About the key skills and adult numeracy/literacy tests

A single bank of nationally-developed tests are used for assessment in each of the following qualifications:

• key skills qualifications in Communication, Application of Number and ICT (except in Wales)
• adult numeracy/literacy level 1-2 'national tests'
• ESOL Skills for Life level 1-2 reading unit.

The tests are commissioned and owned by the three regulatory authorites for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (QCA, DELLS and CCEA) and are used by all of the awarding bodies accredited to offer these qualifications.

The tests are multiple choice at levels 1 and 2, with short/extended answer questions or tasks at levels 3 and 4. Each test has a specification setting out the typical range of skills assessed and how marks are allocated.

Please note the number of marks required to pass each test varies from paper to paper. This is to take into account slight variations in the accessibility and difficulty of individual papers. The pass mark for each test is usually within the following ranges:

Application of Number & Adult Numeracy
Level 1 - 22-25 marks out of 40
Level 2 - 19-22 marks out of 40
Levels 3&4 - 19-24 marks out of 50 (Application of Number only)

Communication, Adult Literacy & ESOL Skills for Life Reading
Levels 1&2 - 25-28 marks out of 40
Levels 3&4 - 27-32 marks out of 50 (Communication only)

Information and Communication Technology
Levels 1&2 - 27-30 marks out of 40
Levels 3&4 - 31-36 marks out of 50

Click here to go back to the tests resource centre.