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Essential Digital Skills Entry 3 Qualification (Gateway)

Course Title: Essential Digital Skills Entry 3 Qualification (Gateway)

Brief course description:

This accredited course covers the essential digital skills needed for everyday life and work. It is suitable for you if you already use a digital device occasionally but want to become more confident and independent. You’ll learn how to use the internet, send emails, create and edit documents, and stay safe online. You’ll also practise using digital tools to communicate, find information, and complete everyday tasks.

This course includes a practical assessment and leads to an Entry Level 3 qualification from Gateway Qualifications. It supports progression into work, volunteering or further study. 

Objectives:

  • Create and edit a Word document using text formatting tools.
  • Use email to send, receive and reply to messages with attachments.
  • Connect to Wi-Fi and use internet browsers to search safely and efficiently.
  • Complete online forms and registrations (e.g. NHS, council services, job search).
  • Use strong passwords and understand basic online security.
  • Recognise common online risks such as scams or phishing emails.
  • Organise files in folders and manage storage on a digital device.
  • Use settings on a device to personalise access (e.g. language, accessibility, privacy).
  • Communicate using online tools (e.g. video calls, messaging, shared docs).
  • Use simple AI tools or apps to help with writing, planning or finding answers.

Entry requirements:

You should already feel confident using a computer and/or have completed an Entry 2 Digital Skills course. You must be able to read and follow instructions in English at Entry 3 or above.

Equipment required :

Some sessions may take place online. You will be notified in advance if a session is due to take place online. You may join these sessions using any personal device or computer - wifi is also available in the Idea Stores. If you do not have a device available, there may be support available for a loan device.

What courses can I go on to:

  • Essential Digital Skills Level 1 (Gateway Qualification)Essential Digital Skills Level 1
  • Digital Skills for Work: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (Level 1)
  • Digital Skills for Work: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (Level 1)
  • Level 1 ESOL, or Functional Skills English or Maths

What examination is there:

You will undertake the Gateway Essential Digital Skills Qualification at Entry 3.

The qualification covers five skill areas:

  1. Using devices and handling information
  2. Creating and editing
  3. Communicating
  4. Transacting
  5. Being safe and responsible online.

The content of the qualifications is based on the National standards for essential digital skills April 2019 (reference: DfE-00082-2019)

You will be given the opportunity to resit the exam once.

How will I know I am making progress:

At the start of the course, your tutor will talk with you about which of your digital skills you need to practise most and help you create an individual learning plan. Throughout the course, you will have a tutorial meeting to discuss your strengths, areas for improvement, and any problems you may have. You will keep a folder with your work, which will help you review your learning outside of class. Your tutor will give you regular feedback on your class work and homework to help you improve. To make progress, you need to attend all your classes and do work outside of class.

Other info:

One of our aims is to help you make progress in work or future studies. We also want to help you participate in your communities and become an active citizen. In our classes, you will develop important skills that employers value and that will help you in everyday life. Here’s what you will learn:

Communication Skills: You will learn to speak and write more clearly and confidently. This includes practising conversations for work, writing emails, and filling out forms.

Decision-Making: You will learn how to make good choices by evaluating different options and thinking critically about situations.

Teamwork: You will learn how to work well with others.

Problem-Solving: You will develop the ability to identify problems and find effective solutions, useful in both work and daily life.

Time Management: You will practice managing your time effectively, including setting goals and meeting deadlines.

By improving these skills, you will increase your chances of finding a job, advancing in your career, and becoming an active member of your community.

Extra support

We can help you if you tell us you have a learning difficulty, disability or other support needs. Please tell us when you enrol or in your first class.