Adult literacy, adult numeracy, ICT and the key skills

The adult literacy, adult numeracy, and ICT standards are very closely linked to the key skills qualifications standards for communication, application of number and ICT.

Adult literacy, adult numeracy and ICT standards

The adult literacy, adult numeracy and ICT standards are technical documents, intended for use by those working in education and training to form the basis of curricula, qualifications and assessment material. They use plain English wherever possible and technical language where necessary to give precise definitions of the skills required at each level.

Key skills standards

The key skills standards are intended to be used by learners working towards key skills qualifications. They directly address key skills qualification candidates and use language which is accessible to these candidates. Part A of the key skills standards (You need to know how to) describes the skills learners need to develop in order to achieve the qualification.

The relationship between the two sets of standards

The two sets of standards are designed to complement and support each other. At levels 1 and 2, the adult literacy, adult numeracy and ICT standards and Part A of the key skills standards for communication, application of number and ICT describe the same communication and number skills. The adult literacy, adult numeracy and ICT standards give amplification of the knowledge, techniques and understanding needed to achieve the equivalent key skill.

The key skills qualifications provide learners with an accessible description of what they are working towards.

Adult literacy and numeracy and key skills qualifications

The key skills qualifications provide progression opportunities for adult learners who have achieved Entry level qualifications or national tests.

At levels 1 and 2, the adult literacy and numeracy tests form the externally assessed component of the communication and application of number key skills. The tests cover knowledge and understanding of the skills required at each level. In addition to the tests, key skills candidates complete an internally assessed portfolio of evidence showing practical application of the skills. Because it is possible to cover a wider range of skills through both the test and portfolio, the key skills are suitable qualifications for adult learners who wish to have their achievement of the full range of communication or number skills recognised.

Options for the development of ICT skills for life qualifications are currently being considered. An announcement is expected by the end of 2004.