The Department for Education (DfE) has published the Essential Digital Skills Standards 2026, updating the national standards that underpin adult digital skills provision across England.
The revised standards reflect how digital skills have evolved in recent years, including the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), online collaboration tools, and the increasing importance of digital safety, privacy and critical thinking.
For providers delivering digital skills programmes, the updated standards offer a clearer and more relevant framework to support learners in developing the skills needed for everyday life, employment and further study.
Essential digital skills standards: 2026 – GOV.UK
What’s changed?
The updated standards continue to be structured around the existing five skill areas:
- Using Devices and Handling Information
- Creating and Editing
- Communicating and Collaborating
- Transacting
- Being Safe and Legal Online
However, the standards have been expanded to better reflect the digital skills adults need today. Key changes include:
- Greater focus on safe and confident use of digital devices from the earliest levels
- New emphasis on evaluating online information, including recognising unreliable or AI-generated content
- Increased coverage of personal data management, privacy and digital identity
- Stronger focus on collaboration, communication and integrating different forms of digital media
- Integration of AI-supported tools and automated features throughout the standards
These updates aim to ensure learners develop the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate an increasingly digital world.
When do the new standards take effect?
The Essential Digital Skills Standards 2026 take effect from publication and can be referenced by organisations now.
Existing Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQs) and Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (DFSQs) remain in place. The DfE has confirmed that further information about the relationship between the revised standards and existing qualifications will be provided in due course.
Changes to Tailored Learning aims from August 2026
Providers should select the learning aim that best reflects the learner’s current level and planned learning outcomes.
From 1st August 2026, the Tailored Learning aims for Essential Digital Skills will change.
The following learning aims will remain available:
- Z0060109 – Non-regulated Tailored Learning, Essential Skills, Pre-Entry Level, Essential Digital Skills
- Z0060111 – Non-regulated Tailored Learning, Essential Skills, Level 1, Essential Digital Skills
The following learning aim will be withdrawn:
- Z0060110 – Non-regulated Tailored Learning, Essential Skills, Entry Level, Essential Digital Skills
The following new learning aims will be introduced:
- Z0060171 – Non-regulated Tailored Learning, Essential Skills, Entry Level, Essential Digital Skills (Entry 1)
- Z0060172 – Non-regulated Tailored Learning, Essential Skills, Entry Level, Essential Digital Skills (Entry 2)
- Z0060173 – Non-regulated Tailored Learning, Essential Skills, Entry Level, Essential Digital Skills (Entry 3)
- Z0060174 – Non-regulated Tailored Learning, Essential Skills, Level 2, Essential Digital Skills
These changes provide separate learning aims for Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3 digital skills provision, replacing the existing single Entry Level learning aim.
What does this mean for providers?
The publication of the updated standards does not change Adult Skills Fund (ASF) funding rules or learner eligibility requirements.
Providers may wish to review their digital skills curriculum, learning resources and programme planning to ensure they remain aligned with the latest expectations.
The revised standards provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen learners’ digital confidence, critical thinking and ability to use emerging technologies effectively and safely.