The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in
Information Technology (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic
Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in the
Digital sector and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate
level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students
looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Information Technology
as part of a study programme alongside A Levels.
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IT Extended Certificate AAQ
Level 3 - Advanced
IT Extended Certificate AAQ
The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics: Unit 1: Information Technology Systems – Information
technology systems, including the relationship between software and hardware,
and the issues related to IT systems Unit 2: Cyber Security and Incident Management – Types of
cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and how to plan
and respond to attacks Unit 3: Website Development – The development tools,
techniques and processes used in website development and how to test usability,
functionality and fitness for purpose Unit 4: Relational Database Development – Structure of data,
data design and database management systems (DBMS).
Location
Entry
Fees
When
Sutton Coldfield College
01-09-2025
Free*
TBC
* Courses are free for 16-18s. Students aged 19 or over could be charged fees and is subject to a fee assessment. Learners on benefits in the majority of cases courses are also free. Fee assessments are completed at enrolment.
Course Length: 35 Weeks
Minimum of 5 grade 4s at GCSE including Maths at Grade 4 and English Language at Grade 5.
66.6% of the total qualification GLH is made up of external assessment.
Unit 1 and Unit 2 are assessed with a 90 mark external assessment set and marked by Pearson.
This qualification can lead to progression onto a number of Degrees including, but not limited to: IT, Information Systems, Computer Networking and Security, Cyber Security, IT Management for Business, Business Information Technology, Cloud Computing, and Digital Technology Solutions.