit. When the candidate has achieved the number of units required for the whole qualification, the overall certificate will be automatically issued.

8. Need help?

We’re here to support you throughout the assessment cycle and we produce a range of tools and additional guidance material you may find useful.

Your local Customer Support Manager can help with training, information and support, and there’s lots more information available on the support and tools page.