Key Skills Level 2 and above in England, Northern Ireland and Wales
When were they available?
Key skills awards have been available since September 1995 and were made available as single subject awards; 'Application of Number' (Numeracy) and 'Communication' (Literacy) from September 2001.
Where would I have studied?
Key skills are usually achieved as part of another programme of study which may take place at school; further education (FE) college; private training provider; work-based learning organisation; adult and community learning (ACL) centres; or university.
How would I have been assessed?
Key skills are taken as part of another programme of study including; A levels; general national vocational qualifications (GNVQ); national vocational qualifications (NVQ); BTECs; OCR nationals; under graduate programmes; foundation degrees; modern apprenticeships and graduate apprenticeships etc.
Assessment is by portfolio and external assessment (similar or same as the National test in adult numeracy or adult literacy).
What result would I have achieved?
Many awarding bodies offer Key skills and will issue a certificate of achievement.
Awarding bodies include; City & Guilds, EDEXCEL, AQA, OCR, WJEC, NCFE, CACHE, ETCAL, BHEST, IMIAL, HAB, CCEA, ASDAN, VTCT, EDI and ASDAN.
A list of approved proxy Key skills qualifications can be found on the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) website.
For evidencing personal skills Key skills must be demonstrated at a minimum of level 2.
