This qualification is now closed for Registrations

Certification end date: 31/07/2026

Qualification summary

VTCT (Skillsfirst) and Sage UK have worked in partnership to develop a suite of Computerised Bookkeeping and Payroll qualifications.

This level 2 qualification will give you the skills you need to carry out a range of regular computerised payroll routines and activities using commercially available computerised payroll software. 

Please note: this qualification is accessible to learners who have limited or restricted internet access.

The qualification helps learners understand the importance of security and confidentiality in performing any payroll task and covers activities including:

• Statutory Sick Pay
• Statutory Maternity Pay
• Pension Scheme
• Calculation of gross pay and net pay
• Attachment of earnings orders
• Computerised payroll theory and skills
• Spreadsheet software

Every learner is provided with a study pack which includes:

• Access to comprehensive, interactive online learning support materials
• A FREE copy of the latest Sage 50 Accounts Professional or Payroll software (for six months)
• Access to expert support
• Related simulations to practice as you need them
• Valuable skills to control your business
• Hard copy learner workbooks if required (at an additional cost through Sage)

Completion of this qualification could lead to employment in a number of job roles, including:

• Payroll Administrator
• Assistant Accountant
• Payroll Supervisor

This qualification does not require you to have any prior qualifications or levels of prior learning. There is no minimum age requirement for this qualification.

If you feel that you only have a little or basic knowledge and understanding of this area then you could consider the Level 1 Award in Payroll for Business (RQF).

On completion of this qualification you could progress onto any of the following:

• Level 3 Diploma in Computerised Accounting for Business (RQF)
• Level 3 Diploma in Computerised Finance for Business (RQF) 

Centres may find the following website helpful for materials and resources to assist with the delivery of this qualification; please click here

Related Documents:

VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 2 Certificate in Payroll for Business (RQF) Handbook

Qualification structure

To achieve this qualification, learners must achieve all units from Group M and a minimum of one unit from Group O.

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are 109

Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 230

Qualification number	Qualification reference
PBC2	603/3189/6

Group M – mandatory units

RQF unit no.	Skillsfirst unit no.	Unit title	GLH
F/505/1243	CAB17	Termination of employment	2
F/505/1274	CAB18	Fundamentals of employment legislation for payroll	8
H/505/1235	CAB19	Calculate gross pay	12
K/505/1236	CAB20	Elements of gross pay	6
L/505/1276	CAB21	Computerised payroll theory	8
M/505/1254	CAB22	Statutory and non-statutory payments and additions	12
Y/505/1233	CAB23	Composition of an employee payroll record	6
F/502/4625	IT208	Spreadsheet software	30

Group O – optional units

RQF unit no.	Skillsfirst unit no.	Unit title	GLH
Y/505/1278	CAB24	Computerised payroll skills	25
F/616/8654	CAB36	Benefits and risks of using payroll software	25

 VTCT (Skillsfirst) customers wishing to offer this qualification should complete a qualification approval form. Learner email addresses must be provided on registration, as these are required to provide logins to the online learning and assessment platform.

To find out about registration/certification fees, contact our customer services team on 0121 270 5100 or email us.