This qualification was designed with a number of organisations to offer post-16 students an introduction to the Linux operating system which now dominates the Internet. The qualification is a preparation for the official certification exam from the LPI (Linux Professional Institute) known as Linux Essentials. The TLM Technical Certificate is made more suitable as an introduction to post-16 students.
LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE
Examined course
This is a substantial Level 2 Technical Certificate of 150 guided learning hours. It is designed for students that want to work as systems or network managers in organisations deploying Posix based infrastructure. This includes Linux, and BSD derivatives such as Mac OS. A typically related standard occupation code is 3131 administrator, computer. The content of the qualification is specifically related to the tasks required to administer computer systems running open source network operating software. While not mandatory, a Level 1 or equivalent qualification in computing, computer science or IT will be an advantage and candidates should have achieved or be realistically in the process of achieving at least grade Cs in mathematics and English at GCSE or equivalent functional skills.
Total Credits required to achieve the qualification - 20
Mandatory Units:
- UNIT 1 - Understanding Global Software Communities and their Products (5 CREDITS)
- UNIT 2 - Using an operating system efficiently (5 CREDIT)
- UNIT 3 - Computer hardware systems and networks (5 CREDITS)
- UNIT 4 - Carrying out an IT systems management project (5 CREDITS)
150
Coursework, E-assessment, Multiple Choice Examination, Portfolio of Evidence, Practical Demonstration/Assignment, Written Examination
01-Sep-2014
NO
P/M/D/D*
SPECIFICATION:
The qualification at Level 1 has two assessment components both of which cover the full content of the qualifications.
- Coursework assessed in terms of competence in practical areas where knowledge and understanding can be applied in real and motivating contexts.
- An externally set and externally marked examination to assess knowledge and understanding that underpins user competence.
Both of these assessment components cover the full range of content as far as it is validly assessable by the particular method. There are 70 marks available from externally set externally marked assessment and 30 marks from externally moderated internally assessed coursework.
This Level 2 certificate is graded across 4 levels from Pass to Distinction* with Distinction* the highest grade equating to 80%+ of the available marks and a pass equating to a minimum of 50%.
[The published grade boundaries may be subject to change]
This qualification could lead to employment in IT infrastructural support for computers and/or networks running open source operating software. Centres must provide each candidate with a minimum of one day working alongside a professional systems or network manager. This professional must assess the candidate’s competence against at least three of the criteria and agree them with the assessor. This is a mandatory requirement before the candidate is eligible to take the grading exam. Details are provided in Section 6 of the handbook.
TLM Level 2 Certificate In Open Systems IT Management - Handbook
Suggested Project for Teaching
Unit 4 of this qualification is learner's planning something using open systems. The rest of the Units are what hardware and software they need to meet the project needs, what sort of configuration, and how the open source community works and functions. As a suggestion, you could do the following:
- Students create a plan to install and configure a VLE for a local primary school or a Squid proxy and filtering server.
- They need to specify and install the system using all of the main tools available and then present this to the school with documentation.
Moodle is a popular open source VLE which is well documented for support and installation. Students can use an old computer to install the system which will cover almost all of the criteria in this qualification and give them vital skills in managing a real project. There are a series of videos here to give an overview of how this could be done. Part 7 of the videos is the project suggestion, the rest are details on hardware and software.
Some useful tutorials can be found here
Resources
If schools or colleges become Cisco Academies (which is free), they can use their excellent Linux teaching materials.
WHY CHOOSE THIS QUALIFICATION?
- Devised in consultation with leading industry consultants, professional bodies and universities.
- Clear and flexible unit based structure referenced to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
- Straightforward assessment of competence in real rather than contrived contexts.
- Grading through controlled exams introduced progressively from KS3 to KS4.
- Provides a focus for continuing professional development for teachers through moderation/verification feedback.
- Moderation on demand, no restrictive moderation windows.
- Feedback offered on any evidence submitted. TLM are willing to communicate with assessors with guidance on how to improve learners work.
- three examination opportunities per year.
- use of open source cloud based technologies to reduce costs and add value for schools.
- The online TLM Markbook is invaluable in tracking students' progress.
- Use of open source cloud based technologies to reduce costs and add value for schools.
- Reduced bureaucracy for teachers and flexibility for them to target specific interests.
Who supports this qualification?
- Industry: Linux Professional Institute, FirstGroup, Saffron, UKFast, Secarma, Cisco, CompTIA, LPI, OpenUK etc
- CHE/FE: University of Westminster, Cardiff University, OU All of the above organisations have had direct and indirect input into the development and ongoing support of this qualification.
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