Candidates registering for an ITQ qualification in one of British Computer Society centres are to get portable electronic record of their achievements.

The e-skills Passport will include an assessment of candidates existing skills and an ITQ target profile before commencing training.

Created by e-skills UK, it will also help candidates and training providers plan and monitor progress through the qualification, as well as validate unit achievements as they are made.

Karen Price, Chief Executive, e-skills UK says: “We are delighted that BCS is leading the way by linking e-skills Passport with ITQ in this way, and we hope that this agreement will encourage further integration across the provider community.

“Designed to provide training providers and employers with a unique overview of learners’ technology skills and a way of recording their skills progress, over 15,000 people from more than 800 companies are already using e-skills Passport to boost business productivity.”

“An example of the benefits of effective IT user training is provided by a large employer which reports that staff regained an average of 35 minutes per day as result of a structured programme to increase IT user skills. The e-skills Passport/ITQ combination provides for structured skills development based on proper identification of skills gaps.”

* ITQ is modular with units covering everything from making the best use of technology in business systems to communication with colleagues and customers. Learners can also gain exemptions for completion of other well known qualifications such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) or Microsoft Office Specialist into their ITQ.