ICT

The OCR Nationals suite of qualifications provides candidates with high quality, industry-relevant qualifications geared to the specific requirements of key sectors. They are vocationally-related qualifications that provide valuable opportunities for individuals to develop skills and gain underpinning knowledge and understanding which will support entry into work or progression to further studies through Further Education or Higher Education.

These qualifications are typically (although not exclusively) aimed at young people aged 16-19 in full-time education who are seeking a career in ICT or wishing to further their studies at Level 3.

The OCR Level 3 Nationals in ICT have been developed to recognise candidates' skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT functions, environments and operations. They have been designed to accredit candidates' achievements in a modern and practical way that is relevant to the workplace. They do not certificate competence on the job but are work-related qualifications which will support progression to an NVQ once a candidate is in the workplace.

These qualifications specifically aim to:

  • Develop candidates' knowledge and understanding of the ICT sector and the chosen specialist pathway if selected
  • Develop candidates' skills, knowledge and understanding in contexts that are directly relevant to employment situations, thereby enhancing their employability within the ICT sector
  • Develop candidates' ability to work autonomously and effectively in a ICT context
  • Enable candidates to develop knowledge and understanding in specialist areas of ICT, and demonstrate the skills needed to participate in the operation and development of real ICT organisations
  • Encourage progression by assisting in the development of skills, knowledge and understanding that candidates will need to access further or higher education programmes or occupational training on a full-time or part-time basis
  • Encourage progression by assisting in the development of skills, knowledge and understanding that candidates will need to enter employment or enhance their current employment status
  • Promote interaction between employers, centres and candidates by relating teaching and assessment to real organisations.