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 Open College Network Northern Ireland 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 Open College Network Northern Ireland awards. A qualified assessor at the centre judges your evidence, and the certificate comes from Open College Network Northern Ireland.

More on studying for a qualification

01What it is

Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) is a Nationally Recognised Awarding organisation which offer high quality flexible, credit based qualifications

These are the units Open College Network Northern Ireland 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 Open College Network Northern Ireland. It does the teaching and the mapping. Open College Network Northern Ireland 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

Accessing the Internet Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll learn to connect to the internet and use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information. The unit also covers online communication and emphasises the importance of internet safety and security.

What you'll be able to do

  • Connect to the internet using appropriate hardware and software.
  • Use browser software to navigate web pages effectively.
  • Use browser tools to search for information from the internet, employing appropriate search strategies.
  • Use browser software to communicate information online, adhering to online etiquette.
  • Understand the importance of safety and security measures when accessing and using the internet.
Arrange Business Travel and Accommodation Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
It teaches you to make business travel arrangements in line with organisational policies. You'll produce accurate travel documentation and clarify arrangements with relevant parties to ensure all travel requirements are met.

What you'll be able to do

  • Make business travel arrangements in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
  • Produce business travel documentation accurately and efficiently.
  • Clarify travel arrangements with relevant parties prior to the business travel, ensuring all requirements are met.
Arrange Meetings Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll learn to support meetings effectively, including producing agendas and minutes, keeping accurate records, and carrying out pre-meeting preparations. The unit also covers the importance of confidentiality and distributing meeting documentation.

What you'll be able to do

  • Support meetings effectively within a business environment
  • Produce accurate and relevant documentation required for meetings
  • Keep accurate pre-meeting records, including attendance and apologies
  • Carry out pre-meeting checks and preparations to ensure the meeting runs smoothly
  • Understand the need for confidentiality regarding meeting content and attendees
  • Distribute documentation following meetings to relevant individuals promptly
Developing Computer Skills Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit provides learners with foundational knowledge of computer components and software functions. You'll perform basic IT tasks including creating, saving, and editing documents, using email, and browsing the internet.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the basic components of computers and the functions of different types of software.
  • Perform basic IT tasks, such as creating, saving, and editing documents, using email, and browsing the internet.
Diversity within Society Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit provides knowledge of diversity and its various dimensions within society. You'll identify diverse groups and practices, understand the importance of respecting diversity, and recognise the contributions of different groups to society.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know what is meant by the term diversity, including its various dimensions and manifestations.
  • Be aware of a range of diverse groups and practices within society, such as those related to ethnicity, religion, gender, and disability.
  • Understand the importance of respecting diversity and promoting inclusivity in all aspects of society.
  • Recognise the contributions of diverse groups to society, including their cultural, economic, and social impact.
Equal Opportunities Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit provides knowledge of diversity, discrimination, and equal opportunities legislation. You'll understand different forms of discrimination and the importance of promoting a fair and inclusive workplace.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the concept of diversity and its importance in the workplace
  • Understand different forms of discrimination and their negative impact
  • Understand the importance of equal opportunities legislation and its implications for organisations
Filing Skills Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll develop knowledge and skills for effective filing practices, including understanding data protection requirements and various filing classification systems. The unit covers pre-sorting documents, using indexes, cross-referencing, and locating files accurately.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the basic requirements of the Data Protection Act and their implications for filing systems.
  • Understand the four main filing classification systems, including alphabetical, numerical, subject, and geographical.
  • Know the importance of pre-sorting documents to ensure efficient filing processes.
  • Understand how to file documents accurately and consistently using different filing classification systems.
  • Use an index effectively to locate filed documents quickly.
  • Understand procedures for cross-referencing documents to maintain file integrity and accessibility.
  • Understand the importance of returning files promptly to their designated locations after use.
Handling Business Mail Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
It teaches you to handle business mail efficiently and securely, following organisational procedures and legal requirements. You'll manage incoming and outgoing mail, including sorting, distributing, recording, and preparing items for dispatch.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know why it is important for a business to handle mail efficiently and securely, in accordance with organisational procedures and legal requirements.
  • Deal with incoming mail, following established procedures for sorting, distributing, and recording mail items.
  • Deal with outgoing mail, preparing items for dispatch, selecting appropriate postage methods, and maintaining records.
Manage Diary Systems Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll gain knowledge and skills to manage diary systems effectively in an administrative environment. The unit covers different diary types, setting up new entries accurately, managing changes, and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of electronic and paper-based systems.

What you'll be able to do

  • Be aware of the different types of diary systems used in an administrative environment, including electronic and paper-based systems.
  • Accurately set up new diary entries, including appointments, meetings, and tasks, ensuring all relevant information is recorded.
  • Understand how to manage changes to diary entries, including rescheduling, cancellations, and amendments, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
Office Administrator Skills Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit introduces the role and responsibilities of an office administrator. You'll practise basic administrative tasks such as filing, photocopying, and data entry, while recognising the importance of good self-presentation and time management.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the role of an office administrator within an organisation.
  • Carry out a range of basic administrative tasks, such as filing, photocopying, and data entry.
  • Be aware of the importance of good self-presentation and time management in an office environment.
Oral Presentation Skills in Practice Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit develops learners' skills in preparing, planning, and delivering oral presentations. You'll select suitable topics, structure content, use visual aids effectively, deliver presentations confidently, and give and receive constructive feedback.

What you'll be able to do

  • Prepare for, plan, and deliver a clear and concise oral presentation on a chosen topic.
  • Give constructive feedback to others on their oral presentations and receive feedback on own presentation, reflecting on areas for improvement.
Producing Business Documents Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll understand different types of business documents and the importance of appropriate communication styles. The unit covers producing routine documents such as letters, emails, and memos, using suitable formatting and language for the intended audience and purpose.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know that there are different types of business documents, including letters, emails, reports, and memos.
  • Know why it is important to use the right communication style in business documents, considering the audience and purpose.
  • Produce routine business documents, such as letters, emails, and memos, using appropriate formatting and language.
Skills for Working in Business and Administration Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll understand the role of an office administrator and develop skills to perform routine administrative tasks. The unit also covers professional self-presentation, effective work organisation, and the importance of information confidentiality.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the role of an office administrator, including their responsibilities, duties, and contribution to the organisation.
  • Carry out routine administrative tasks, such as filing, photocopying, and data entry, accurately and efficiently.
  • Present oneself in a positive manner, demonstrating appropriate communication skills, personal appearance, and professional behaviour.
  • Organise own work effectively, prioritising tasks, managing time, and meeting deadlines.
  • Know the importance of information confidentiality, adhering to data protection regulations and organisational policies.
Skills in Customer Service Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll explore the principles of customer service, understanding how to meet customer needs and expectations. The unit covers the benefits of good customer service to organisations and the consequences of poor service, emphasising positive verbal and non-verbal interactions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of customer service, including meeting customer needs and expectations.
  • Understand the benefits to an organisation of good customer service, such as increased customer loyalty and positive reputation.
  • Understand the possible consequences of poor customer service, such as customer complaints and loss of business.
  • Understand the value of first impressions in customer service interactions.
  • Understand positive verbal and non-verbal interaction with customers, including active listening and clear communication.
  • Understand how to deal with customer complaints effectively and professionally.
Teamwork Skills in Practice Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit focuses on teamwork skills, including understanding team roles and responsibilities and contributing to team and individual goals. You'll develop active listening skills, respect communication rights, and review team performance.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the different roles and responsibilities of individuals within a team.
  • Contribute to the setting of team goals and own individual goals within the team context.
  • Be aware of others' rights to communicate their views and opinions within a team.
  • Recognise the importance of co-operation and collaboration within a team to achieve common objectives.
  • Review team performance, identifying areas for improvement and celebrating successes.
Telephone Skills Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll learn to use a telephone system in an office environment, including making and receiving calls professionally. The unit emphasises appropriate call handling to maintain positive organisational communication.

What you'll be able to do

  • Use a telephone system effectively in an office environment
  • Make and receive telephone calls in a professional manner
  • Recognise the importance of handling calls appropriately to maintain a positive image of the organisation
Understanding Business Meetings Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll gain an understanding of the function, planning, and execution of business meetings. The unit covers different meeting techniques, managing difficult issues, and evaluating meetings to support business objectives effectively.

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the function of meetings within a business context.
  • Understand different meeting techniques, such as brainstorming or structured discussions.
  • Understand how to plan a meeting, including setting an agenda and inviting participants.
  • Understand how to run a meeting effectively, including managing time and facilitating discussion.
  • Understand how to deal with difficult issues in meetings, such as disagreements or disruptive behaviour.
  • Understand how to evaluate a meeting to identify areas for improvement.
Using Effective Communication Skills in the Workplace Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit covers the different forms of effective communication in the workplace, including verbal, written, and non-verbal methods. You'll understand the importance of clear communication to support colleagues and manage conflict effectively.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand different forms of effective communication in the workplace, including verbal, written, and non-verbal communication.
  • Understand the importance of communicating effectively with others in the workplace to ensure clarity and understanding.
  • Use communication to support the work of others, such as providing feedback or sharing information.
  • Understand how to deal with conflict in the workplace using appropriate communication techniques.
Using Email Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll gain an understanding of email systems and their functions. The unit develops skills to compose, send, receive, and organise emails, including handling attachments, to facilitate effective electronic communication.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand how to use email systems for effective communication.
  • Use email to send, receive, and manage electronic messages effectively.
Using Office Machines - Faxes, Photocopiers and Printers Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit provides learners with practical skills to operate common office machines such as faxes, photocopiers, scanners, and printers. You'll send and receive faxes, perform copying, scanning, and printing tasks, and identify and resolve common machine problems.

What you'll be able to do

  • Send faxes using appropriate procedures.
  • Receive and distribute faxes to the correct recipients.
  • Recognise and resolve common problems with the fax machine, such as paper jams or transmission errors.
  • Prepare the photocopier, scanner and/or printer for use, including loading paper and checking ink/toner levels.
  • Perform photocopying, scanning and/or printing tasks according to instructions.
  • Recognise and resolve common problems with the photocopier or printer, such as paper jams or poor print quality.
Using Presentation Software Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
This unit equips learners with skills to capture, edit, and format information for presentation slides. You'll prepare slides that are organised, visually appealing, and clear to enhance the effectiveness of presentations.

What you'll be able to do

  • Capture information accurately for inclusion in presentation slides
  • Edit and format slides to enhance visual appeal and clarity
  • Prepare slides effectively for presentation, ensuring they are organised and easy to understand
Using Spreadsheet Software Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
It teaches you to use spreadsheet software for data entry, organisation, calculation, and analysis. You'll apply formulas and tools to perform calculations and present information clearly using charts and graphs.

What you'll be able to do

  • Use a spreadsheet to enter, edit, and organise data.
  • Use spreadsheet formulas and tools to perform calculations and analyse data.
  • Present spreadsheet information in a clear and understandable format, using charts and graphs.
Using Word Processing Software Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll learn to create, edit, and format word processing documents. The unit covers entering and organising information using tables and lists, and presenting documents with appropriate styles and layouts.

What you'll be able to do

  • Enter, edit and combine text and other information within a word processing document, using appropriate tools and techniques.
  • Organise information within word processing documents, using features such as tables, lists, and headings to structure content effectively.
  • Format and present documents, applying appropriate styles, layouts, and printing options to achieve a professional appearance.
Welcoming Visitors Real unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland
You'll develop the ability to welcome visitors professionally and positively. The unit covers greeting, assisting, and escorting visitors, and explains how a positive first impression influences the organisation's reputation.

What you'll be able to do

  • Welcome visitors in a positive and professional way
  • Know why it is important for an organisation to make visitors welcome, considering their first impression and overall 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.

03The standards

The national standards these units are built against

What the job actually needs, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.

  • Arrange and conduct meetings with customers and others

    Standard
  • Support the development and effectiveness of work teams

    Standard
04Where 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.

Showing 1 roles, drawn from 2 job records mapped to this qualification. Near-identical records are folded together, and each row says how many it stands for.

Where this can lead

Office Coordinator

This role can lead to running facilities for a whole site, focusing on workplace experience, or managing offices across a region.

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.

05The credits

The credits, and who awards them

Level 1 credits are regulated, and they are awarded by Open College Network Northern Ireland 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

Accessing the InternetArrange Business Travel and AccommodationArrange MeetingsDeveloping Computer SkillsDiversity within SocietyEqual OpportunitiesFiling SkillsHandling Business Mail

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 “Producing Business Documents”. 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 “Producing Business Documents” 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.

  • Map a live decision Analyse

    “Manage Diary Systems” runs on a decision you are facing now. Zavmo maps it with you and shows what the second-order effect looks like before you find out the slow way.

  • Lead it Apply

    “Teamwork Skills in Practice” is practised on the team you actually have. You talk through the call you are about to make, and Zavmo makes you say it the way you would say it to them.

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 Accessing the Internet, one of this qualification's own units.

Accessing the Internet Level 1

Applied to your work in any of these jobs

Which job do you mean?

Learners will develop skills to connect to the internet and use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information. The unit also covers online communication and emphasises the importance of internet safety and security.

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 OCN NI Level 1 Diploma in Business Administration

24 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Open College Network Northern Ireland.

  1. Accessing the Internet
  2. Arrange Business Travel and Accommodation
  3. Arrange Meetings
  4. Developing Computer Skills
  5. Diversity within Society
  6. Equal Opportunities

and 18 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

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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.