Access keys
Search Skip navigation
External Assessment
Information and Communication Technology
What changes?
From November 2001, Level 3 and 4 tests in Information and Communication
Technology have required the use of electronic data, which is downloaded
by the centre and imported by the candidate. The data, which is uploaded
anually, consists of 27 sets of data files for Level 3 and 20 sets for
Level 4. All these data files are currently available on the QCA website.
These files will be used for all level 3 and level 4 ICT key skills tests
in the academic year 2005/06.
How can I access these data files?
Instructions on how to download these files are available on the QCA Website
Who can use these files?
Centres have free access to all of these files and may use
them how and as they wish. This may include the development
of scenarios and worksheets to fit a theme and either as practice
tests or towards assessment within a portfolio.
Will centres know in advance which data files will be used
in the test?
Centres will be advised, close to the test window, which
set of data must be secured for candidates taking the test.
The candidate will not know until they are instructed within
the paper.
What if some of the data is accidentally erased or changed
before the candidates does the test?
If a centre/student has accidentally erased or changed the
contents of any of the data files, while still in text format,
this file(s) should be downloaded again to replace the corrupt
version. It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure
that their candidates are not disadvantaged in any way by
ensuring the data files are held as read-only files.
Can we import the data into spreadsheet, database or word-processing
software, ready for our candidates?
Centres must not pre-empt the test by importing the
data into software for the candidate. Candidates may be disqualified
if they have not imported the data within the test period
as instructed. Centres are required to download the files
and place them locally for candidates to use.
What will these tests look like?
Example tests are available from the QCA Website
More help?
KSSP are offering free training events to help centres prepare
for the new style tests.
View our training events and free training for
your centre.
Back to External Assessment
Summary of this section