Regulating reformed Essential Digital Skills Qualifications
Overview
Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQs) were introduced in 2020 to support adults aged 19 and over to develop the digital skills needed for life, work and further learning. Alongside the General Conditions of Recognition (GCR), Ofqual introduced a set of Qualification Level Conditions (QLCs) as well as associated requirements and guidance. This regulatory framework was designed to support DfE’s policy objectives for the qualifications at the time, which included promoting consistency in the design and assessment of EDSQs between the awarding organisations offering them.
Since the regulatory framework was introduced, DfE has revised the Essential Digital Skills (EDS) Standards. The revised standards were published in July 2026, spanning entry level 1 to level 2, and DfE has told us that it intends to fund a more flexible qualification offer, potentially including qualifications focused on particular areas of the standards. We have reviewed whether the existing EDSQ QLCs remain necessary and proportionate in light of this.
Why your views matter
The audience for this consultation is awarding organisations which are currently recognised to offer EDSQs.
Following this consultation, we will consider any feedback. Subject to this, we will publish a Notice of Withdrawal to confirm the date from which the EDSQ QLCs will be withdrawn.
Give us your views
Audiences
- Regulated awarding organisations
Interests
- Research data
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