Professional Development Programme FAQ

Here are answers to some of the more common questions people ask about our accreditation programmes. You may find it useful to read through them before contacting us.

What is the Netskills professional development programme?

This programme enables Netskills training to lead to formal qualifications in e-learning and web development.

Netskills training already has a well-earned reputation for enabling participants to develop their practical skills and knowledge. Over the last ten years, participants have consistently rated their satisfaction with our events at over 85%. However, we recognise that however good our training may be, internally-validated qualifications are of limited value. That's why our qualifications are awarded through BTEC, providing quality control and wide recognition.

By linking our practical training to a recognised qualification, our programme provides a unique, career-enhancing development opportunity.

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What's new about this programme?

Our original BTEC certificates in e-learning and web development were extremely successful. However, we acknowledge that we need to provide candidates with more flexible progression routes. Accordingly, we now offer a wider range of qualifications to meet more diverse development needs.

The following qualifications are now available in both e-learning and web development:

  • Award
  • Certificate
  • Diploma

All qualifications are at a level equivalent to HNC/D (level 4 of the national qualifications framework).

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How does the programme work?

Our qualifications are modular in design, with candidates completing a series of individual units. Specialist units include training and support from Netskills, followed by a practical assessment which is submitted remotely at a convenient time. All qualifications offer a wide range of specialist units, allowing candidates to select those that best meet their development needs.

Candidates enrolled on a certificate or diploma are also required to complete one or more project units. These core units provide an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the programme to a practical project in a relevant area.

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What's difference between an award, certificate and diploma?

Award (3 specialist units)
This is an introductory qualification based on developing practical skills. Candidates select a small number of units to complete and are assessed through a short practical assignment associated with the unit.
Certificate (5 specialist units plus 1 project unit)
This is a more in-depth qualification in which candidates select a greater number of units from a wider range of choices. Candidates will also be required to carry out a core unit on the design of a practical project in a relevant topic.
Diploma (6 specialist units plus 2 project units)
This is a comprehensive qualification that is built around completion of six specialist units and two core units on the design and development of a major practical project.

This structure allows candidates to choose qualifications that best suit their circumstances at the time. Should your circumstances change, you can always upgrade to a certificate or diploma at a later date.

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What training and support will I receive?

Units in our professional development programme are fully supported through Netskills training. This training is designed and delivered by our team of professional trainers and is widely regarded as being of outstanding quality. We will also provide ongoing support throughout your qualification to ensure you achieve all of your goals.

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Can I complete the qualification on-line?

Not at present. However, we are looking at alternative ways of supporting units, including online delivery, so if you have any suggestions for how you'd like this to work, please email us at: enquiries@netskills.ac.uk

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Can I book on Netskills workshops before I register?

Yes, you can book normally for any advertised Netskills workshop. If you subsequently register for the programme, any relevant costs already incurred will be deducted from the cost of registration.

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I've already attended some Netskills workshops, but haven't registered - what should I do?

If, within the six months prior to registration, you have already attended the supporting workshop for any of your unit selections you may be eligible for a discount against the full programme fee*. This also applies to any unit-supporting workshops you are currently booked on - but have not yet attended.

All you need to do is let us know the date, venue and event title on your programme registration form and we will contact you and let you know how much you could save.

*Workshop vouchers will not be issued for units where a discount has been applied to the registration. The offer of any discount and the allocation workshop vouchers is subject to the Netskills PDP terms and conditions.

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Do I need to attend workshops?

It is possible to complete the qualification without attending any workshops - all we actually require is for you to complete the unit assessments. Bear in mind that you would have to prepare for each unit through self-directed learning. Whilst not recommended, if you already have the skills and knowledge to meet the unit outcomes, you can submit your assessments at any time.

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How long will I have to complete the programme?

From registration, you will have two years to complete your qualification. This timescale provides flexibility in when and where you attend workshops supporting your chosen units and also allows you to reflect thoroughly on each unit you take.

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How much does the programme cost?

  • Award: £745
  • Certificate: £995
  • Diploma: £1545

These programme fees include registration, administration, support and certification plus FREE places on supporting Netskills workshops. Compared to equivalent schemes, this represents excellent value for a recognised qualification.

* Prices for candidates from outside the education sector are £865 (Award), £1195 (Certificate) and £1785 (Diploma).

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Can I pay in instalments?

Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to pay for your qualification in instalments. For further information, email: enquiries@netskills.ac.uk

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I'm registered on the original certificate scheme - does this affect me?

There will be no change for candidates currently registered on the original certificates in e-learning and web development. You will work towards completing this certificate, which is as the same level of the national qualifications framework as the new certificate. However, new units released by Netskills will only be added to the new programme.

To discuss upgrading your existing qualification to our new scheme, email enquiries@netskills.ac.uk

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How can I get more information about this programme?

All enquiries about our professional development programme should be addressed to: enquiries@netskills.ac.uk

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