Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate for IT Practitioners

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the function of different computer hardware components.
• Install and configure computer systems and associated peripherals.
• Troubleshoot computer hardware problems and implement appropriate solutions.
• Understand basic networking concepts, including network topologies and protocols.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks to ensure the optimal performance of computer systems.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand WAN technologies, including different types of WAN connections and their characteristics
• Know WAN access methods, such as leased lines, frame relay, and VPNs
• Configure WAN connections, including setting up routing protocols and access control lists
• Understand network security protocols, such as IPsec and SSL/TLS, and their applications in WAN environments
• Troubleshoot WAN connectivity issues, such as packet loss and latency problems

What you'll be able to do

• Understand advanced database concepts, including data modelling and normalisation
• Design complex databases to meet specific requirements
• Implement database security measures to protect data integrity and confidentiality
• Optimise database performance for efficient data access and processing
• Troubleshoot database issues and resolve errors

What you'll be able to do

• Understand advanced spreadsheet functions, including lookup functions and conditional formatting
• Create complex formulas, using nested functions and array formulas
• Use data analysis tools, including pivot tables and scenario analysis
• Create charts and graphs, presenting data effectively
• Automate spreadsheet tasks, using macros and VBA

What you'll be able to do

• Understand fundamental client operating system concepts, including architecture, processes, and memory management
• Install a client operating system on a computer system or virtual machine
• Configure a client operating system, including network settings, security features, and user profiles
• Troubleshoot common client operating system issues, such as boot problems, driver conflicts, and network connectivity problems
• Manage user accounts, including creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts and managing user permissions

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the principles and purpose of client-side web technologies.
• Use HTML, CSS and JavaScript to create web pages.
• Customise the appearance of web pages using CSS.
• Add interactivity to web pages using JavaScript.
• Understand web accessibility principles and how to implement them to ensure inclusivity.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the different types of communication technologies available.
• Use a range of communication technologies effectively.
• Select appropriate communication technologies for specific tasks and situations.
• Understand the impact of communication technologies on organisations and their operations.
• Troubleshoot common issues that may arise when using communication technologies.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand various communication methods used in the IT industry.
• Apply employability skills, such as time management and problem-solving, in an IT context.
• Present information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Work effectively as part of a team to achieve common goals.
• Understand professional behaviour and ethics in the IT workplace.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core principles of computer animation, including timing and spacing
• Know various animation techniques and the software used to create animations
• Create computer animations using appropriate software and techniques
• Edit and refine animations to achieve desired visual effects
• Understand different animation file formats and their respective advantages and disadvantages

What you'll be able to do

• Understand computer architecture principles, including the von Neumann architecture and the Harvard architecture
• Know CPU functions and components, including the instruction cycle, registers, and cache memory
• Understand memory organisation, including RAM, ROM, and virtual memory
• Understand input/output systems, including different types of I/O devices and their interfaces
• Understand data representation, including binary, hexadecimal, and floating-point numbers

What you'll be able to do

• Understand computer hardware components, including the CPU, memory, storage devices, and peripherals
• Know operating system principles, including process management, memory management, and file system organisation
• Install and configure software, including operating systems, applications, and drivers
• Understand computer system maintenance, including performing backups, installing updates, and troubleshooting hardware and software problems
• Troubleshoot computer system problems, such as boot failures, application crashes, and network connectivity issues

What you'll be able to do

• Understand network configuration concepts, including IP addressing and subnetting
• Configure network devices such as routers and switches
• Troubleshoot network problems, identifying and resolving connectivity issues
• Understand network security principles and how to implement security measures
• Implement network solutions based on given requirements and constraints

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles of IT systems used for controlling processes within an organisation
• Utilise IT systems to effectively monitor processes and system performance
• Configure IT control systems to meet specific operational requirements
• Understand how to analyse data generated by IT control systems to optimise system performance
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented IT controls in achieving desired outcomes

What you'll be able to do

• Understand data analysis techniques and their application in different contexts
• Know data design principles, including normalisation and data modelling techniques
• Analyse data requirements for a given business scenario
• Design data models to meet specified requirements, considering data integrity and efficiency
• Understand data quality issues, including data cleansing and validation techniques
• Implement data solutions using appropriate tools and technologies

What you'll be able to do

• Understand network design principles and best practices
• Know network security considerations and implementation strategies
• Design a computer network to meet specific requirements
• Support a computer network and its users
• Understand network management tools and their use in monitoring and maintaining a network

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core principles of computer game development, including game design, programming, and asset creation.
• Know various game design techniques, such as level design, character design, and gameplay mechanics.
• Use game development software, including game engines and integrated development environments (IDEs), to create games.
• Create game assets, such as 2D and 3D models, textures, and audio, using appropriate software tools.
• Test and debug games to identify and resolve errors, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable player experience.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand digital graphic principles, including colour theory and composition
• Know how computers process graphics, including raster and vector graphics
• Create digital graphics using appropriate software and techniques
• Manipulate digital images, applying effects and adjustments
• Understand file formats for digital graphics, including their advantages and disadvantages

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental concepts of event-driven programming, including events, event handlers, and event loops.
• Design event-driven applications, including defining the events that will trigger actions and the event handlers that will respond to those events.
• Implement event handlers using appropriate programming languages and frameworks, ensuring that they respond correctly to events.
• Test event-driven programs to ensure that they function correctly and that event handlers are triggered as expected.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the different types of business activity and their characteristics.
• Know the factors that can affect business activity, both internal and external.
• Analyse business objectives and their importance to organisational success.
• Investigate different business structures and their suitability for various contexts.
• Understand the impact of the external environment on business operations and decision-making.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the principles of human computer interaction, including usability, accessibility, and user experience
• Know different interaction styles, such as command-line interfaces, graphical user interfaces, and natural language interfaces
• Evaluate user interfaces, using methods such as usability testing and heuristic evaluation
• Understand accessibility considerations, including designing interfaces for users with disabilities
• Design effective interfaces, that are user-friendly, efficient, and accessible

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the architecture of the IBM System i platform.
• Know the standard operating procedures for the IBM System i.
• Perform system backups and recovery procedures on the IBM System i.
• Monitor system performance metrics on the IBM System i and identify potential issues.
• Understand system security concepts and implement security measures on the IBM System i.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the function of computer hardware components
• Know the fundamentals of operating systems and their management
• Install and configure software applications
• Troubleshoot common IT problems related to hardware and software
• Understand basic networking concepts and technologies

What you'll be able to do

• Understand different project management methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall, and Scrum, and their application in IT projects.
• Plan an IT project, including defining project scope, setting objectives, creating a project schedule, and allocating resources.
• Manage project resources effectively, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to ensure that the project stays on track.
• Monitor project progress, track milestones, and identify potential risks and issues that could impact the project's success.
• Evaluate project outcomes, assess whether the project met its objectives, and identify lessons learned for future projects.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand different systems analysis methodologies and their application in IT system development
• Gather system requirements from stakeholders using appropriate elicitation techniques
• Design IT system solutions that meet specified requirements and align with business objectives
• Understand the purpose and content of system design documentation, including diagrams and specifications
• Evaluate different system design options based on factors such as cost, performance, and scalability

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles of IT systems troubleshooting, including systematic problem-solving techniques
• Diagnose faults in IT systems, including hardware, software, and network components
• Repair IT systems by replacing faulty components, reconfiguring software, or restoring data
• Test IT system repairs to ensure functionality and stability
• Understand health and safety regulations and best practices when performing IT repairs

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core principles of IT technical support and service delivery.
• Diagnose IT problems effectively using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Provide IT support to users in a professional and timely manner.
• Understand IT security best practices and how to implement them in a support environment.
• Escalate IT issues appropriately to the relevant personnel or teams.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the impact of IT on business, including its role in improving efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness
• Know different types of business systems, such as CRM, ERP, and SCM systems
• Analyse IT solutions for business needs, considering factors such as cost, functionality, and scalability
• Understand IT security considerations, including data protection, access control, and disaster recovery

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the architecture of Microsoft Exchange Server.
• Install Microsoft Exchange Server in a given environment.
• Configure Exchange Server settings, including mail flow, security, and storage.
• Manage mailboxes and users within the Exchange Server environment.
• Understand Exchange Server security features and implement security best practices.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the key components that make up information systems.
• Know different types of information systems and their applications.
• Analyse information system requirements based on user needs.
• Understand information system security threats and implement security measures.
• Understand data management principles, including data storage, retrieval, and integrity.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand software installation processes, including different installation types and methods
• Plan software upgrades, considering compatibility and data migration
• Install software according to specified requirements and procedures
• Upgrade software, ensuring minimal disruption and data integrity
• Troubleshoot installation problems, identifying and resolving common issues

What you'll be able to do

• Understand routing and switching concepts within an enterprise network environment
• Know different enterprise network topologies and their characteristics
• Configure basic routing protocols on network devices
• Configure basic switching functions on network devices
• Understand network security principles and their application in enterprise networks

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the role of marketing within an organisation and its importance in achieving business objectives
• Know marketing principles and techniques, including market segmentation, targeting, positioning, and the marketing mix (4Ps)
• Analyse the marketing environment, including conducting SWOT analysis and PESTLE analysis
• Contribute to marketing plans, including setting marketing objectives, developing marketing strategies, and allocating marketing resources

What you'll be able to do

• Understand different types of business resources, including human resources, financial resources, physical resources, and information resources
• Identify business resources within an organisation
• Analyse the use of business resources in a business context
• Evaluate the effectiveness of resource management within an organisation
• Understand resource planning processes, including forecasting demand, allocating resources, and monitoring performance

What you'll be able to do

• Understand fundamental LAN switching concepts and their application in network design
• Know the various wireless networking standards and their characteristics
• Configure LAN switches for optimal performance and security
• Implement wireless security protocols to protect network data
• Understand the purpose and configuration of VLANs and routing protocols in a switched network

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core principles of the LINUX operating system.
• Use the LINUX command line interface effectively.
• Manage LINUX file systems, including creating, modifying, and deleting files and directories.
• Configure LINUX network settings, including IP addresses, DNS, and routing.
• Understand fundamental LINUX security principles and best practices.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the procedures involved in maintaining computer systems to ensure optimal performance and longevity
• Diagnose faults within computer systems using appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques
• Replace faulty or outdated components within a computer system, adhering to safety guidelines
• Understand various software maintenance techniques, including patching, updates, and version control
• Perform routine system maintenance tasks, such as disk defragmentation, virus scanning, and system backups

What you'll be able to do

• Understand mathematical concepts relevant to IT, including algebra and calculus
• Apply mathematical techniques to IT problems, such as network design and data analysis
• Use statistical methods in IT, including data sampling and hypothesis testing
• Interpret mathematical data, drawing conclusions and making recommendations
• Understand number systems used in IT, including binary, decimal, and hexadecimal

What you'll be able to do

• Understand network fundamentals, including network topologies, protocols, and standards
• Know basic networking devices, such as routers, switches, and hubs, and their functions
• Configure network devices, including setting up IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways
• Understand IP addressing, including IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes
• Troubleshoot basic network connectivity issues, such as ping failures and DNS resolution problems

What you'll be able to do

• Understand fundamental networking concepts, including the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite
• Know different network topologies and protocols, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and TCP/IP
• Configure network devices, such as routers and switches, for basic network connectivity
• Understand IP addressing and subnetting schemes for efficient network management
• Troubleshoot network connectivity issues using appropriate tools and techniques

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles of network management and their application in various network environments.
• Know the different types of network monitoring tools available and their specific functions in maintaining network performance.
• Configure network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, according to specified network requirements.
• Understand the importance of network security and the various threats that can compromise network integrity.
• Troubleshoot network problems effectively, using appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques to identify and resolve issues.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the various security threats that can affect networked systems, including malware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks.
• Know the different security protocols and technologies used to protect networked systems, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
• Implement security measures to protect networked systems from threats, including configuring firewalls, implementing access controls, and deploying anti-malware software.
• Understand the process of vulnerability assessment and how to identify weaknesses in networked systems that could be exploited by attackers.
• Respond to security incidents effectively, including identifying the source of the incident, containing the damage, and restoring systems to normal operation.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand fundamental networking concepts, including network models and communication protocols.
• Know different network topologies and protocols, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
• Configure network devices, such as routers and switches, to establish network connectivity.
• Troubleshoot network connectivity issues using appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques.
• Understand network security principles and implement basic security measures to protect network resources.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand basic networking concepts, including network topologies and protocols
• Set up a home network, including connecting devices and configuring internet access
• Configure network devices such as routers and wireless access points
• Troubleshoot network connectivity issues in a home or small business environment
• Understand network security principles for small businesses and how to protect against common threats

What you'll be able to do

• Understand networking security principles, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability
• Know common network security threats, such as malware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks
• Implement network security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control lists
• Understand security policies and procedures and their importance in maintaining network security
• Monitor network security using appropriate tools and techniques
• Understand security technologies, such as VPNs, encryption, and authentication protocols

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles underpinning object-oriented programming methodologies.
• Design object-oriented solutions to meet specified requirements, considering factors such as reusability and maintainability.
• Implement classes and objects using appropriate programming language constructs.
• Apply inheritance and polymorphism to create flexible and extensible object-oriented designs.
• Test object-oriented programs to ensure they function correctly and meet specified quality criteria.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand organisational systems security principles, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability
• Know security threats and vulnerabilities, including malware and social engineering
• Implement security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems
• Understand security policies and procedures, including access control and incident response
• Monitor and maintain system security, identifying and addressing potential risks

What you'll be able to do

• Understand fundamental computer network principles, including the OSI model
• Know the different network hardware and software components and their functions
• Configure network devices, such as routers and switches, according to specifications
• Understand network security concepts and how to implement security measures
• Troubleshoot network issues, identifying and resolving connectivity problems

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core principles of software design, including modularity, abstraction, and encapsulation
• Know different software development methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall, and Scrum
• Design software solutions based on given requirements and specifications
• Develop software code using appropriate programming languages and tools
• Understand testing and debugging techniques to ensure software quality and reliability

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the functions of a router in a network
• Know different routing protocols and their operation
• Configure basic routing on network devices
• Troubleshoot common routing issues
• Understand IP addressing schemes and subnetting

What you'll be able to do

• Understand routing protocols concepts, including distance vector and link-state routing
• Know different routing protocols, such as RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP, and their characteristics
• Configure routing protocols on network devices
• Understand routing concepts, including routing tables, metrics, and convergence
• Troubleshoot routing issues using appropriate tools and techniques

What you'll be able to do

• Understand fundamental server infrastructure concepts and their importance
• Install and configure servers according to specified requirements
• Effectively manage server resources, including storage and processing power
• Troubleshoot server issues, identifying root causes and implementing solutions
• Understand server security principles and best practices for protecting data and systems

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core concepts of server operating systems, including their architecture and functionality
• Install a server operating system, including partitioning, configuration, and driver installation
• Configure server roles and features, such as file sharing, web services, and database management
• Understand server security principles, including access control, authentication, and encryption
• Manage server users and groups, including creating accounts, assigning permissions, and managing group memberships

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the key components of desktop applications, including their functions and interactions
• Know common issues and errors that can occur within the XP operating system environment
• Provide effective support to users experiencing difficulties with desktop applications
• Diagnose and troubleshoot problems related to desktop applications, identifying root causes and implementing solutions
• Diagnose and troubleshoot problems related to the XP operating system, identifying root causes and implementing solutions

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the architecture, features, and functionalities of the XP operating system
• Know common issues, errors, and performance problems that can occur within the XP operating system
• Provide effective support to users experiencing difficulties with the XP operating system
• Diagnose and troubleshoot problems related to the XP operating system, identifying root causes and implementing solutions
• Understand the diverse needs of users when interacting with the XP operating system, including accessibility requirements and common usage scenarios

What you'll be able to do

• Understand switching concepts, including VLANs, spanning tree protocol, and port security
• Configure basic switch operations, including configuring VLANs, assigning ports to VLANs, and configuring port security
• Understand routing protocols, including static routing, RIP, and OSPF
• Configure intermediate routing, including configuring static routes, configuring RIP, and configuring OSPF
• Troubleshoot network connectivity issues, including identifying and resolving routing problems, switch configuration errors, and physical layer problems

What you'll be able to do

• Understand WAN technologies, including leased lines, frame relay, and VPNs
• Know different WAN connection types and their characteristics
• Configure WAN connections using appropriate protocols and technologies
• Understand WAN security considerations, including encryption and authentication
• Troubleshoot WAN issues using appropriate tools and techniques

What you'll be able to do

• Understand web server scripting concepts, including server-side processing and dynamic content generation.
• Write server-side scripts using a suitable scripting language to handle web requests and responses.
• Interact with databases from server-side scripts to retrieve and store data.
• Handle user input securely and effectively in web applications.
• Deploy web applications to a web server environment.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand website production principles, including design principles, accessibility standards, and usability guidelines
• Plan a website, including defining the website's purpose, identifying the target audience, and creating a site map
• Develop website content, including writing text, creating images, and producing videos
• Manage a website, including uploading files, updating content, and monitoring website traffic
• Know website security considerations, including protecting against hacking, malware, and data breaches

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the typical structure of a small business network, including its components and functions
• Know the common services offered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to small businesses
• Configure network devices for small businesses, such as routers, firewalls, and wireless access points
• Understand network security measures for small businesses, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs
• Troubleshoot network issues commonly encountered in small business environments

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles of e-commerce, including business models, online marketing, and customer relationship management
• Know the different types of e-commerce platforms available and their respective features and capabilities
• Manage online transactions, including processing payments, handling orders, and managing shipping
• Understand the online security risks associated with e-commerce and how to mitigate them
• Analyse e-commerce data to identify trends, measure performance, and improve business outcomes