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 started in September 2025. To support the transition to Pearson, we've worked with them and Skills England 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.
If you currently have students registered on the NCFE Digital Business Services and Digital Support Services T Levels, these students will remain on the NCFE versions 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.
More information on T Level funding can be found on T Level funding - GOV.UK
No – students who started their T Level in September 2024 will complete their T Level with their current awarding organisation.
The following T Levels have new QAN numbers as of September 2025 are now being delivered by Pearson:
T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Business Services (QAN 603/6902/4) has been replaced by the T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Data Analytics (QAN 610/5800/2)
T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support Services (QAN 603/6901/2) has been replaced by the T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support and Security (QAN 610/5799/X)
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 have produced and provided support materials tailored to the Digital T Levels being 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.
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.
Please engage with Pearson’s development support events to find out the structure of the specification and assessments.
