How you’d get it

How you’d get this certificate

  1. Zavmo teaches you. You learn the units one-to-one with an AI tutor, on your own work.
  2. You register with an approved centre. That is a college, training provider or employer VTCT Skills has approved to offer this qualification. Zavmo is not an approved centre, so you register with them, not with us.
  3. The centre assesses, and VTCT Skills awards. A qualified assessor at the centre judges your evidence, and the certificate comes from VTCT Skills.

More on studying for a qualification

01What it is

VTCT Skills Level 1 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service (RQF) Overview Structure Documents Approved Centres Qualification Information Sector: Business, Retail and First Aid VTCT Product Code: CSC01 Qualification Number: 600/4940/6 Level: 1 GLH: 109 UK Price (for VTCT centres only): £41.00 * Units: 6 - 12 Minimum Credits: 13 Category: Customer Service Age Restriction: 5 Registration End Date: * The price displayed is for training providers only. If you are a learner, please consult a training provider for course prices. Additional Information Documentation for this qualification last amended 08 May 2025 Qualification Information The Level 1 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service (RQF) is designed to allow you to learn, develop and practise the skills and knowledge required for employment within the customer service sector, from call centres and banks to hair salons. This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required by you to deliver reliable customer service through an understanding of: customer expectations and needs the delivery of customer service in line with organisational procedures dealing effectively with customer queries, problems and complaints This qualification does not require you to have any prior qualifications or levels of prior learning. There is no minimum age requirement for this qualification. If you feel that you only need a basic understanding of customer service then you could chose to do the Level 1 Award in Principles of Cust

These are the units VTCT Skills 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. Zavmo teaches towards them on your own work.

Zavmo is not an awarding body, is not an approved centre, and is not affiliated with VTCT Skills. It does the teaching and the mapping. VTCT Skills sets this qualification and awards it, and a qualified human assessor makes the assessment decision.

02The units

What each unit actually teaches you to do

Answer telephone calls from customers Real unit · VTCT Skills
It teaches you to effectively answer telephone calls from customers by demonstrating appropriate greetings, using a professional tone, and responding to customer requests. You'll develop skills in active listening and clarifying customer needs during telephone interactions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Greet customers politely and professionally when answering telephone calls.
  • Effectively deal with incoming telephone calls from customers, addressing their needs and providing appropriate assistance.
  • Respond appropriately to requests made by customers during telephone conversations.
Apply legislation, regulation and organisational procedures for customer service Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll understand and apply relevant legislation, regulations, and organisational procedures in customer service. This includes protecting property and information, adhering to security protocols, and complying with health and safety requirements to ensure secure and lawful service delivery.

What you'll be able to do

  • Consistently follow established customer service procedures relevant to a particular job role.
  • Protect the security of both property and information while delivering customer service, adhering to relevant protocols.
  • Know the essential health and safety requirements that must be observed when delivering customer service to ensure a safe environment.
  • Know other external rules, regulations, and legal requirements that impact on the delivery of customer service, such as data protection or consumer rights.
Communicate customers’ problems with others Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll learn to collect, log, and communicate customer problems effectively with colleagues. The unit covers questioning techniques, summarising issues, recording information accurately, and maintaining clear communication between customers and team members.

What you'll be able to do

  • Collect information about a problem from a customer, using effective questioning techniques
  • Log information about a customer problem accurately and completely
  • Select relevant information about a customer problem to pass to a colleague, ensuring they have the necessary details
  • Communicate effectively with both a customer and a colleague about the problem, maintaining clear and professional communication
Communicate effectively with customers Real unit · VTCT Skills
This unit provides learners with an understanding of effective communication with customers, focusing on clear speech, active listening, and appropriate language use. You'll appreciate how these skills contribute to good customer service and customer satisfaction.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the importance of speaking clearly and using appropriate language when communicating with customers.
  • Know the importance of listening actively to customers to understand their needs and concerns.
  • Know the importance of using information obtained from customers to contribute to the provision of good customer service.
Contribute to effective customer service Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll gain foundational knowledge of customer service terminology, concepts, and factors contributing to effective service delivery. The unit also covers teamwork within customer service environments to support organisational objectives.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know and understand common customer service terms and language used in the workplace.
  • Know what factors contribute to the delivery of good customer service within an organisation.
  • Work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues as part of a customer service team.
Create a good impression to customers Real unit · VTCT Skills
This unit equips learners with the ability to present a professional appearance and relate effectively to customers. You'll learn to select appropriate clothing, maintain personal hygiene, and demonstrate behaviours that create a positive customer impression.

What you'll be able to do

  • Select and wear clothing that is appropriate for a customer service role, adhering to any dress code requirements.
  • Present a professional and well-maintained appearance suitable for interacting with customers.
  • Communicate and build rapport effectively with customers, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
Deal with queries and requests Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll gain knowledge of the services and products offered by a department and develop skills to clarify and address customer queries and requests effectively. The unit focuses on understanding customer interests to provide accurate information and solutions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the range of services and products offered by a specific section or department within an organisation.
  • Understand the typical interests and needs of customers in relation to the services and products offered.
  • Accurately clarify customer queries and requests to ensure a clear understanding of their needs.
  • Effectively deal with customer queries and requests in a professional and timely manner.
Effective relationships with customers and colleagues Real unit · VTCT Skills
This unit covers how to build effective relationships with customers and colleagues by demonstrating empathy, understanding customer needs, and using positive body language. You'll explore collabouration and mutual support within customer service teams to enhance communication and teamwork.

What you'll be able to do

  • Relate effectively to customers, demonstrating empathy, understanding, and a customer-focused approach.
  • Relate effectively to colleagues within a customer service team, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
  • Know the importance of using positive body language when interacting with both customers and colleagues to create a favourable impression and enhance communication.
Handling telephone calls from customers Real unit · VTCT Skills
This unit covers how to handle telephone calls from customers professionally, including appropriate greetings, managing enquiries, and resolving communication problems. You'll understand the importance of prompt, clear, and courteous telephone interactions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Greet customers politely and professionally when answering telephone calls.
  • Deal effectively with different types of customer enquiries and requests received via telephone.
  • Deal with communication problems that may arise during telephone conversations with customers.
Introduction to customer service Real unit · VTCT Skills
This unit introduces learners to fundamental customer service concepts, terminology, and processes. You'll understand key stages of customer service and reflect on personal experiences to improve their service delivery skills.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know and understand basic customer service terminology and concepts.
  • Understand the customer service process, including its key stages and overall importance to an organisation.
  • Reflect on and learn from personal experiences of providing or receiving customer service.
Legislation, regulation and procedures to follow in customer service Real unit · VTCT Skills
This unit provides learners with knowledge of legislation, regulations, and organisational procedures relevant to customer service roles. You'll understand security protocols, health and safety rules, data protection, and external regulations to ensure responsible and compliant service delivery.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know organisational procedures for customer service, adhering to established protocols
  • Protect the security of property and information when delivering customer service, maintaining confidentiality and preventing loss or damage
  • Know the health and safety rules that relate to a customer service job, ensuring a safe working environment for themselves and customers
  • Know the relevant external rules in a customer service job, complying with legal and regulatory requirements
Positive communication with customers Real unit · VTCT Skills
It teaches you to communicate positively with customers by holding conversations using clear and respectful language. You'll respond accurately to requests and use appropriate body language to demonstrate attentiveness and professionalism in customer interactions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Hold conversations with customers, using appropriate language and tone
  • Respond to requests from customers, providing accurate and helpful information
  • Use appropriate body language when dealing with customers, demonstrating attentiveness and professionalism
Record and communicate customer problems Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll learn to collect detailed information from customers experiencing problems, accurately record this information, and communicate it effectively to colleagues and customers. The unit emphasises active listening and clear communication techniques.

What you'll be able to do

  • Collect detailed information from a customer who is experiencing a problem.
  • Record detailed information accurately about a customer's problem.
  • Communicate details of a customer's problem clearly to a colleague.
  • Communicate details of a customer's problem clearly to the customer.
The customer service experience Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll explore the elements that contribute to a positive customer service experience, including politeness, efficiency, and helpfulness. The unit emphasises the importance of first impressions and maintaining a welcoming environment to achieve customer satisfaction.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know about the different elements that contribute to a positive customer service experience.
  • Know how customer satisfaction is achieved through effective customer service practices.
  • Demonstrate a positive and helpful attitude when dealing with customers in various situations.
The customer service job role Real unit · VTCT Skills
This unit provides learners with an understanding of the customer service job role, including the delivery of good service, entry-level job requirements, and potential career progression. You'll identify necessary skills and qualities for success in customer service roles.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know what the delivery of good customer service involves.
  • Know the requirements of an entry level customer service job.
  • Know the outline of a job involving customer service that may be accessible after gaining experience at entry level.
The importance of appearance and behaviour in customer service Real unit · VTCT Skills
This unit provides learners with knowledge of the importance of appearance and behaviour in customer service roles. You'll understand dress code requirements, personal hygiene, and grooming, and how these factors influence customer perceptions and professional interactions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the dress requirements applicable to various customer service roles.
  • Understand how general appearance can influence customer perceptions and reactions.
  • Interact effectively and professionally with customers in a customer service environment.
Understand how to deal with queries and requests Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll gain an understanding of how to deal with customer queries and requests by recognising different types of questions and clarifying details. The unit covers knowledge of organisational services or products and effective communication to address customer needs accurately.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the range of services or products offered by a specific section or department within an organisation.
  • Know the common types of questions that customers are likely to ask regarding the services or products.
  • Recognise and identify when a customer presents a query or request.
  • Clarify the specific details of queries or requests received from customers to ensure accurate understanding.
Work in a customer-friendly way Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll learn to work in a customer-friendly manner by demonstrating politeness, willingness, and adaptability in communication. The unit emphasises consideration for customer needs and feelings across various situations to improve interaction quality.

What you'll be able to do

  • Demonstrate a polite and willing approach when interacting with customers, showing a positive attitude and a desire to help.
  • Interact effectively with customers in a variety of different situations, adapting communication style and approach as needed.
  • Demonstrate consideration for customers' needs and feelings, showing empathy and understanding in all interactions.
Working in a customer focused way Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll understand how to demonstrate a customer-focused approach by showing politeness, willingness, and consideration in interactions. The unit highlights the importance of empathy, appropriate language, and tone when communicating with customers.

What you'll be able to do

  • Show a polite and willing approach to customers.
  • Show consideration to customers.
Working in customer service Real unit · VTCT Skills
You'll gain an understanding of customer service principles and their application in customer-related roles. This includes recognising the importance of customer-focused approaches, job responsibilities, and potential career progression within customer service.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the fundamental customer service principles that underpin customer-facing roles.
  • Understand the specific responsibilities of a job holder in meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
  • Know the general characteristics and requirements of entry-level customer service positions.
  • Know the potential career progression opportunities within customer service that become accessible with experience.
By email

Free, by email

Is this the right qualification for you?

One email to help you decide: the facts, what it teaches, the jobs it leads to and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

Your employer, or 'self-employed'

Study the units online with a personal AI tutor, for £70 a month. Your first Future Fluency module is free.

03Where it leads

The jobs these credits are mapped to

A qualification is never a dead end here. Each of these is a job record this qualification is a mapped route into.

Where this can lead

Associate Service Trainer

This work can lead to a senior customer service trainer role, designing curriculum and mentoring junior trainers, or on to lead trainer and instructional design work.

See the whole journey
Still deciding?

One email to help you decide: the facts, what it teaches, the jobs it leads to and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

04The credits

The credits, and who awards them

Level 1 credits are regulated, and they are awarded by VTCT Skills rather than by Zavmo. 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 have covered and what is next.

What you would be collecting

Answer telephone calls from customersApply legislation, regulation and organisational procedures for customer serviceCommunicate customers’ problems with othersCommunicate effectively with customersContribute to effective customer serviceCreate a good impression to customersDeal with queries and requestsEffective relationships with customers and colleagues

Each one is a real unit registered against this qualification.

How you’d practise it

You don’t watch this. You do it.

You are not assessed on remembering this. You are assessed on applying it, analysing it, evaluating it and producing something. So that is what the practice is: projects, role play and your own live cases, with a tutor in the room.

The Practical Builder The Practical Builder · your make-it-real tutor Illustration
The Practical Builder Paste in the draft you have for “Apply legislation, regulation and organisational procedures for customer service”. Not a tidied one, the one you would actually send.
You It is mostly there. The recommendations section is thin.
The Practical Builder Thin is fine, vague is not. Take recommendation two and tell me who does what by when, then we will see if it survives.
The same lesson on the real thing: the conversation in the middle, the thinking ladder on the left, and the criteria each answer is evidencing on the right.
  • Draft the real one Create

    You do “Apply legislation, regulation and organisational procedures for customer service” on a real document of your own. Zavmo works on the draft you have to send anyway, so the coursework and the job are the same piece of work.

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Answer telephone calls from customers, one of this qualification's own units.

Answer telephone calls from customers Level 1

Applied to your work in any of these jobs

Which job do you mean?

This unit enables learners to effectively answer telephone calls from customers by demonstrating appropriate greetings, using a professional tone, and responding to customer requests. Learners will develop skills in active listening and clarifying customer needs during telephone interactions.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time. Teaching towards this qualification begins when you subscribe.

Your Plan Illustration

Built for VTCT Skills Level 1 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service (RQF)

20 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by VTCT Skills.

  1. Answer telephone calls from customers
  2. Apply legislation, regulation and organisational procedures for customer service
  3. Communicate customers’ problems with others
  4. Communicate effectively with customers
  5. Contribute to effective customer service
  6. Create a good impression to customers

and 14 more in the full unit list below.

These are the real units of this credential, in its own order. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

Free tools

Want a read on where you stand?

Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.

Learned on your own work, taught one-to-one.

Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your free first module is Future Fluency, so you can see how the teaching works before you pay for anything.

Start my free AI Fluency module

No card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.

The title, level, credits, guided learning hours and unit learning outcomes on this page are taken from the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Where this data comes from.