From September 2001 national qualifications in adult literacy and numeracy became available for the first time. The accreditation of these qualifications gives assurance to users that they are based on the national standards ensuring consistency in terms of level, demand, content and outcomes.

Qualifications are available in adult literacy and numeracy at entry level and levels 1 and 2. The tests for these certificates are the same as the tests used for communication and application of number key skills at levels 1 and 2.

Titles and structure of qualifications

The following is an overview of the essential qualities of adult literacy and adult numeracy qualifications based on guidance issued to awarding bodies by QCA.

National standards

All adult literacy and adult numeracy qualifications must be based on the national standards.

Entry level

Tasks or assessments which are independently or externally set or validated, externally marked or moderated, and are conducted under supervised and specified conditions must contribute at least 50% to the overall award. Qualifications should be based on the national standards.

Entry level certificate in adult literacy including speaking and listening

Candidate's achievement of each of the three literacy sub skills (reading; writing; speaking and listening) at each of the three sub levels (entry 1, entry 2, entry 3) reported on certificate.

Entry level certificate in adult numeracy

Candidate's achievement of adult numeracy at Entry sub level (entry 1, 2, 3) reported on certificate.

Levels 1 and 2

Level 1/ 2 certificate in adult literacy

Level 1/ 2 certificate in adult numeracy

Adult learners can achieve these qualifications by passing the national adult literacy and numeracy tests. These certificates will share common papers with the external assessment components of the key skills of Communication and Application of Number at these levels. The tests will be available through accredited awarding bodies and are based on items, tests and test specifications developed by QCA.

Key skills Communication and Application of Number

The key skills of communication and application of number are aligned with the standards for adult literacy and adult numeracy at levels 1 and 2. Key skills qualifications are assessed through a combination of a test and a portfolio of evidence. The portfolio enables candidates' achievement of the full range of literacy and numeracy skills to be recognised. For more information visit the key skills section of this website.