Did you know over 80% of job vacancies now ask for digital skills? So developing your digital know-how is one of the most important things you can do to improve your employability, but that can be a scary prospect if you’ve avoided using computers up to now.


It’s easier than you think

BCS has helped millions of people gain the skills and confidence to use technology in all kinds of work settings, from shops and warehouses to restaurants and bars, even farms and building sites.

BCS Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQ) offer a friendly and helpful introduction to the digital landscape, allowing you to grow your knowledge, skills and confidence at a pace that suits you. And whether you’re already in work or not, your training won’t cost you a penny thanks to the Government.

The Government will provide entitlement funding for learners in England aged 16 -19 and for all adults, aged 19+ (employed or unemployed) with no or low digital skills who take the Ofqual approved Essential Digital Skills qualifications.


The workplace is changing - are you?

Digital Skills are essential for work today, regardless of the job you do - learn more by watching the video below.

Other reasons to take this course

Train for free at one of our BCS-approved and regulated training centres, located across the UK

Choose from two levels of training based on whether you have some basic knowledge or none at all

Understand how to use technology correctly and safely in the workplace

Earn yourself a recognised qualification to add to your CV as proof of your digital competence

Find a BCS training centre

Contact your nearest BCS centre to ask about funded digital qualifications from BCS.

A closer look at BCS Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQ)

Who is it for?

  • People with very basic or no digital skills, whether in employment or not
  • Job seekers and people returning to the workplace after time away
  • Employees who work with digital devices and want to develop in their role
  • Learners who want to progress to higher qualification levels
  • Adults who live and work in the UK

What's covered?

  • Digital devices and handling online information
  • Creating and editing documents
  • Communicating online - emails / video calls
  • Completing online forms to make secure purchases
  • Online safety and responsibility - keeping devices and information secure

Qualification levels

Entry level

Our entry level course is designed for adults who have very little or no previous experience using digital devices and the internet.

It’s an ideal introduction to the types of digital technology commonly used in most jobs including word processing and presentation software, helping you to develop your understanding and grow in confidence.

Once you’ve achieved the entry level qualification you might choose to continue your development journey by progressing to level 1.

Level 1

Perhaps you have some experience using the internet or digital devices, but you don’t feel very confident about using them at work.

Our level 1 qualification is designed for adults with some basic digital know-how, helping you get to grips with the technology used in the workplace including word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software.

Your new knowledge and skills can enhance your CV and support your progression within an existing role or into new employment.

Are there any entry requirements?

No - anyone can take this qualification with no prior digital experience required.


Am I eligible for funding?

BCS Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQ) are completely free for anyone who doesn’t have the basic digital skills they need to get on in today’s society.

Adults aged 19 and over receive full government funding, whether they are in work or not - and 16 to 19-year-olds are fully funded automatically.

Full funding means that your training course won’t cost you a penny. All you need to do is contact your local BCS centre and ask about funded digital qualifications from BCS.

Ready to find out more?

Contact a BCS training centre and ask for 'funded digital qualifications from BCS'. Give yourself a head-start in the workplace with qualifications from BCS, the trusted specialist in digital learning and the professional body for the IT industry.