
Focus Awards Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service (RQF)
In today’s competitive business landscape, customer service excellence is a crucial aspect of any successful organization. The Focus Awards Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service (RQF) is designed to equip individuals with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to thrive in customer-facing roles. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to enhance your skills, this qualification provides a comprehensive understanding of customer service principles, preparing you for various roles in diverse industries
The Focus Awards Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service (RQF) is a nationally recognized qualification regulated by Ofqual. It offers learners an introduction to the core elements of effective customer service, helping them develop practical skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios. The course is designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in customer service, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the field.
For individuals, it provides a clear pathway into the customer service industry, giving learners the confidence to take on entry-level roles or improve their current performance. The skills acquired through this qualification are transferable, meaning that they can be applied in a variety of sectors, from retail to healthcare, hospitality, and beyond.
For employers, investing in staff development through qualifications like this can enhance the quality of customer service within the organization. Well-trained employees are more capable of handling customer inquiries, resolving complaints, and maintaining a high standard of service, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The Focus Awards Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service (RQF) is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to enter the customer service industry or enhance their existing skills. With its focus on practical, transferable skills and its flexibility in learning delivery, this qualification provides a solid foundation for success in customer service roles across a range of industries. Whether you are a new entrant to the job market or looking to improve your professional abilities, this qualification can help you build a successful and rewarding career in customer service.
- No formal qualifications required: Suitable for individuals with little to no prior experience in customer service.
- Basic literacy and numeracy skills: Learners should be able to read, write, and understand basic English.
- Age requirement: Typically, learners should be 16 years or older.
- Motivation and interest in customer service: A genuine interest in customer service roles and career progression.
Mandatory Units
The Focus Awards Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service (RQF) qualification, learners must complete the all 5 mandatory units achieving 14 credits. From Optional Group A learners must achieve a minimum of 6 Credits and a maximum of 3 Credits from Optional Group B.
Mandatory Units
Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
Understand working in a customer service environment | 3 | 25 |
Communication in customer service | 2 | 14 |
Principles of personal performance and development | 3 | 30 |
Principles of working in a business environment | 4 | 25 |
Work with others in a business environment | 2 | 18 |
Optional Group A
Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
Record details of customer service problems | 3 | 14 |
Deal with customer queries, requests and problems | 3 | 11 |
Communicate with customers in writing | 3 | 20 |
Deal with incoming telephone calls from customers | 3 | 16 |
Make telephone calls to customers | 3 | 16 |
Process information about customers | 3 | 14 |
Optional Group B
Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
Manage time and workload | 1 | 10 |
Meet and welcome visitors in a business environment | 2 | 20 |
Contribute to sales activities in a contact centre | 3 | 6 |
Use specific features of contact centre systems and technology | 3 | 12 |
Health and Safety Procedures in the Workplace | 2 | 16 |
Processing sales orders | 2 | 17 |
Meeting customers’ after sales needs | 3 | 14 |
Learning Outcomes for the Focus Awards Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service (RQF)
Based on the provided study units, here are the learning outcomes for each unit within the Focus Awards Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service (RQF):
Mandatory Units
- Understand Working in a Customer Service Environment
Learning Outcomes:- Understand the key principles and expectations of working in a customer service environment.
- Recognize the importance of delivering high-quality customer service.
- Demonstrate awareness of how the customer service environment affects customer satisfaction and business success.
- Communication in Customer Service
Learning Outcomes:- Understand the different methods of communication in customer service, including verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.
- Learn how to communicate effectively with customers to address their needs.
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills when dealing with customers face-to-face and over the phone.
- Principles of Personal Performance and Development
Learning Outcomes:- Understand the importance of personal development in the customer service industry.
- Recognize how to set and achieve personal performance goals.
- Learn how to assess and reflect on personal performance to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customer service roles.
- Principles of Working in a Business Environment
Learning Outcomes:- Understand the basic principles of working in a business environment.
- Recognize how individual roles contribute to the overall success of a business.
- Demonstrate understanding of organizational structures, policies, and procedures within a business context.
- Work with Others in a Business Environment
Learning Outcomes:- Understand the importance of teamwork in a business environment.
- Learn how to collaborate effectively with colleagues and other stakeholders.
- Develop the ability to contribute positively to a team’s objectives and goals.
Optional Group A Units
- Record Details of Customer Service Problems
Learning Outcomes:- Understand how to document customer service problems accurately.
- Recognize the importance of clear and thorough record-keeping in resolving customer issues.
- Demonstrate the ability to follow up on customer service issues based on the recorded details.
- Deal with Customer Queries, Requests, and Problems
Learning Outcomes:- Learn how to manage and respond to customer queries, requests, and problems efficiently.
- Understand how to maintain customer satisfaction through effective problem-solving techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to handle customer issues professionally and in a timely manner.
- Communicate with Customers in Writing
Learning Outcomes:- Understand how to communicate with customers in writing, including emails, letters, and forms.
- Learn the appropriate tone, structure, and style for written customer service communication.
- Develop skills in responding to customer inquiries in a written format.
- Deal with Incoming Telephone Calls from Customers
Learning Outcomes:- Learn how to professionally handle incoming customer calls.
- Understand how to gather relevant information and address customer queries over the phone.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and courteously over the telephone.
- Make Telephone Calls to Customers
Learning Outcomes:- Develop the ability to initiate and manage telephone calls with customers effectively.
- Understand how to approach customers professionally over the phone.
- Learn how to resolve customer inquiries and issues through telephone communication.
- Process Information About Customers
Learning Outcomes:- Understand how to collect and process information about customers.
- Learn the importance of accurate and confidential handling of customer data.
- Demonstrate the ability to use customer information to provide tailored service.
Optional Group B Units
- Manage Time and Workload
Learning Outcomes:- Understand the principles of time management in a business setting.
- Learn techniques for managing workload effectively and prioritizing tasks.
- Demonstrate the ability to stay organized and meet deadlines in a customer service environment.
- Meet and Welcome Visitors in a Business Environment
Learning Outcomes:- Learn how to greet and welcome visitors in a professional and courteous manner.
- Understand the importance of first impressions in customer interactions.
- Develop the skills to manage visitor inquiries and direct them appropriately.
- Contribute to Sales Activities in a Contact Centre
Learning Outcomes:- Understand how to contribute to sales activities within a contact center.
- Learn how to handle customer inquiries with the goal of promoting products or services.
- Develop the ability to upsell and cross-sell products/services effectively.
- Use Specific Features of Contact Centre Systems and Technology
Learning Outcomes:- Understand the use of technology and systems in a contact center environment.
- Learn how to use contact center tools and features to improve customer service delivery.
- Develop the ability to manage customer interactions using contact center technology.
- Health and Safety Procedures in the Workplace
Learning Outcomes:- Understand key health and safety procedures relevant to the workplace.
- Learn how to identify and mitigate health and safety risks.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and customers.
- Processing Sales Orders
Learning Outcomes:- Understand how to process customer sales orders accurately.
- Learn the steps involved in handling sales orders from start to finish.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage order processing efficiently in a customer service environment.
- Meeting Customers’ After-Sales Needs
Learning Outcomes:- Learn how to manage and address customer needs after the sale.
- Understand the importance of post-sale customer service in building long-term customer relationships.
- Develop skills to handle after-sales inquiries and concerns effectively.
The Focus Awards Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service (RQF) is designed for individuals who are new to the customer service industry or those seeking to enhance their existing skills. This course is suitable for:
- Entry-Level Job Seekers: Individuals looking to start a career in customer service, whether in retail, hospitality, or other customer-facing roles.
- Young Learners and School Leavers: Those aged 16 or older who want to gain basic customer service skills to improve their employability.
- Employees Looking to Upskill: Individuals currently working in customer-facing roles who wish to formalize or strengthen their customer service abilities.
- Career Changers: People who are transitioning into the customer service industry from other sectors.
This course is ideal for anyone interested in gaining a foundational understanding of customer service and improving their practical skills for real-world application.
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