Foundation Certificate Level 2 in Digital Systems and Data (7525)

Last Updated: 26 Oct 2026
The City & Guilds Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Digital Systems and Data is a technical qualification designed for learners who want to develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills in digital systems and data in practical, work-related contexts. It provides a broad introduction to the subject and supports progression to Level 3 study, including V Levels, T Levels and other Level 3 qualifications and apprenticeships.

The qualification is intended to help learners build confidence, strengthen their technical understanding and prepare for future learning and career opportunities.

Subject to accreditation and regulatory approval, this qualification has been developed as part of the post-16 qualification reform in England and is available for first teaching from September 2027.

Key facts
  • Level 2 qualification.
  • One year duration. Guided learning hours: 240-300.
  • Mandatory prior learning: Not set by government or City & Guilds.
  • Designed for learners aged 16+.
  • Available for first teaching from September 2027 (subject to accreditation and regulatory approval).
  • Available for delivery in England.
This qualification combines classroom learning with practical, work-related activities that enable learners to apply digital knowledge and skills in realistic contexts. Providers should be prepared to deliver a blend of theory and hands-on learning using digital technologies, software and data, helping learners develop technical, analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to further study and the modern workplace.
This qualification is aimed at learners aged 16+ who are interested in developing the skills, knowledge and understanding of digital systems and data. It is designed to prepare learners to progress to Level 3 study, such as a V Level, T Level, or A Level or other Level 3 qualification or apprenticeship, and suitable for learners who may want to:

  • Develop a broad understanding of digital systems, data and digital technologies;
  • Build the study skills, foundation knowledge and confidence needed for future learning;
  • Prepare for a future apprenticeship or career in the digital and technology sector; or
  • Develop transferable skills that support progression into further study and apprenticeships.
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?
Learners will develop a strong conceptual foundation for the subject by applying knowledge, understanding and skills in digital systems and data in work-related contexts. They will explore how digital technologies are used within organisations and everyday life, how data is captured and used, and how digital solutions can be applied to solve problems. 

Core areas of study include:
  • Digital system configuration and security;
  • Data interpreting and visualising;
  • Programming planning, developing and testing;
  • Hardware and software planning and configuration; and
  • Responsible and ethical digital practices.
Learners will apply their learning through a combination of theory and practical activities, helping them develop the technical and transferable skills needed for further study and progression.
What Careers Can This Lead To?
This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to Level 3 study and apprenticeships. These pathways can lead to careers across the digital and technology sector, including:
  • Cyber security and digital infrastructure;
  • Software and digital solution development;
  • Data and analytics;
  • IT operations and technical support; or
  • Digital business, transformation and technology services.

Level 2

Foundation Certificate Level 2 in Digital Systems and Data (7525-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2030

Foundation Certificate Level 2 in Digital Systems and Data

  • Accreditation No: Data unavailable This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2033 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: Please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

There are no documents available.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.