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Business

Principles of Business Administration: Level 2 Certificate

For learners looking to increase their knowledge and understanding of business administration.

Course summary

Qualification
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Business Administration
Level
Level 2
Awarding body
NCFE
Qualification number (QAN)
601/7071/2
Guided learning
155 hours
Total time
170 hours, including study and assessment
Cost
Free if you are eligible

Who it's for and what you'll learn

This Principles of Business Administration NCFE Level 2 qualification has been developed to enable learners to progress into employment in a business administration role or onto higher level studies. It is designed for learners aged 19+ who want to progress into employment in the first instance, or further learning, depending on their own needs and interests.

This qualification aims to:

  • provide learners with the underpinning knowledge that is required by employees to work in a range of different environments in a business administration role

The objectives of this qualification are to help learners to:

  • develop essential knowledge of how to carry out administrative tasks such as how to manage information and supporting events
  • know how to apply their knowledge in a variety of industries and job roles

What the course covers

To be awarded the Principles of Business Administration level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully complete the 5 mandatory units listed below, plus 2 optional units (which will be confirmed by your learning provider when you start):

Unit 1 - Principles of providing administrative services

This unit will enable learners to develop the knowledge of a range of administrative support tasks. Learners will be able to describe the different types of meetings and develop an understanding of how to organise travel and accommodation. Learners will be able to describe the different mail services available and understand the impact of delivering poor customer service.

The learner will:

  • Understand the organisation and administration of meetings
  • Understand the organisation of travel and accommodation
  • Understand how to manage diary systems
  • Understand how to use office equipment
  • Understand the use of mail services in a business context
  • Understand customer service in a business environment

Unit 2 - Principles of business document production and information management

This unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of how to prepare and distribute business documents and identify how information is managed in business organisations.

The learner will:

  • Understand how to prepare business documents
  • Understand the distribution of business documents
  • Understand how information is managed in business organisations
  • Understand the essential requirements of business documents

Unit 3 - Understand communication in a business environment

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of the requirements of written and verbal business communication. Learners will be able to identify appropriate body language and tone of voice when communicating verbally.

The learner will:

  • Understand the requirements of written and verbal business communication

Unit 4 - Understand employer organisations

This unit ensures learners understand organisational structures and the differences between private, public and voluntary sectors. Learners will be able to describe the internal and external influences on organisations and why change in the business environment is important.

The learner will:

  • Understand organisational structures
  • Understand the organisational environment

Unit 5 - Understand how to develop working relationships with colleagues

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of the principles of effective team working. Learners will be able to identify what is expected of a buddy and techniques for providing feedback.

The learner will:

  • Understand the principles of effective team working
  • Understand how to buddy a colleague

How these courses usually work

Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.

Where and how you study

Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.

How long it takes

  • This qualification is designed to take about 170 hours in total, including study and assessment.
  • Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
  • Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.

Support

Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.

Assessment

There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.

Your certificate

When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.

Things to check before you start

  • Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
  • If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.

Can I do this course for free?

ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary).

Some areas of England (devolved areas such as Greater London and Greater Manchester) set their own rules, so a provider may not be able to fund you if you live there. Withdrawal or admin fees can also apply.

Check if you're eligible for this course using the "Am I eligible?" form below. It also shows which providers offer it. The provider makes the final decision.

You can also read who can get a free course.

Where can I study this?

We've found 5 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.

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Are you working?
Do you earn less than £26,800 a year?
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