ICT OCR Cambridge Extended Certificate Level 3

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - Thursday 20th August 2026.

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: - Minimum 4 GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above to study BTEC or vocational courses; 5 GCSE passes at 4 and above to study A level/BTEC combination; 5 GCSE's at Grades 5 and above to study straight A Levels.

*Please note there may be subject specific entry requirements which also need to be met.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications via email will not be accepted.

Level 3 Cambridge Extended Certificate in IT

OCR

The study of IT crosses over many different topics and themes so students are given opportunity to develop their own knowledge and understanding of key principles within this sector.

Students will explore the fundamentals of IT, the use of information on a global scale and issues around information security and how risks can be minimised. All of these themes will be deepened and broadened in different ways as learners’ progress through different units.

For this qualification, learners must achieve five units, three mandatory units and two optional units.

Externally assessed mandatory unit examinations

Unit 1 – Fundamentals of IT

• Section A comprises of multiple choice questions
• Section B comprises short answer and extended response questions

Unit 2 – Global Information

• Section A comprises short answer and extended response questions based on a pre-released case study.
• Section B comprises short answer and extended response questions. These questions will not relate to the pre-released case study.

Unit 3 – Cyber Security

• Section A comprises short answer and extended response questions based on a pre-released case study. This will focus on either a personal or corporate perspective.
• Section B comprises of a short answer and extended response questions and will focus on the theme (i.e. personal or corporate) that is not covered in the pre-released case study.

Internally assessed units – 2 of the below will be completed

• Unit 8 – Project Management
• Unit 9 – Product Development
• Unit 11 – Systems analysis and design
• Unit 17 – Internet of Everything

Units 1 and 2 carry 25% weighting each of the overall grade. All other units carry a 16.6% weighting of the overall grade.

All units will be scored as Pass/ Merit/ Distinction with the exam board using these to present the overall grade achieved.

Five GCSE grades 9-4 or equivalent, including English Language and Mathematics.

The qualification can be used for progression onto Higher Education courses. The qualification carries UCAS points which are awarded based on the grade achieved by the student.

The course also sets students up for the world of work, allowing them to develop skills and knowledge in IT which are desirable in many jobs in today’s society.