BTEC International Level 3 Engineering

Unit 34: Computer Systems Support and Performance — assessment criteria

BTEC International Level 3 Unit 34 (Computer Systems Support and Performance) — 60 Guided Learning Hours.

Internal / Optional60 GLH14 criteria
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Assessment criteria

Reproduced verbatim from the Pearson specification — the same grid the assignment brief carries. A unit grade is the highest band where all criteria in that band (and every band below it) are met.

Pass

7 criteria
A.P1Explain the purpose, policy and safety support characteristics for two contrasting computer systems.
A.P2Explain the contingency planning and infrastructure security support characteristics for two contrasting computer systems.
B.P3Produce a support plan for a computer system covering contingency planning, levels of support and standard operating procedures, identifying any automated tasks.
C.P4Perform routine housekeeping and use automated tools to support a computer system safely.
C.P5Test the performance of a supported system safely, explaining how performance could be improved.
D.P6Explain how health and safety, computing and general engineering skills were applied effectively during the support of a computer system.
D.P7Explain how relevant behaviours were applied effectively during the support of a computer system.

Merit

4 criteria
A.M1Analyse the support characteristics for two contrasting computer systems.
B.M2Produce a detailed support plan covering contingency planning, levels of support and standard operating procedures, explaining which tasks could be automated.
C.M3Perform routine housekeeping, use automated tools and upgrade a computer system safely to improve its performance, while considering alternative solutions.
D.M4Recommend improvements to the support of the computer system and to the relevant behaviours applied.

Distinction

3 criteria
A.D1Evaluate, using language that is technically correct and of a high standard, the support characteristics for two contrasting computer systems, justifying where improvements could be made.
BC.D2Refine, during the process, the support undertaken safely for a computer system justifying the choices made to optimise the performance of a system against the detailed support plan.
D.D3Demonstrate consistently good technical understanding and analysis of computer support, including the application of relevant behaviours and general engineering skills to a professional standard.

Command verbs in this unit

The verb decides the depth expected — that is what separates Pass from Merit and Distinction work on the same learning aim.

ExplainProducePerformTestAnalyseRecommendEvaluateRefineDemonstrate
Pearson's ladder runs Identify → Describe → Explain → Compare / Analyse → Evaluate / Justify / Assess. A Merit or Distinction criterion on the same aim always implies the Pass beneath it: an “evaluate” answer that never first “explains” fails, however polished it reads. Hover a verb for what it demands.

How checkb.tech checks this unit

Upload a learner's submission and checkb.tech reads it against exactly these criteria, reporting each one as met, partly met, or not met — with the evidence that informed the verdict cited, so every call is auditable.

The check runs against the official Pearson documents for this unit, and identical evidence always produces an identical result — the same script gets the same verdict every time.

It never awards a grade. You stay the assessor: confirm, dismiss, or act on every criterion before your assessment decision is final.

Verification & Quality Tools for Unit 34

Free Lead IV and assessor utilities configured for Pearson BTEC International specifications.

More Level 3 Engineering units

Criteria and aim text reproduced for teacher reference from the official Pearson qualification documentation (Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications). BTEC is a registered trademark of Pearson Education Limited. checkb.tech is an independent tool — not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Pearson. It never awards a grade; the teacher stays the assessor.