Digital
Use the categories below to find the relevant answer to your question.
We previously communicated to you that we'll be stepping back as the awarding organisation for the Digital Business Services (DBS) and Digital Support Services (DSS) T Levels.
We’ll continue to support all current students to success and will ensure a smooth transition for providers to Pearson, the new awarding organisation. The first cohort of students with Pearson will start in September 2025. To support the transition to Pearson, we've worked with them and IfATE to provide you with answers to your top queries below:
There will be no change for students who started their T Level in 2024. They will complete their T Level with the awarding organisation they are currently registered with.
Provider approval
If you’re planning to deliver the Digital T Levels for the first time from September 2025, you’ll need to gain approval via Pearson.
The T Level Approval Window runs from Monday 24 February to Friday 27 June 2025, which can be found in the Key Dates Schedule.
Although NCFE are stepping back from delivering both Digital Business Services and Digital Support Services, if you currently have students registered on these T Levels then these students will remain on the NCFE version of these T Levels.
Any students that you’re planning to register from September 2025 will need to be registered with Pearson.
You may be eligible for fast-track approval with Pearson. Please see Pearson’s Guide to Provider Approval on their Training and Admin Support webpage.
No – awarding organisations do not charge providers to go through the provider approval process to deliver a T Level.
No – T Level provider approval is not transferable between awarding organisations.
Funding
More information on T Level funding can be found on T Level funding - GOV.UK
Delivery
No – students who started their T Level in September 2024 will complete their T Level with their current awarding organisation.
The following T Levels will have new QAN numbers from September 2025:
- Digital Support Services (Pearson)
- Digital Business Services (Pearson)
- Education and Early Years (NCFE).
If you are unsure, please contact your awarding organisation.
No – each T Level has distinct core components.
Students are not able to transfer from one T Level to another after completing their first academic year.
Students must confirm their occupational specialism (OS) by the end of the first academic year, and completed assessments cannot be transferred between T Levels. If a student wishes to change to a different T Level, this must occur within the first year and before any assessments are taken. For more information on transfer requirements, please read the DfE’s T Level Funding and Support Guidance.
No – Pearson will produce and provide support materials tailored to the Digital T Levels to be taught from September 2025.
Pearson offers advice and guidance through their Product Manager and a Pearson Subject Adviser.
A Pearson Subject Adviser provides support with delivery and assessment. Full details on how to make contact, engage, and schedule a support call can be found on Pearson’s website.
Assessment, grading and awarding
Please check the relevant Key Dates Schedules from NCFE and Pearson for details of assessments.
Please check our Key Dates Schedules for details of assessments.
No – students who started their T Level with NCFE must complete their T Level qualification with NCFE.
Students registered with NCFE for the 2024/25 academic year must complete their T Level programme with NCFE.
There will be registration fees (as normal) for providers registering new students with Pearson for the 2025/26 academic year.
Please engage with Pearson’s development support events to find out the structure of the specification and assessments.