Essential Digital Skills Standards

About the Essential Digital Skills (EDS) Standards

The Essential Digital Skills Standards describe the digital skills people need to participate confidently in everyday life, work and learning. Published in July 2026 by the Department for Education, the updated standards provide a progression framework that supports people from the earliest stages of digital confidence through to more advanced and independent use of technology.

Essential digital skills areas

The standards cover five key areas:

Using devices and handling information
Creating and editing
Communicating and collaborating
Transacting
Being safe and legal online

They also recognise the growing importance of digital literacy, accessibility, online safety, collaboration, digital wellbeing and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Download the document

Department for Education – Essential digital skills standards

PDF,

What has changed?

Original levelling system

The original framework by FutureDotNow described 3 levels:

Foundation – eight tasks that make up the most fundamental tasks to set up an individual for success online. An individual needs to perform all eight tasks without assistance to have the Foundation Level.
Life – the tasks and skills required to be digitally proficient in day-to-day life. An individual must be able to do at least one task within each of the five Life skills.
Work – the tasks and skills required to be digitally proficient in the workplace. An individual must be able to do at least one task within each of the five Work skills.

New levelling system

The updated standards introduce 5 levels:

Entry Level 1 – Basic digital skills for people new to using devices and the internet.
Entry Level 2 – Simple everyday digital tasks with some support and guidance.
Entry Level 3 – Confident use of common digital tools and online services.
Level 1 – Independent use of digital technology for everyday life, work and learning.
Level 2 – Advanced digital skills including critical thinking, problem-solving and responsible use of technology.

These levels represent a learning journey from basic digital access through to confident, independent and critical use of technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now explicitly included

The Department for Education standards introduce:

recognising -generated content
using -supported tools
evaluating outputs
understanding limitations
retaining responsibility for decisions and content

The updated guidance stresses the importance of critical thinking and human responsibility when using .

Skills overview

Across all five skill areas, the standards describe a progression from basic digital access and confidence (Entry Level 1) to independent, critical and responsible use of digital technology in everyday life, work and learning (Level 2).

Using devices and handling information

This skill area covers using digital devices, finding information, managing files and solving common technical problems.

Creating and editing

This skill area covers producing digital content such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations and multimedia.

Communicating and collaborating

This skill area focuses on communicating online and working with others using digital tools.

Overview of the "Using devices and handling information" skills

In the lower levels this skill relates to learning to use devices, connecting to the internet and finding information. As skills develop, people become more confident managing files, solving technical problems, evaluating online information and using digital tools, including , effectively.

Entry Level 1 – Learn to use a device, access the internet and find basic information online.
Entry Level 2 – Use apps, manage files and follow steps to fix simple problems.
Entry Level 3 – Use devices independently, organise information and recognise unreliable online content.
Level 1 – Personalise devices using settings and accessibility features, manage information effectively and evaluate online sources.
Level 2 – Use multiple devices confidently, solve more complex technical issues and critically assess information from different sources, including -generated content.

Overview of the "Creating and editing" skills

In the lower levels this skill relates to creating simple text and adding images or media. As confidence grows, people learn to structure information, work with spreadsheets and charts, create more professional content and use digital tools responsibly to improve their work.

Entry Level 1 – Create simple content such as words, sentences or pictures.
Entry Level 2 – Edit and format documents and add images, audio or video.
Entry Level 3 – Create structured content using headings, templates and basic spreadsheet tools.
Level 1 – Produce well-organised documents, spreadsheets and presentations for different audiences.
Level 2 – Create professional digital content, analyse data and use tools responsibly to improve quality and presentation.

Overview of the "Communicating and collaborating" skills

In the lower levels this skill relates to the basics of sending and receiving messages, then progress to using different communication tools, sharing information and collaborating with others online. Advanced users can adapt their communication for different audiences and work effectively in shared digital environments.

Entry Level 1 – Send simple messages to known contacts.
Entry Level 2 – Reply to messages and share information with others.
Entry Level 3 – Communicate clearly using appropriate digital tools and work with others online.
Level 1 – Choose suitable communication methods and contribute to shared documents and workspaces.
Level 2 – Collaborate effectively across digital platforms and adapt communication for different audiences and situations.

Transacting

This skill area covers using online services, managing finances and understanding digital agreements.

Being safe and legal online

This skill area helps people protect themselves, others and their information online.

Overview of the "Transacting" skills

In the lower levels this skill relates to the ability to conduct basic purchases online. As confidence grows people develop the skills needed to use online services safely, including shopping, managing money, completing forms and understanding digital agreements. Higher levels focus on making informed decisions, protecting personal data and managing digital records.

Entry Level 1 – Understand basic online purchasing and recognise financial information.
Entry Level 2 – Complete forms, begin online transactions and recognise secure websites.
Entry Level 3 – Make purchases safely, manage personal information and keep digital records.
Level 1 – Compare options, understand privacy information and manage accounts securely online.
Level 2 – Use digital tools to manage finances, evaluate agreements and make informed decisions about personal data.

Overview of the "Being safe and legal online" skills

In the lower levels this skill relates to basic online safety, such as protecting personal information and recognising potential risks. As skills increase, people develop a better understanding of privacy, digital wellbeing, online behaviour, cybersecurity and how to respond when something goes wrong.

Entry Level 1 – Recognise when something online may be unsafe or inappropriate.
Entry Level 2 – Take simple steps to protect personal information and wellbeing.
Entry Level 3 – Understand common online risks and know how to respond to problems.
Level 1 – Manage privacy settings, recognise cybersecurity threats and understand the impact of online behaviour.
Level 2 – Evaluate risks, make informed choices about privacy and digital wellbeing, and take appropriate action when problems occur.