About key skills

Key skills are the skills most commonly needed to get the most out of work, learning and everyday life. We offer all six key skills qualifications at levels 1-4:

• Application of Number
• Communication
• Improving Own Learning and Performance
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Problem Solving
• Working With Others.

Key skills can be assessed and achieved as stand-alone qualifications, although are more often completed as part of a broader learning programme such as an apprenticeship.

Where are they available?

The full suite of key skills qualifications is available in England and Wales. In Northern Ireland, Application of Number and Communication at levels 1-2 have been replaced by the Essential Skills qualifications although all other key skills qualifications continue to be available.

Learners in Scotland instead complete a core skills profile, which might be drawn from our Workplace Core Skills units.

How are they assessed?

In England and Northern Ireland, there are two assessment components for Application of Number, Communication and ICT: a portfolio and externally-marked test. The portfolio can be based on any activity with a clear purpose, including the candidate's vocational area.

The portfolio standards and assessment requirements are set out in full in:

• Key skills qualifications standards and guidance (Comm/AoN/ICT)
• Key skills qualifications standards and guidance (WWO/IOLP/PS)

For more information about the key skills tests (including practice tests) go to our National Tests Resource Centre.

The key skills tests are not an assessment requirement in Wales; candidates need only complete a portfolio.

The three 'wider' key skills (Improving Own Learning and Performance, Problem Solving and Working With Others) are assessed by portfolio, with some additional knowledge questioning usually required. Please see the Part A affirmation questions for details.

Can candidates claim exemption from part of their assessment?

Candidates can sometimes claim 'proxy exemption' from part of their key skills assessment (usually the test). QCA maintains a list of approved proxy qualifications.

Proxy exemption must not be confused with the 'Relaxation' arrangements for learners on apprenticeship programmes who already have A*-C GCSEs in English and Mathematics.

How can we keep up-to-date with the world of key skills?

For the latest information about the key skills qualifications, check out Key skills news - our monthly newsletter for key skills co-ordinators, assessors and deliverers.