NCFE Level 3 Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the structure of access networks, including their logical and physical organisation
• Understand the physical components used in access networks, such as cables, connectors, and termination equipment
• Understand the transmission media employed in access networks, including copper, fibre optic, and wireless technologies
• Understand the effects of line impairments, such as attenuation and noise, on transmitted signals
• Understand the operations, capabilities and applications of time division multiplexing (TDM) systems in access networks
• Understand the operations, capabilities and applications of digital subscriber line (DSL) systems in access networks

What you'll be able to do

• Apply matrix methods to solve IT-related problems
• Apply series, probability and recursions in data representation and manipulation
• Apply graph theory to model and analyse IT systems and data structures

What you'll be able to do

• Know the difference between Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs), including their characteristics, topologies, and typical uses
• Connect data communications systems, including configuring network devices and cabling
• Troubleshoot data communications systems, including identifying and resolving common network problems
• Know the importance of addressing schemes in a data network, including IP addressing and subnetting
• Understand the OSI reference model, including its layers and their functions

What you'll be able to do

• Know the basic principles of speech encoding and compression techniques used in telephony systems
• Know the capabilities and topology of the public switched telephony network (PSTN), including its infrastructure and services

What you'll be able to do

• Communicate information effectively to suit the intended audience, purpose and content
• Use IT tools effectively to communicate and exchange information, selecting appropriate tools for different communication needs
• Understand the impact of IT on individuals, communities and society, considering both the positive and negative consequences

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the communication principles of computer networks, including protocols, addressing, and network topologies.
• Identify the main elements of data communications systems, such as routers, switches, and network cables.
• Implement different forms of network communications, including setting up a local area network (LAN) and configuring network services.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the personal attributes valued by employers.
• Understand the principles of effective communication.
• Use IT to communicate effectively.
• Address personal development needs.

What you'll be able to do

• Plan for the safe installation of communications technology equipment, including risk assessments and method statements.
• Know the relevant health and safety regulations and guidelines for installing communications technology equipment.
• Survey a site to determine the best location for communications technology equipment.
• Prepare a site for the installation of communications technology equipment, including clearing obstructions and installing cable trays.
• Install housing for communications technology equipment, ensuring it is securely mounted and properly grounded.
• Equip communications technology equipment housing using safe working practices, including installing power supplies, network switches, and other components.
• Install and terminate cable links to communications technology equipment, ensuring they are properly labelled and tested.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the health and safety precautions and procedures within an engineering workshop environment, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe working practices
• Use tool husbandry and control methods in a workshop environment, including the proper storage, maintenance, and handling of tools
• Manufacture support plates to hold cables, including cutting, drilling, and finishing techniques
• Manufacture electrical cable connections, including soldering, crimping, and terminating cables

What you'll be able to do

• Interpret and use engineering sketches, circuit diagrams and network diagrams to communicate technical information effectively
• Use verbal communication skills effectively in engineering settings
• Use written communication skills effectively in engineering settings
• Obtain and use engineering information from various sources
• Use information and communication technology (ICT) to present information clearly and accurately in engineering settings

What you'll be able to do

• Know the different types of network systems, including LANs, WANs, and wireless networks, and their respective protocols
• Understand the key components used in networking, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, and their functions
• Know the services provided by network systems, including email, file sharing, and web hosting
• Implement security measures to protect networked systems from threats and vulnerabilities

What you'll be able to do

• Know the common components of computer systems, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (hard drives, solid-state drives), input devices (keyboard, mouse), and output devices (monitor, printer).
• Know the different uses of computer systems, including personal computing, business applications, scientific research, and entertainment.
• Connect computer hardware components correctly, including installing expansion cards, connecting peripherals, and configuring network connections.
• Configure computer software, including installing operating systems, installing applications, configuring network settings, and setting up user accounts.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the components of computer systems, including hardware and software elements
• Understand the function of each component within a computer system
• Recommend computer systems for a business purpose, based on specific requirements and constraints
• Justify the selection of computer system components for a business purpose
• Set up computer systems, including installing hardware and software
• Maintain computer systems, including performing routine maintenance tasks and troubleshooting problems

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the structure of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) including its key components and functionalities.
• Understand the principles of optical fibre technology, including light transmission, fibre types, and signal attenuation.
• Understand the application of optical fibre technology in optical networks, including long-haul communication and data centres.
• Understand the operation of mobile networks with reference to the role of their major network elements, such as base stations, core network, and radio network controllers.

What you'll be able to do

• Manipulate real numbers, including performing arithmetic operations, rounding, and formatting.
• Manipulate integers, including performing arithmetic operations, bitwise operations, and conversions.
• Use co-ordinate systems, including Cartesian and polar co-ordinates, to represent points and objects in two and three dimensions.
• Use vectors to represent direction and magnitude, and perform vector operations such as addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication.
• Use linear transformations, including translation, rotation, scaling, and shearing, to manipulate geometric objects.
• Use simple functions, including linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, to model relationships between variables.
• Use basic algebraic operations, including solving equations, simplifying expressions, and manipulating formulas.
• Apply Boolean algebra to problem situations, including simplifying logical expressions, designing logic circuits, and analysing digital systems.

What you'll be able to do

• Know about different online business activities, including e-commerce, online marketing, and social media engagement.
• Know the various models of online business, such as business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B).
• Know what to consider when setting up an online business, including legal requirements, payment processing, and website design.
• Know the importance of market research and competitor analysis when establishing an online business.
• Understand the operation of an online business, including order fulfilment, customer service, and inventory management.
• Understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of an online business.
• Understand the benefits of an online business presence, including increased reach, reduced costs, and improved customer engagement.

What you'll be able to do

• Use circuit theory (Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws) to determine voltage, current and resistance in direct current (DC) circuits.
• Analyse series, parallel and series-parallel DC circuits.
• Understand the concepts of capacitance and determine capacitance values in DC circuits.
• Calculate the total capacitance of capacitors connected in series and parallel.
• Know the principles and properties of magnetism, including magnetic fields, magnetic flux, and magnetic permeability.
• Understand the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
• Use single-phase alternating current (AC) theory to analyse AC circuits.
• Calculate impedance, voltage, current and power in AC circuits.

What you'll be able to do

• Diagnose communications equipment fault conditions with the aid of test instruments and record the results accurately
• Understand the principles of calibration of electronic test equipment
• Understand the principles of configuration of electronic test equipment
• Understand the need for scheduled maintenance of communications equipment
• Understand maintenance procedures for communications equipment
• Understand the responsibilities of a technical support team in relation to communications equipment maintenance

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the key features of health and safety legislation and regulations relevant to the engineering workplace
• Identify and control hazards in the workplace, including physical, chemical, and biological hazards
• Carry out a risk assessment, identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate control measures
• Understand the methods used when reporting and recording accidents and incidents in the engineering workplace

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the procedures used in the IT diagnostics process.
• Identify the cause of common IT faults.
• Apply suitable remedies to identified IT faults.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the common issues IT users may experience, including hardware failures, software errors, network connectivity problems, and security breaches.
• Record user support requests accurately and completely, including details of the problem, the user's contact information, and the urgency of the request.
• Provide IT support to users, including troubleshooting problems, providing guidance, and escalating issues to higher-level support staff when necessary.
• Understand the importance of trends in IT support requests, including identifying recurring problems, anticipating future needs, and improving the overall quality of IT support services.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the tools and techniques used for technical support, including remote access software, diagnostic tools and knowledge bases
• Understand how organisational policies and procedures influence technical support, including service level agreements, escalation processes and data protection regulations
• Gather information effectively to provide appropriate advice and guidance to users experiencing IT issues
• Communicate advice and guidance clearly and concisely to users, using appropriate language and communication methods

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the effect of developments in information technology on organisations, considering factors such as efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage.
• Understand how organisations respond to information technology developments, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and organisational structure.
• Propose improvements to business systems using IT, justifying recommendations with reference to cost, benefits, and potential risks.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how organisations use business information, including data collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination.
• Understand the issues related to use of information, including data security, privacy, accuracy, and accessibility.
• Know the features and functions of information systems, including hardware, software, data, people, and processes.
• Use IT tools to produce management information, including spreadsheets, databases, and reporting software.

What you'll be able to do

• Prepare hardware/equipment for installation, including checking compatibility, ensuring proper power supply, and preparing the physical environment.
• Install and configure hardware/equipment according to manufacturer's instructions and best practises.
• Test installed hardware/equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly and meeting performance requirements.
• Prepare, carry out and document the installation and upgrade of an operating system, following a structured process and recording all steps taken.
• Configure and test an installed operating system, including setting up user accounts, configuring network settings, and installing necessary drivers and software.

What you'll be able to do

• Prepare for the installation of software by assessing system requirements and compatibility.
• Install and configure a range of system software, such as operating systems and device drivers.
• Install and configure a range of application software, such as productivity tools and multimedia applications.
• Check the system operates as planned during installation of system and application software, including monitoring performance and identifying errors.
• Check the system operates as planned after installation of system and application software, including testing functionality and verifying configurations.
• Resolve unwanted changes to the system caused by installation and configuration of system and application software, including troubleshooting conflicts and restoring previous settings.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the organisational issues related to computer system maintenance, including policies and procedures
• Plan computer system maintenance activities, including scheduling and resource allocation
• Perform routine housekeeping tasks on computer systems, such as disk cleanup and defragmentation
• Monitor computer systems performance using appropriate tools and techniques
• Improve systems performance by implementing optimisation strategies

What you'll be able to do

• Command a radio detachment, ensuring effective communication and coordination within the team.
• Manage BOWMAN and non-BOWMAN equipment, maintaining inventory, ensuring functionality, and troubleshooting issues.
• Supervise battery charging, adhering to safety procedures and optimising battery life.
• Advise on communication security and electronic warfare matters, providing guidance on best practices and mitigating potential threats.

What you'll be able to do

• Manage unit or sub-unit signals training, including planning, delivery, and assessment

What you'll be able to do

• Know about networking management tools and technologies
• Understand network management functions
• Carry out network management activities

What you'll be able to do

• Describe how numbers are represented in computer memory, including binary, hexadecimal, and other relevant formats.
• Apply Boolean algebra to simplify logical expressions and solve problems related to digital circuits.
• Use simple functions within a programming context, including defining, calling, and understanding the purpose of functions.
• Apply statistical techniques to analyse data sets and draw meaningful conclusions.

What you'll be able to do

• Apply matrix methods to solve IT-related problems, including matrix algebra and transformations
• Apply sequences and series to model and analyse IT-related phenomena
• Apply probability to assess risk and uncertainty in IT systems
• Apply recursion to design and implement algorithms
• Apply number systems, including binary, decimal, and hexadecimal, to represent and manipulate data
• Interpret data presented in various formats, including tables, charts, and graphs

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the uses and features of various mobile communications devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices.
• Explain the communication technologies used in mobile devices, such as cellular networks (e.g., 4G, 5G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
• Understand the implications of mobile communications technology, including security risks, privacy concerns, and ethical considerations.
• Set up mobile communications devices, including configuring network settings, installing applications, and troubleshooting common issues.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the types of network attacks, such as malware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks.
• Know the sources of network attacks, such as internal and external threats.
• Know about security related hardware, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
• Know about security related software, such as antivirus software and encryption tools.
• Understand organisational aspects of network security, including security policies and procedures.
• Apply system security measures, such as access controls and data encryption.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand physical and logical topologies and systems used in networking
• Understand the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model and its layers
• Understand the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) and its protocols

What you'll be able to do

• Know the OSI model and the TCP/IP suite, including their layers, functions, and protocols.
• Know different network topologies, such as bus, star, ring, and mesh, and their characteristics.
• Know different transmission systems, such as wired and wireless, and their associated technologies.
• Know the advantages and disadvantages of different types of network, such as LAN, WAN, and VPN.
• Know media access control methods used in local area networks, such as CSMA/CD and token ring.

What you'll be able to do

• Operate the Local Area Sub-system (LAS) according to specified procedures
• Construct an antenna for advanced communications, ensuring correct configuration and functionality
• Establish communications using re-broadcast facilities, following established protocols
• Operate the Key Encryption Key (KEK) fill Device to manage encryption keys securely
• Operate Common Battlefield Application Toolset (ComBAT) to support operational tasks

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the purpose of different document types in a professional context
• Know appropriate software applications to present and communicate information effectively
• Produce appropriate documents tailored for different audiences and purposes
• Review documents to ensure accuracy, clarity and suitability for purpose

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the function and operation of diodes, including their characteristics and applications in electronic circuits.
• Understand the function and operation of transistors, including different transistor types and their use in amplifier and switching circuits.
• Understand the function and operation of logic gates, including AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR gates, and their use in digital circuits.
• Build operational amplifier-based analogue circuits, including inverting amplifiers, non-inverting amplifiers, summing amplifiers, and difference amplifiers.
• Test operational amplifier-based analogue circuits, verifying their performance against design specifications.
• Build combinational logic circuits, including adders, subtractors, multiplexers, and demultiplexers.
• Build sequential logic circuits, including flip-flops, counters, and shift registers.
• Test combinational and sequential logic circuits, verifying their functionality and timing characteristics.
• Use computer-based simulation software packages to construct analogue circuits, simulating their behaviour and analysing their performance.
• Use computer-based simulation software packages to construct digital circuits, simulating their behaviour and analysing their performance.
• Use computer-based simulation software packages to test the operation of analogue circuits, validating their design and identifying potential issues.
• Use computer-based simulation software packages to test the operation of digital circuits, validating their design and identifying potential issues.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the functionality of BOWMAN digitisation.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the common types of threat to ICT systems and data, including malware, phishing, social engineering, and denial-of-service attacks.
• Protect ICT systems, including implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, access controls, and data encryption.
• Be aware of the applications of cryptography to ICT systems and data, including encryption, digital signatures, and hashing algorithms.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the common types of threat to ICT systems and data, including malware, phishing, and social engineering attacks.
• Understand how vulnerabilities in ICT systems can be exploited by attackers.
• Understand how to protect ICT systems through the implementation of security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls.
• Understand how to protect data through the implementation of security measures such as encryption, data loss prevention, and backup and recovery procedures.
• Understand the applications of cryptography to ICT systems and data, including encryption, digital signatures, and hashing algorithms.
• Understand how cryptography can be used to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how projects are managed.
• Plan projects using IT.
• Follow project plans.
• Review the project management process.

What you'll be able to do

• Prepare for a project.
• Produce a project plan.
• Follow a project plan to implement a project.
• Review a project to ensure it meets its goals.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the current use of computer networks in various sectors, including business, education, and entertainment.
• Know the features and services of local area network (LAN) technologies, such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
• Know the features and services of wide area network (WAN) technologies, such as the internet and leased lines.
• Understand how network hardware components, such as routers, switches, and hubs, are connected.
• Understand how network software components, such as operating systems and network protocols, are connected.
• Set up a simple local area network, including configuring network devices and testing connectivity.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles of software design, including modularity, abstraction, and information hiding.
• Apply various techniques of software design, such as object-oriented design, structured programming, and design patterns.

What you'll be able to do

• Know about different testing strategies and techniques used in software development
• Contribute to a test process for a software solution, following established procedures and guidelines

What you'll be able to do

• Understand different software testing strategies
• Understand different software testing techniques
• Manage a test process for a software solution, including planning, execution, and reporting

What you'll be able to do

• Command a radio detachment effectively
• Supervise the operation and maintenance of BOWMAN and non-BOWMAN equipment
• Supervise battery charging procedures for radio equipment

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the various ways in which organisations use IT, including communication, data management, and business operations.
• Explain the reasons why organisations use IT, such as improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer service.
• Understand the impact of IT on individuals and organisations, including changes in job roles, increased productivity, and potential security risks.
• Plan a working environment to incorporate IT, including selecting appropriate hardware and software, designing network infrastructure, and implementing security measures.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the principles of systems analysis and design methodologies
• Carry out a structured analysis of business systems requirements, including data gathering and process modelling
• Design business systems solutions that meet identified requirements, considering factors such as usability and security

What you'll be able to do

• Know how information is represented within a computer system, including binary, hexadecimal, and other relevant formats
• Use an operating environment, including command-line interfaces and graphical user interfaces
• Be aware of the communication processes involved in distributed operating systems and computer networks, including protocols and architectures

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the principles of information representation within a computer system, including binary, hexadecimal, and other relevant formats
• Understand how information is processed within a computer system, including the roles of the CPU, memory, and input/output devices
• Make effective use of the operating environment of current computer systems, including command-line interfaces and graphical user interfaces
• Understand the configuration and management of operating system settings
• Know the communication process in distributed operating systems, including protocols and architectures
• Know the communication process in computer networks, including network topologies and addressing schemes
• Know distributed applications and their characteristics, including client-server and peer-to-peer models
• Know transaction processing in mainframe systems, including concepts such as ACID properties and concurrency control

What you'll be able to do

• Know the facilities and applications of Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) services
• Know the facilities and applications of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) services
• Understand the operation of Wide Area Network (WAN) services
• Understand the characteristics of Wide Area Network (WAN) services
• Understand the applications of Wide Area Network (WAN) services
• Understand the operation of the internet
• Understand the administration of the internet
• Understand the characteristics of the internet
• Understand the capabilities of the internet
• Understand the principles of modern mobile communication services
• Understand the capabilities of modern mobile communication services

What you'll be able to do

• Know how telecommunication systems are linked together
• Understand how analogue signals carry data
• Understand how digital signals carry data
• Understand multiplexing techniques used in telecommunications networks
• Connect telecommunications equipment to create a local system

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the principals of alternating current (AC) circuits, including voltage, current, and impedance
• Understand the effects of line impairments on a transmitted signal, such as attenuation, noise, and distortion
• Apply the characteristics of transmission lines, including impedance matching and signal reflection
• Understand the transmission of digital signals over transmission media, including encoding and error correction techniques
• Understand the process of modulating an analogue carrier frequency using digital signals, including amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation
• Apply the process of multiplexing digital and analogue signals over transmission media, including time-division and frequency-division multiplexing

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the electromagnetic spectrum as applied to telecommunications, including frequency bands, propagation characteristics, and regulatory considerations.
• Know the relationship between telecommunication circuits and transmission lines and their effect on a digital signal, including impedance matching, signal attenuation, and noise interference.
• Know how binary information is transmitted as a digital signal, including modulation techniques, encoding schemes, and error correction methods.
• Understand how an analogue signal is converted to a digital signal, including sampling, quantisation, and encoding processes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of signal multiplexing, including time-division multiplexing (TDM) and frequency-division multiplexing (FDM).

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the service issues relating to a public telephony system, including call routing, billing, and emergency services
• Understand the operation and capabilities of a packet-switched telephony system, including VoIP and SIP
• Understand the operation of a circuit-switched telephony system, including PSTN and ISDN
• Understand the principles of speech encoding and compression techniques used in telephony systems

What you'll be able to do

• Know web architecture and components, including servers, clients, and network infrastructure
• Know about the technologies used to build and operate websites, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side scripting languages
• Implement specified components of a website, following design specifications and coding standards

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental architecture of the web, including client-server models and network protocols.
• Understand the various components that make up a website, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side technologies.
• Understand the different technologies that can be used to build a website, including programming languages, frameworks, and content management systems.
• Understand the technologies required to operate a website, including web servers, databases, and security measures.
• Develop a comprehensive web-site specification that outlines the purpose, functionality, and design of the website.
• Implement key elements of a website, including user interfaces, navigation systems, and content display.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the characteristics that are valued by employers in the IT industry, such as communication skills and problem-solving abilities
• Know the common job roles undertaken by people working in the IT industry, including descriptions of their main duties and responsibilities

What you'll be able to do

• Know the technologies required for an e-commerce system, including hardware, software and network infrastructure
• Understand the impact of e-commerce on organisations, considering factors such as business models, marketing strategies and operational efficiency
• Understand the effects of e-commerce on society, including its influence on consumer behaviour, employment patterns and social interactions
• Plan e-commerce strategies, taking into account target markets, competitive landscapes and resource constraints