This course enables The Open University to recognise and give you credit for specified practice-based qualifications that you already have. If youre working in computing or ICT, you may have acquired qualifications from leading software or technology vendors like Microsoft. Such vendors offer a portfolio of qualifications connected to a specific job function - for example Systems Administration , Systems Security , Network Engineer or Application Development - certifying that you have reached particular levels of knowledge and competence. As TM227 awards academic credit for qualifications you already have, theres no additional study involved. However, you are expected to have successfully completed a related OU course.