PC Passport

PC Passport is one of SQA's premiere ICT qualifications - there are over 30,000 candidates annually.  It is a suite of IT user qualifications available at three levels.  PC Passport is a National Progression Award (NPA) with SCQF levelling and embeded Core Skills at the appropriate level.

The Beginner Course is ideal for the absolute novice. No prior experience is required for this level and the component Units are very straightforward. (SCQF level 4)

The Intermediate Course is designed for the 'competent user' and focuses on the key skills required in the modern workplace. (SCQF level 5)

The Advanced Course is designed for IT experts - those individuals who co-workers come to for help. (SCQF level 6)

These Courses are highly vocational, focusing on industry standard software and skills. However, they're not directly related to a specific software manufacturer - instead they seek to teach transferable skills that can be used in a range of environments.

PC Passport is available to any centre meeting SQA's approval criteria.

PC Passport is designed for anyone who wants to develop or improve their IT skills. Because it exists at three levels, most people will find a level to suit their IT needs. PC Passport is particularly suitable for the following individuals:

• School pupils who want to gain vocational skills.
• College students who want to acquire IT skills to complement their main field of study.
• Pre-university students who want a short IT Course prior to commencing university.
• Unemployed people who want to improve their employability.
• Employees who want to enhance their IT skills or gain certification for their existing skills.
• Professionals as part of their continued professional development.
• Retired people who want to learn to use computers and the internet.

There are no exams in PC Passport. Knowledge and understanding are assessed using objective questions; practical skills are assessed through observation and/or practical exercises.

PC Passport combines the best features of existing qualifications and adds some new ones to make it very effective and easy to use. The features of PC Passport include:

• simple structure, low-cost and simple administration for SQA centres
• vocational, up-to-date contents focusing on key IT skills and current National Occupational Standards
• simple to teach and assess
• assessment for the refreshed version includes work-based assessment, assessments for schools and assessments for FE.

PC Passport is included in the National Certificate in Digital Media Computing and allows candidates to progress into further areas of study.

PC Passport is one of the leading UK qualifications to be based on the IT User framework created by the E-Skills Sector Skills Council (SSC).  This National Occupational Standard ensure its relevance in the workplace.  The E-Skills Passport is an initiative by the E-Skills SSC to improve employees' IT skills.

Professional Development Workshops

To support the delivery and assessment of the Refreshed PC Passport and Internet Safety, a series of Professional Development Workshops are being run throughout April, May and June 2008.

If these are of interest to you in your centre, please see our list of Professional Development Workshops for more details.