A key skills proxy is a qualification, the possession of which gives the candidate exemption from all or part of key skills qualification assessment arrangements. Most commonly the proxy gives exemption from the key skill test.

Evidence of completing the proxy qualification together with the fulfilment of any other relevant key skills assessment requirements will allow the candidate to be awarded the key skill qualification.

The regulatory authorities for England, Wales and Northern Ireland are responsible for determining whether a qualification may act as a key skills proxy. A list of such qualifications is maintained by the regulatory authorities and updated annually.

The following criteria must be met for a qualification to be deemed to be a proxy:

• The qualification must have been accredited into the National Qualifications Framework. This criterion ensures that the proxy is quality assured. It is recognised that an implication of this criterion is that qualifications outside the NQF cannot act as proxies. This raises issues, particularly for Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. A regulatory authority working group has been established to consider all requests for proxy status for qualifications from Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
• The qualification must normally be at the same level as the key skill qualification for which it is standing proxy. The word 'normally' is used because it is possible for some qualifications at a higher level to stand proxy for the key skills test at a lower level.
• The qualification must assess the same application of knowledge and skills as are assessed by the element(s) of key skills assessment (ie test or portfolio or both) for which it is standing proxy; This is important to ensure validity. However, it must be recognised that the possession of a proxy qualification will not necessarily mean that the candidate demonstrated exactly the same skills and knowledge as evidenced by the possessor of a key skill qualification.
• The qualification must employ the same mode of assessment as the key skills assessment for which it is standing proxy. In other words, if the qualification is standing proxy for a key skills external assessment then that qualification must use external assessment to assess the key skills.
• The reporting of the award of key skills via a proxy should not be distinguishable from the award of key skills by a conventional route. In other words candidates achieving a key skill qualification via a proxy should not have their certificates endorsed in any way. For example, a level 2 ICT key skills certificate awarded to someone holding a proxy qualification (GCSE A*- C in ICT) should not be distinguishable from a certificate awarded to a candidate achieving the portfolio and test.
• The proxy can be claimed up to 3 years from the date of certification. In addition to the proxy qualification, the candidate may claim a key skills qualification, in whole or in part. However, this claim must be made within three years from the date of the proxy qualification's certificate. This is to ensure reasonable currency of the skills and knowledge attested by the proxy qualification.