Last updated: 22 May 2007

Until now, we have considered only literacy and numeracy to be basic skills, or 'skills for life'. In today's society, however, information and communication technology (ICT) is just as important, especially in the workplace. The recent White Paper 21st century skills: realising our potential: individuals, employers, nation makes a commitment to help adults gain ICT skills as a third skill for life alongside literacy and numeracy.

ICT training can motivate people to develop literacy, numeracy and language skills, and ICT is an increasingly popular way for people to acquire skills. The DfES is bringing together different agencies to develop a coherent approach to delivering ICT skills based on the framework developed by e-skills UK, the sector skills council leading in this area.

The government aims to enable all adults to have the ICT skills they need to learn effectively using ICT, to become active citizens in the information age and to contribute to the success of the economy.

Standards and guidance available now

QCA has developed standards (downloadable from this page), together with guidance and examples.

The standards follow the same format as the national standards for adult literacy and numeracy and relate directly to the key skills in information technology. They also match the substance and the intention of both the national curriculum for ICT capability and the national occupational standards for ICT users.

The standards cover ICT skills for life at levels 1 and 2, with steps towards level 1 represented by standards for entry levels 1 to 3.

ICT Skill for Life curriculum document.

The ICT Skill for Life Curriculum document has been developed by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) for the Department for Education and Skills. The publication has been developed from the standards for ICT Skill for Life and will be of use to teachers and tutors, awarding bodies and writers of learning materials.