Edexcel Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Business

The First Extended Certificate in Business is an ideal programme for school leavers. This one-year course is designed to encourage development of the personal skills and qualities needed for work. It is a good basis to go on to a more advanced work related qualification. The Extended Certificate is made up of 12 units - some core and mandatory units that everyone must take, plus some specialist units that allow you to study particular areas in more depth. The two core units are Enterprise in the Business World and Finance for Business. The mandatory unit is Principles of Marketing. The specialist units include units such as Principles of Customer Service, Sales and Personal Selling, Providing Business Support, Recruitment, Selection and Employment, and Building Successful Business Teams. Students will also complete an Employability Skills qualification and will improve their English and Maths skills by studying functional skills related to Business. There will also be an opportunity to complete a work experience placement.

Ten of the units are assessed through project and assignment work. Two of the units are assessed through exams. All units are assessed and graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction, and an overall grade for the qualification will be awarded. There are various trips and activities throughout the programme such as paintballing and Alton Towers. If you achieve the qualification with an overall Merit or above at Level 2, alongside your English and Maths, you can progress to a related Level 3 programme. Alternatively, the qualification helps students to develop their employability skills, leading to business career opportunities.