For the award of a certificate, candidates must successfully complete the assessments for the one core unit plus two optional units within the Level 2- Diploma for IT Users

Core units
021 IT Principles (Core)
Optional units
022 Word Processing
023 Spreadsheets
024 Database
208 Website Design
City & Guilds Unit 021 IT Principles Level 2 (core)
Rationale
The aim of this unit is to provide candidates with the knowledge to completely [prepare and perform a variety of tasks using Information technology. Candidates will gain a basic knowledge of software application packages and be able to deal with everyday problems arising in an IT working environment.

There are 5 outcomes to this unit. The candidate will be able to:
1. prepare peripheral devices and hardware for use
2. use software applications
3. manage and maintain directory structures
4. use the operating environment
5. identify health and safety requirements

Guided learning hours
The recommended guided learning hours for this unit are 60.

Assessment
Assessment will be by means of a set assignment covering practical activities and a multiple choice test covering underpinning knowledge

Level 2: Outcome 1: prepare peripheral devices and hardware for use
IT Principles Level 2
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. select hardware for use with specific software applications: printer, speakers, VDU, mouse, keyboard
2. install input/output devices for use: applications printer, speakers, VDU, mouse, keyboard
3. use suitable media/storage devices: zip, drivers, CD writers, floppy discsconfigure printer for economy: alignment, black/white, collate, envelopes, card Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. describe the functions of input devices: keyboard, mouse, tracker ball, joystick, touch pad, touch screen, scanner, light pen, plotter, microphone, digital/video cameras
2. describe the functions of output devices: VDU, printer, plotter, speakers, speech synthesizers, projection devices
3. identify the features of : VGA, Super VGA and XGA, including monitor settings, resolution, refresh rate
4. describe and give examples of:
* work stations, wide area networks (WAN) local area networks (LAN), client/server, peer to peer, URL, ISP, Internet/Intranet, protocol
5. describe how hardware affects the efficiency of the computer: processor speed, RAM , hard drive
6. identify the main types of memory storage devices and give comparisons in terms of speed, cost and capacity eg. Internal/external hard disc, zip drives, data cartridges, CD ROM, floppy disc
7. describe precautions when handling and storing: floppy disc, CDs, zip discs, tape streamers
8. state the standard capacities for different types of storage media

Level 2: Outcome 2: use software applications
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. select and use software application for word processing, spreadsheets and databases
2. uses settings for margins, page size and orientation and text enhancements
3. use spell and grammar checker and help facilities in application software packages
4. use integrated software to merge document form different applications
5. select, open and save e-mail attachment in selected folders
6. use a browser to locate a web site and download information to a hard disc

Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to
1. describe the terms GUI and ' user friendly'
2. state the advantages of using integrated software
3. describe the term ' overwrite'
4. identify the field names and field types in database structure
5. state the meaning of the following terms: cell addresses, row, columns, formulae
6. describe the advantages of mail merge
7. explain what is needed in terms of hardware and software to connect to the Internet
8. describe legal issues concerning software copyright, licensing, multi licensing
9. describe the main uses of commonly used packages: presentation, word/document processing. Spreadsheet, database, financial applications, computer added design (CAD)/vector based graphics,
10. photographic image/bitmap graphics, Internet browser

Outcome 3: Manage and maintain directory structures
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to
1. create folders, sub folders, directories and subdirectories
2. maintain folders and directory structure
3. within a directory structure manipulate files, folders and sub-folders, multiple files:
* copy
* move
* delete
* cut and paste
* drag and drop
4. view the attributes and properties of directories, folders and files
5. recover deleted files
6. use the search and advanced search functions
7. including wild cards, to locate files and folders by date, name, content
8. make backup copies of files and folders
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. identify common filename extensions used to describe the following type of files: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, rich text, image
2. describe what makes an effective directory structure
3. describe how to prevent the loss and corruption fo data: write protect, virus checking, backup procedures, protection form environmental damage
4. describe what is meant by the terms 'freeware' and 'shareware'
5. identify the eight principles of the Data Protection Act
Outcome 4: use of the operating environment

Practical activities
The candidate will be able to
1. use show/hide toolbars, menus, keyboard shortcuts
2. operate view and navigate functions using pointer devices, click operations, keyboard, scroll bars, zoom, magnification, whole page, print preview
3. respond to error messages and prompts
4. select a printer for use as a default printer
5. access shred data and configure rights of other users to own files
6. create a desktop shortcut
7. verify a computer desktop configuration eg date and time, volume settings, desktop display settings, desktop default, display options/settings, regional settings, currency
8. use system tools such as scandisk and defrag
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. explain the terms 'write protection' and 'read-only' protection
2. describe the advantages and disadvantages of network computers
3. describe methods of maintain confidentiality and privacy over a network
4. describe advantages and disadvantages and disadvantages of using screen saver
5. describe the term 'multi-tasking' and how it can be used
Outcome 5: identify health and safety requirements
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to
1. maintain a clean, safe and tidy environment
2. use methods of reducing fatigue and excessive eye strain when operating VDU
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. Describe the causes of visual and physical fatigue when using VDUs
2. describe the elements and practices to create a good working environment:
* frequent breaks away from the computer
* correct position of screens, chairs, keyboards
* adequate lighting and ventilation
3. identify heath and safety precautions when using a computer:
* ensuring that power cables are safely secured
* ensuring power points are overloaded
4. identify hazards and report them to the appointed person
5. explain the term 'ergonomics'
6. identify injuries common in a bad working environment
* repetitive strain injuries
* eye strain
* bad posture
7. identify cleaning procedures related to IT equipment
City & Guilds Unit 022 Wordprocessing Level 2 (Optional)
Rationale
A candidate who successfully completes this unit will be able to use a worprocessor to create and edit and check common types of documents ensuring clarity and readability.

There are 6 outcomes to this unit. The candidate will be able to
1. plan and prepare to produce new documents
2. produce new documents
3. produce new documents using mail merge facilities
4. edit existing documents
5. check produced documents
6. save and print documents

Assessment
Assessment will be by means of a set assignment covering both practical activities and underpinning knowledge.

Outcome 1: plan and prepare to produce new documents
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. produce draft layouts for different types of document (e.g.: business letter, memo, mailshot, report, invoices, itineraries, flyer)
2. plan the production of documents and the facilities required: mailmerge, templates
3. sketch suitable positioning and appearance of required text and graphics
4. check the required data is available (e.g.: graphics, text, numerical data, data files)
Underpinning knowledge - the candidate will be able to:
1. identify common types of documents (eg: business letters, fax cover sheets, reports, newsletters, promotional material, invoices, itineraries) and layouts suitable for each, including page orientation and margins.
2. describe how common wordprocessing facilities (eg: mail merge, template, tables and styles) can be used to produce documents efficiently
3. identify the main paper sizes and state their typical uses
4. state how different styles and sizes of fonts can affect the appearance of a document (eg: readability, impact, structure)
5. state the purpose of text enhancement and when it should be used (bold, underline, italics, emphasis)
6. identify common methods used to structure text (eg: paragraphs, alignment, line spacing, tabs, indentation, tables, bulleted/numbered lists)
7. state how the use and positioning of graphics can be used to improve the appearance of a document

Outcome 2: produce new documents
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. start the wordprocessing software with a new blank documents or templates where suitable
2. use templates to produce documents including business letters memos and reports as required
3. set up the page layout for a planned document, i.e. paper size, orientation, margins, columns, sections
4. create headers and footers for the document, with suitable contents
5. input required text with suitable formatting:
* special symbols (accents, (c) etc)
* different alignments (left, right, centre, justified)
* enhancement (bold, underline, italic)
* tabulation (tabs, tables)
* font size and style and horizontal spacing
* paragraphs and indentation
* bulleted lists
* numbered lists
6. insert section, column and page breaks as required
7. select and insert objects in suitable positions:
* date, time and filename fields
* files
* charts
* graphics
8. adjust the size/scale of inserted objects
9. copy and past text from existing document into a new document
10. insert tables into documents
11. format tables to achieve suitable presentation by:
* positioning tables
* adjusting row and column sizes
* splitting and merging cells
* applying borders and shading
* adjusting vertical and horizontal alignment in cells
* adjusting margins in cells
12. insert automatic page numbering
Underpinning knowledge - the candidate will be able to:
1. identify suitable uses for text enhancement and lines, borders and shading in documents
2. identify the main purposes of using headers and footers, and their contents
3. describe the reasons for using graphic representation of data in documents (eg: charts and graphs)
4. describe the reasons for using date, time and filename fields, and their limitations
5. describe suitable uses for tables in wordprocessed documents
6. state the difference between hard and soft page breaks
7. identify when hard page breaks should be used
8. state the importance of page numbering and page totals (eg: page X of Y)

Outcome 3: produce new documents using mail merge facilities
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. plan suitable structures for data files
2. create data files and input the required data
3. create main documents to be used in merges, and link them to data files (eg: mailshots, labels, visitor badges)
4. insert required merge fields into main documents
5. merge documents and preview the results
6. produce merged output to:
* screen
* storage
* printer
Underpinning knowledge - the candidate will be able to:
1. describe common uses of mail merge facilities in wordprocessing
2. identify the type of data that should be in the main document of mail merges
3. describe the purpose of data files used in mail merges
4. describe how data files are structured (eg: data field, data record, data item)
5. describe problems that might occur during mail merge operations
Outcome 4: edit existing documents
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. open existing documents for editing from:
* hard disks.
* floppy disks
2. check the existing page layout and change as required (e.g.: paper size, orientation, margins, columns, sections, borders, shading)
3. edit characters, texts blocks and graphics in existing documents by:
* selecting (highlighting)
* inserting and deleting
* copying and pasting
* cutting and pasting
4. check existing text formats and change as required (i.e. alignment, enhancement, line-spacing, tabulation, font size, horizontal spacing paragraphs and indentation, bulleted and numbered lists)
5. select and use styles to apply multiple changes to text formatting
6. create and apply new styles to achieve suitable presentation
7. modify the positioning and formatting of objects in a document (charts and graphics)
* grouping and ungrouping
* in front of text/other objects
* behind text/other objects
8. modify section, column and page break as required.
9. check page numbering and page totals, and modify as required.
Underpinning knowledge - the candidate will be able to:
* describe the advantages of using styles
* describe the reasons for grouping and ungrouping object
Outcome 4: Check-produced documen.
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. use a spell checker on part and whole documents and change the text as required
2. add new word to the spell checker as required
3. proof read document to check:
* accuracy (e.g. original data has been input accurately)
* correctness (e.g. spelling, names, valid dates)
* meaning (e.g. the sense of original data has not been changed by editing;
the correct forms of words have been used (there/their etc) and make changes as required.
4. use search and replace to make correction to whole documents
5. use print preview to check the layout of the finished document and change as required.
Underpinning knowledge - the candidate will be able to:
1. explain why it is necessary to add new words to the dictionary of a spell checker
2. identify the limitations of automated spell checkers
3. state the importance of checking documents for accuracy, correctness and meaning
4. state the importance of checking the layout of the finished document in a wysiwyg display such as print preview
Outcome 6: save and print document
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. save document with suitable filenames in specified location on:
* hard disk.
* floppy disk.
2. save page layouts as a templates
3. make copies of the documents, giving them new names using 'save as...'
4. add paper to the printer as necessary
5. print check and previewed documents
6. checked printed output for accuracy and layout
7. close finished document and the word processing software
Underpinning knowledge - the candidate will be able to:
1. State the difference between 'save' and 'save as...', and when each should be used
2. Describe the main purposes of templates
City & Guilds Unit 023 Spreadsheets Level 2 (Optional)
Rationale
A candidate who successfully completes this unit will be able to implement spreadsheet applications, design and create spreadsheets, to use spreadsheets to import data and produce abstracts, and to summarise data with charts.

There are 5 outcomes to this unit. The candidate will be able to:
1. design a spreadsheet to meet a given specification
2. create and test a spreadsheet
3. link, import and extract data
4. produce graphs and charts
5. export and print spreadsheets

Assessment
Assessment will be by means of a set assignment covering both practical activities and underpinning knowledge.
Outcome 1: design a spreadsheet to meet a given specification
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. create a data capture form to facilitate data input
2. identify data in a spreadsheet specification
* data to be input
* data generated while processing
* output data required
3. plan a spreadsheet structure to include
* data labels, column and row titles
* hidden and/or protected cells
* cell naming, absolute and relative cell references
* header/footer information
4. use suitable formats for data
* alignment: left centre right
* text enhancements
* cell attributes: size, borders, background
* numbers: general, fixed, percentage, currency, date/time
5. perform calculations using formulas
* maximum
* minimum
* count
* round
* date
6. create and use simple IF statements
7. calculate the result of a simple IF statement
8. define the printout required for a given application
* page size & orientation
* margins, multi-page or fit-to-page,
* headers and footers
9. create test data to validate the spreadsheet with associated results of independent calculations
* representative, marginal, rogue and extreme values
Underpinning knowledge - the candidate will be able to:
1. describe the need for accuracy in design, data input and clear output
2. distinguish between input data, output data and data processing, in spreadsheets
3. identify the kinds of data that should be protected and/or hidden in a spreadsheet
4. describe how the design of the spreadsheet and the accuracy of data input, impact on the output data
Outcome 2: create and test a spreadsheet
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. create a spreadsheet according to a given design
* enter titles and headings
* enter formulas, functions and constant data
* format columns, rows and cells appropriately
2. improve and adjust design to facilitate data entry and output
3. insert, delete, clear: calls rows and columns
4. move and copy cell data, formulas and formats
5. use search and replace to edit data/formulas
6. use split/freeze window to retain column- and row-heading visibility
7. test a spreadsheet
* input test data and compare results with expected outcomes
* rectify errors in design or in design implementation
8. set a spreadsheet to show formulas
Underpinning knowledge - the candidate will be able to:
1. identify the advantages of using freeze panes, screen borders and windows
2. describe commonly used cell formats and relate them to typical numeric data used
3. define the relational operators equal to (=, greater than(>), less than(<)
Outcome 3: link, import and extract data
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. copy values and formulas from one spreadsheet into another
2. create cell references that link spreadsheets
3. create new spreadsheets from sections of existing spreadsheets
4. save edited spreadsheets
Outcome 4: produce graphs and charts
Practical activities - the candidate will be able to
1. select and use chart-type to suit data
* pie - single data series 100%
* bar - grouped/discrete data - especially comparing size
* column - grouped/discrete data - especially showing time variation
* line - continuous data, trends at equal intervals
* XY & scatter - dependent and independent values, unequal intervals
2. format chart information to suit data
* titles and axes labels
* axes scales and limits
* gridlines, and gridline density
* legends and data labels
3. format chart aesthetically by changing
* background
* line, area, and text attributes
* chart size relative to spreadsheet
* colours to suit monochrome/colour output
Underpinning knowledge - the candidate will be able to:
1. identify reasons why different types of chart are suited to different types of data
City & Guilds Unit 024 Databases - Level 2 (optional)
Rationale
The aim of this unit is to equip candidates with the opportunity to develop skills appropriate to the use of database software including multiple condition searches, sorting and indexing, create forms, create reports and produce hard copy.

There are 7 outcomes to this unit. The candidate will be able to:
1. apply database concepts
2. create and modify a database structure
3. create and use a data entry form
4. maintain a database
5. sort and index a database
6. carry out single and multiple condition searches
7. create and modify a report and produce a hard copy

Guided learning hours
The recommended guided learning hours for this unit are 60
Assessment
Assessment will be by means of a set assignment covering both practical activities and underpinning knowledge.
Outcome 1: apply database concepts
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to
1. identify and use
a table for sorting data
b query for retrieving records according to criteria
c form for screen based data entry
d report for presentation of information
2. use and describe data types
a character or text
b numeric
c date/time
d currency
e logical
3. make backup copies of the data files/tables using filenames which identify them as backup copies, storing them in a suitably identified location
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. describe the basic concepts of databases
2. identify and justify typical applications for database software
3. describe the use of logical operators
a AND
b OR
c NOT
d YES/NO
e TRUE/FALSE
4. describe and distinguish between relational operators
a equals =
b less than <
c greater than >
d less than or equal to <=
e greater than or equal to >=
f not equal to <>
5. describe the importance of file management within a database file
structure.
Outcome 2: Design, create and modify a database structure
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. design and create database structures using appropriate field names,
data types, specifying additional attributes or properties of the data types
wherever appropriate
2. modify database structures
a insert new fields
b modify the data type of suitable existing fields
c modify the attributes or properties of the data type of suitable existing
fields
d delete an existing field
e define a primary key for an appropriate table/file
f remove a primary key from an existing table/file
3. copy and modify existing database structures for use with new data
4. save and print database structures
5. enter data into new database structures
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to
1. explain the term 'primary key'
2. describe a database structure in terms of filed names and data types including the attributes or properties of the data types where applicable, e.g. field length, date format
3. describe the impact of design on the database function
Outcome 3: design, create and use data entry forms
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. design and create entry forms for screen input
2. modify data entry forms for screen input
3. use data entry forms for inputting of data
4. use data entry forms for editing of data
5. save data entry forms using an appropriate name
6. print data entry forms
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. describe the importance of user-friendly design principals when creating a data entry form
Outcome 4: edit and maintain a database
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. open existing databases and display the records and fields for editing
2. find and replace the contents of fields with new entries in one or more records
3. select records for deletion
4. delete selected records from a database
5. insert records in the correct position in sorted databases
6. enter data into new database structures
7. extract selected records from current databases and append the extract to a new database
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. describe why data may need to be extracted from one database and stored in another database
Outcome 5: sort and index databases
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. apply an index criterion to primary key fields
2. apply an index criterion to secondary key fields
3. sort the records in databases according to specified criteria
4. insert records in an indexed database
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. describe and identif6y primary and secondary fields in relation to sorting and multiple field indexes
2. identify the advantages of indexing databases
Outcome 6: carry out single and multiple condition searches
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. use relational operators:
a equals =
b less than <
c greater than >
d less than or equal to <=
e greater than or equal to >=
f not equal to <>
2. define and execute single condition searches on boolean or logical fields
3. define and execute multiple condition searches on data fields
4. define and multiple condition searches on fields other than Boolean/logical or data fields
5. define and execute multiple condition searches on two or more fields of differing data types
6. define and execute a condition to search for specified character or text fields7. use a wild card to search for specified data
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. describe the use of filter
Outcome 7: create and modify a report and produce hard copy outputPractical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. create a report with headings, subheadings and total showing:
* all records and all fields
* selected records and all fields
* selected records and selected fields
2. modify a report
* rearrange the order in which fields are displayed
* format fields: field width, alignment of the data, font size and style
* insert a graphic/image
3. insert headers and footers
4. use print options for report layout
5. save a report form
6. print a report form
City & Guilds Unit 208 Web site design - Level 2 (Optional)
Rationale
The aim of this unit is to equip candidates with the principles needed to be bale to create and maintain a series of web pages, which collectively form what is commonly known as a web site.

There are 6 outcomes to this unit. The candidate will be bale to:
1. describe and apply the basics of web page development
2. undertake user requirements analyses
3. use appropriate development tools to implement web pages
4. test web sites
5. use graphics software to create and manipulate images on web pages
6. publish and maintain web sites

Assessment
The assessment will be by means of a set assignment covering both practical activities and underpinning knowledge.

Outcome 1:Describe and apply the basics of web page developmentPractical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. achieve desired effects for:
* pages (set suitable default background page and text colours, background image)
* text (font, size, style, colour)
* paragraphs (paragraph and line breaks, indentation) using
a. a text editor to apply specific HTML tags
b. WYSIWYG HTML editing tools
2. convert images into formats suitable for inclusion on web pages
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. describe the effects that different screen resolutions and colour depths have on web pages
2. explain the significance of the speed of the internet connection between the user's computer and the internet, (different file sizes and download times)
3. describe the main features and capabilities found in web browsers
4. state the main features of the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and identify its limitations
5. describe the importance of the pixel
6. explain the advantages and disadvantages between different graphics file formats suitable for use in a web page
7. explain the issues involving copyright law relevant to internet web sites
Outcome 2: Undertake user requirements analyses:
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. design web sites for target audiences using storyboarding
2. create appropriate structure diagrams demonstration the linking structure of web pages
3. produce project plans for the incremental development of web sites including the gathering of suitable resources
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. identify the functions of different web sites, for example: educational, governmental and commercial (reference, selling, promotion, entertainment)
2. describe the term 'target audience'
3. identify the importance of a 'house style'
4. explain the relative merits of different page layout styles (standard, tables, frames)
5. identify how maintenance and further development need to be considered during design
Outcome 3: Use appropriate development tools to implement web pagesPractical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. create templates for pages used within a web site based upon house styles
2. embed images within web pages
a. set suitable alignment attributes
b. use the Alt tag to provide the user with alternative meaningful information
3. use tables to enhance the layout of
a. text and graphics
b. tabular information
4. use anchors (bookmarks) to establish hyperlinks within a single web page
5. use hyperlinks to:
a. pages within the same web
b. other sites on the World Wide Web
c. e-mail
d. FTP
6. create image maps
7. use meta tags to add keyword information to pages to aid search engines
Outcome 4: Test web sites
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. verify all inks to work as expected
2. use different browsers to preview pages and verify all components appear as expected
Outcome 5: Use graphics software to create and manipulate images on a web page
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. resize images within web sites:
a. for use as background images on pages
b. for use as icons or thumbnails
c. to specific dimensions
2. apply transparency to images
3. use file compression to achieve optimal quality of images within constraints (file size, download times)
4. apply 'web safe' palettes of colours to images
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. explain the factors that can affect the file size of an image:
a. number of colours
b. file compression
c. physical pixel dimension
d. file type
2. describe the advantage of 'transparency' when applied to an image
3. explain a purpose of using a 'web safe' palette of colours
Outcome 6: Publish and maintain web sites
Practical activities
The candidate will be able to:
1. use software to manage the development of web sites
2. publish (upload) websites to Internet/Intranet or other web servers
Underpinning knowledge
The candidate will be able to:
1. identify how the site can be promotes (register with search engine, advertise, exchange links with other sites)
2. state the need for security when sending certain types of information across the Internet