Cambridge OCR · Level 3
OCR Level 3 Certificate for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support)
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelLevel 3
- Units in this qualification26
Awarded by Cambridge OCR · on the Ofqual register
What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
This qualification allows learners to develop skills in IT systems support. It covers areas such as software installation, equipment maintenance, and LAN switching. It is aimed at individuals seeking to work as IT practitioners.
These are the units Cambridge OCR registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
Customer Support ProvisionReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit equips learners with principles of customer support, including effective communication and issue resolution. You'll understand customer service standards and develop professional interaction skills.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles of effective customer support
- Provide customer support in a professional and helpful manner
- Resolve customer issues efficiently and effectively
- Understand the recognised standards of customer service within the industry
- Communicate effectively with customers using appropriate methods
Develop Customer Documentation and ProceduresReal unit · Cambridge OCR
It teaches you to develop clear and concise customer documentation and procedures. It covers the purpose, types, and legal requirements of documentation, ensuring accuracy and clarity to support customer satisfaction.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose of customer documentation in providing information and support
- Develop clear and concise customer documentation using appropriate language and formats
- Develop customer procedures that are easy to follow and meet organisational requirements
- Review customer documentation for accuracy, clarity, and completeness
- Understand legal and organisational requirements related to customer documentation and data protection
Hardware/Equipment and Systems InstallationReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll study hardware and equipment installation procedures, including site preparation and safety. The unit covers installation techniques, testing, and adherence to manufacturer instructions.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the procedures involved in installing hardware and equipment
- Install hardware and equipment according to given specifications
- Test hardware and equipment to ensure correct functionality
- Understand the processes involved in system installation
- Follow safety procedures during hardware, equipment and systems installation
IT Essentials II: Network Operating SystemsReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit provides learners with knowledge of network operating systems, including their concepts, configuration of network services, user account management, troubleshooting, and security principles. You'll be able to configure and manage network operating systems in practical environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental concepts of network operating systems
- Configure essential network services on a network operating system
- Manage user accounts and permissions within a network environment
- Troubleshoot common network issues using appropriate tools and techniques
- Understand the core principles of network security and their implementation
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Network InfrastructureReal unit · Cambridge OCR
It teaches you to implement, manage, and maintain a Microsoft Windows network infrastructure. You'll understand network topologies, protocols, IP addressing, and be able to configure and troubleshoot network components within Windows environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental network infrastructure concepts, including topologies, protocols, and addressing schemes.
- Implement a Microsoft Windows network infrastructure, including server and client configuration.
- Manage a Microsoft Windows network, including user accounts, group policies, and network resources.
- Maintain a Microsoft Windows network, including applying updates, monitoring performance, and ensuring security.
- Troubleshoot common network issues within a Microsoft Windows environment.
Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows ProfessionalReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll gain skills to install, configure, and administer Microsoft Windows Professional, including user account management, security features, and troubleshooting. The unit covers installation procedures and system configuration to maintain Windows environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Install Windows Professional operating system on a computer
- Configure Windows Professional, including user accounts, network settings, and system preferences
- Administer Windows Professional, managing user access, security policies, and system updates
- Understand Windows security features, including user authentication, access control, and data encryption
- Troubleshoot common Windows issues, such as software conflicts and hardware failures
Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows ServerReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers the installation, configuration, and administration of Microsoft Windows Server. You'll gain knowledge of server roles, features, user management, and troubleshooting server issues.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand Windows Server installation processes, including hardware requirements and installation options
- Configure Windows Server settings, such as networking, security, and storage
- Administer Windows Server, including user management, resource allocation, and system monitoring
- Understand server roles and features, such as Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP
- Troubleshoot server issues, including performance problems, connectivity issues, and security breaches
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft WindowsReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll develop knowledge and skills to install, configure, and administer Microsoft Windows operating systems. The unit includes understanding installation methods, system configuration, administration, security principles, and troubleshooting techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles and processes involved in installing Microsoft Windows operating systems.
- Configure Microsoft Windows operating systems according to specified requirements.
- Administer Microsoft Windows operating systems, including user management and resource allocation.
- Troubleshoot common issues encountered during the installation, configuration, and administration of Microsoft Windows.
- Understand the fundamental security principles relevant to Microsoft Windows operating systems and their implementation.
LAN Switching and WirelessReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit provides knowledge of LAN switching concepts and wireless networking standards. You'll be able to configure LAN switches, implement wireless security, and troubleshoot network connectivity issues.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental LAN switching concepts, including VLANs, spanning tree protocol, and port security
- Know the various wireless networking standards, such as 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, and their characteristics
- Configure LAN switches, including setting up VLANs, configuring port security, and implementing spanning tree protocol
- Implement wireless security measures, such as WPA2/3 encryption and access control lists
- Troubleshoot network connectivity issues in both wired and wireless LAN environments, using appropriate tools and techniques
Linux+Real unit · Cambridge OCR
It teaches you to understand and use the Linux operating system effectively. It covers Linux commands, system configuration, security features, and user and permission management.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core concepts of the Linux operating system
- Use Linux commands to perform various tasks
- Configure Linux systems to meet specific requirements
- Understand the security features available in Linux and how to implement them
- Manage Linux users and permissions to ensure system security
Maintain Equipment and SystemsReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll study equipment maintenance principles, including preventative and corrective approaches. The unit develops skills in diagnosing faults, maintaining equipment and systems, and documenting maintenance activities in line with health and safety standards.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of equipment maintenance, including preventative and corrective maintenance
- Diagnose equipment faults using appropriate tools and techniques
- Maintain equipment and systems according to manufacturer specifications and industry best practices
- Understand health and safety requirements related to equipment maintenance and safe working environments
- Accurately document maintenance activities, including fault diagnosis, repair procedures, and parts replacement
Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows EnvironmentReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll gain an understanding of Windows operating system concepts and user account management. The unit includes configuring system settings, troubleshooting common issues, and maintaining system security.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand Windows operating system concepts, including the kernel, file system, registry, and services
- Manage user accounts in a Windows environment, including creating, modifying, and deleting accounts, and assigning permissions
- Configure system settings in Windows, such as network settings, display settings, and power management settings
- Troubleshoot common Windows issues, such as blue screen errors, application crashes, and slow performance
- Maintain system security in a Windows environment, including installing security updates, configuring firewalls, and implementing anti-virus software
Network +Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit provides knowledge of network topologies, hardware, and software components, alongside skills to configure devices and troubleshoot network problems. You'll also understand fundamental network security concepts applicable to diverse network setups.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different network topologies, including their advantages and disadvantages
- Know the functions of network hardware and software components, such as routers, switches, and firewalls
- Configure network devices to meet specific network requirements
- Troubleshoot network problems, using diagnostic tools and techniques
- Understand network security concepts, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs
Network FundamentalsReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit introduces network fundamentals such as topologies, protocols, IP addressing, subnetting, and network security basics. You'll learn to configure network devices and troubleshoot connectivity issues within various network environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different network topologies and protocols used in modern networks
- Configure network devices such as routers and switches
- Troubleshoot network connectivity issues using appropriate diagnostic tools
- Understand IP addressing and subnetting schemes for network segmentation
- Understand the fundamental principles of network security and common security measures
Principles of Planning Telecoms ServicesReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers the principles of planning telecoms services, including capacity planning, redundancy, service options, and relevant regulations. You'll be able to plan telecoms services tailored to business needs and evaluate solutions effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of planning telecoms services for businesses
- Know the range of telecoms service options available, including broadband, mobile, and VoIP
- Plan telecoms services to meet specific business needs, considering cost and performance
- Understand relevant regulations and standards relating to telecoms services
- Evaluate telecoms solutions, assessing their suitability and effectiveness
Repair Centre ProceduresReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll explore repair centre procedures, focusing on health and safety, fault diagnosis, repair techniques, and quality control processes. They will gain the ability to diagnose faults and complete repairs while adhering to safety regulations and quality standards.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the procedures commonly used in a repair centre environment
- Follow health and safety procedures within a repair centre
- Diagnose faults in equipment and systems effectively
- Complete repairs to equipment and systems to a satisfactory standard
- Understand the quality control processes used to ensure repair quality
Routing Protocols and ConceptsReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll study routing protocols and concepts, including their purpose, operation, configuration, and troubleshooting. The unit covers various routing algorithms and protocols such as RIP, OSPF, and BGP, enabling learners to manage routing in network environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose and operation of various routing protocols used in computer networks
- Know fundamental routing concepts, including distance-vector and link-state routing
- Configure routing protocols on network devices, such as routers and switches
- Troubleshoot routing issues, identifying and resolving network connectivity problems
- Understand the characteristics and applications of different routing algorithms
Security+Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll study common security threats and vulnerabilities affecting IT systems and learn to implement security controls and respond to security incidents. The unit covers malware types, social engineering, vulnerabilities, and security policies to mitigate risks effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand common security threats and vulnerabilities that can affect IT systems
- Implement security controls to mitigate security risks
- Identify potential security risks within an IT infrastructure
- Respond effectively to security incidents, following established procedures
- Understand the importance of security policies and procedures in maintaining a secure environment
Server+Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll gain a thorough understanding of server hardware and software components, configuration, and maintenance. The unit covers troubleshooting, security principles, and performance optimisation.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental components of server hardware and software
- Configure server settings to meet specific requirements
- Troubleshoot server issues and implement appropriate solutions
- Understand the key principles of server security and data protection
- Maintain server performance through regular monitoring and optimisation
Service Delivery, Planning and ControlReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll understand service delivery principles, planning, and control within IT contexts, including resource management and quality assurance. The unit teaches you to plan and control service delivery activities aligned with customer requirements and organisational standards.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key principles of effective service delivery in an IT context
- Plan service delivery activities to meet customer requirements
- Control service delivery processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness
- Understand the importance of resource management in service delivery
- Understand the role of quality assurance in ensuring high-quality service delivery
Software InstallationReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll understand software installation processes, including preparation, configuration, and testing. The unit emphasises adherence to vendor instructions and organisational policies to ensure successful software deployment.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand software installation processes, including pre-installation checks and post-installation tasks
- Prepare for software installation by gathering necessary information and resources
- Install software according to vendor instructions and organisational policies
- Configure software settings to meet user requirements and system specifications
- Test software installation to ensure functionality and compatibility
Support ICT AcquisitionReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers ICT acquisition processes, including evaluation of ICT needs, procurement support, solution implementation, and relevant legislation. You'll learn to manage ICT acquisition effectively within organisational frameworks.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles underpinning ICT acquisition processes within organisations
- Evaluate an organisation's ICT needs, considering current infrastructure and future requirements
- Support the ICT procurement process, including vendor selection and contract negotiation
- Implement ICT solutions effectively, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems
- Understand relevant legislation and guidelines relating to ICT acquisition and data protection
System TestingReal unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll explore system testing methodologies and types of tests, including black box and white box testing. The unit covers planning, executing tests, and documenting results to ensure system reliability.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand system testing methodologies, including black box testing, white box testing, and grey box testing
- Know different types of system tests, such as functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and usability testing
- Plan system testing activities, including defining test objectives, creating test cases, and allocating resources
- Execute system tests, following established procedures and documenting test results
- Document test results accurately and comprehensively, including identifying defects and providing recommendations for improvement
System and Network ManagementReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers the principles of system and network management, including monitoring system performance, troubleshooting network issues, implementing security protocols, and managing user accounts and access. You'll learn to maintain and secure network infrastructures effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of system and network management
- Monitor system performance to identify potential issues
- Troubleshoot network issues and implement effective solutions
- Understand network security protocols and how to implement them
- Manage user accounts and access rights to ensure system security
WAN TechnologiesReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit provides knowledge of WAN technologies, protocols, and connection types. You'll learn to configure WAN devices, troubleshoot connectivity, and understand WAN security considerations.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand WAN technologies and protocols, including MPLS, Frame Relay, and VPNs
- Know different WAN connection types, such as leased lines, broadband, and satellite
- Configure WAN devices, such as routers and modems, to establish and maintain WAN connections
- Troubleshoot WAN connectivity issues, such as packet loss, latency, and bandwidth limitations
- Understand WAN security considerations, such as encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems
Wireless LANsReal unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers wireless LAN standards and security protocols. You'll learn to configure wireless LANs, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and understand deployment considerations.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand wireless LAN standards, including 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax and their respective characteristics and applications
- Know wireless security protocols, such as WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, and their strengths and weaknesses
- Configure a wireless LAN, including setting up an access point, configuring security settings, and managing client connections
- Troubleshoot wireless connectivity issues, such as signal strength problems, interference, and authentication failures
- Understand wireless LAN deployment considerations, such as site surveys, channel selection, and antenna placement
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 3 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.
Customer Support ProvisionDevelop Customer Documentation and ProceduresHardware/Equipment and Systems InstallationIT Essentials II: Network Operating SystemsImplementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Network InfrastructureInstalling, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows ProfessionalInstalling, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows ServerInstalling, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this
The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
OCR Level 3 Certificate for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support)
- Assist in Security Testing Under Supervision Effectively
- Authorise strategy, policies and standards relating to IT service delivery performance metrics management
- Implement Secure Operations Processes
- Implement on-premises network infrastructure
- Implement procedures and standards relating to metrics for IT service delivery
- Implement security procedures for digital systems
- Manage secure software development activities
- Monitor and document IT service delivery performance, under direction
Where this can lead
Network Technician
Your journey starts here. We're excited to see where your curiosity and dedication take you. This isn't just a job; it's the beginning of a rewarding career in a critical field.
See the whole journey →Opens the roleNetwork TechnicianOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleNetwork Support SpecialistOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleNetwork Support TechnicianOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleAssociate Network Support TechnicianOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleNetwork Support AssistantOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleAssociate Network Optimisation SpecialistOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Future FluencyAll ten future skillsSee how every unit is contextualised by the tenExplore →
Showing 6 roles, drawn from 48 job records mapped to this qualification.
Skills it covers
What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
Assist in Security Testing Under Supervision EffectivelyAuthorise strategy, policies and standards relating to IT service delivery performance metrics managementImplement Secure Operations ProcessesImplement on-premises network infrastructureImplement procedures and standards relating to metrics for IT service deliveryImplement security procedures for digital systemsManage secure software development activitiesMonitor and document IT service delivery performance, under directionPerform Operating System HardeningRepair medical devices, equipment and associated systems within healthcareReview, analyse and communicate information relating to IT service delivery performance metrics management activitiesSupport Network Infrastructure Services
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
One-to-one, on your real workNo lectures, no past-papers. Every unit is practised on the actual tasks your job throws at you, a tutor beside you, not a video in front of you.
Taught to the top, not the testMost courses stop at remembering. Your companion keeps climbing: analysing, judging, creating. That’s the part a machine can’t do for you.
Credits you keep, a map that continuesEvery unit is regulated and yours for good. The day you finish, Zavmo already knows the next role your new credits open.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Which job do you mean?
This unit equips learners with principles of customer support, including effective communication and issue resolution. Learners will understand customer service standards and develop professional interaction skills.
How the thinking builds
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for OCR Level 3 Certificate for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support)
26 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Cambridge OCR.
- Customer Support Provision
- Develop Customer Documentation and Procedures
- Hardware/Equipment and Systems Installation
- IT Essentials II: Network Operating Systems
- Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Network Infrastructure
- Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows Professional
and 20 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
Why this matters: AI can already remember and understand for you. What it can’t do is
take your real problem and judge the right call. So the only learning worth paying
for is the learning that takes you to the top. That’s exactly what a tutor doing it with
you, on your real work, is for.
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
This qualification is no longer awarded.
Registrations for it closed some time ago, so it cannot be started today. It appears here because it is on the Ofqual register and may be one you already hold. If you are looking for a current route, browse the qualifications that are still open.
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