Website of the UK government

Key Skills: what they are

'Key Skills' refer to the skills that are commonly needed in a range of activities in education and training, work and life in general. They are transferable skills: once you've got them, you can use them in different situations.

Key Skills qualifications can:

Key Skills qualifications can be taken by anyone, from pupils in school to chief executives of large companies. There are no minimum entry requirements, and you can study them alongside other types of qualifications, such as GCSEs.

• Find a key skills course near you

Where you can take them

You can take Key Skills qualifications in any approved centre, from schools and colleges to training providers. They are also offered by some employers, the armed forces and the Prison Service.

You can study Key Skills as part of a full-time or part-time course at school or college (such as an NVQ), or as part of some higher education courses. Key Skills are also one of the components that make up an Apprenticeship.

• Find your local college or learning provider (opens new window)
• Apprenticeships

Subjects available

There are six different Key Skills subjects:

Main Key Skills

• Communication
• Application of Number
• ICT (information and communication technology)

Wider Key Skills

Key Skills are at levels 1-4 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). You can take different subjects at different levels to suit you.

The NQF shows how different types of qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.

• Qualifications: what the different levels mean

How you are assessed

Each Key Skill is assessed separately. Your assessment is based on a portfolio you produce, which is assessed internally by your school, college or trainer. This will be a folder of evidence that shows you have the necessary skills to pass.

Key Skills tests

For the three main Key Skills, you also take a test, which is marked externally by an awarding body.

At levels 1 and 2, the test consists of 40 multiple choice questions, each with four possible answers. The test lasts for an hour, or one hour 15 minutes for Application of Number.

At level 3, the test lasts for ninety minutes; you have to write your answers to the questions, or complete a practical task for the ICT test.

The test at level 4 lasts for two and a half hours.

Retakes

If you don't pass the test, generally you can retake it as many times as you want. However, it's a good idea to check this with your particular learning provider.

Take a practice test online

You can take a practice test online for the three main Key Skills qualifications at the 'keyskills4u' website.

• Take a practice key skills test online (opens new window)

Where they can lead

Getting a Key Skills qualification at one level can lead to further Key Skills qualifications at higher levels. They can also help you move on to other qualifications, such as an HND or degree.

• Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas
• Bachelors degrees
• Foundation Degrees

UCAS points

The main Key Skills (Communication, Application of Number and ICT) attract points on the 'UCAS Tariff' for entry into higher education. From 2007 entry onwards, the three wider Key Skills will earn UCAS points as well.

The points you get for each Key Skill depend on the level of qualification you pass:

• The UCAS Tariff (opens new window)

Help and advice

Speak to your teacher at school or college, visit the ' keyskills4u' website or ask your employer about Key Skills courses available where you work.

• key skills4u (opens new window)

Advice for young people

For advice on learning and qualifications for 13 to 19 year olds, you can also contact Connexions Direct.

• Contact Connexions Direct

Advice for adult learners

Get advice about Key Skills and other qualifications for adult learners from learndirect Careers Advice.

• Contact learndirect Careers Advice

More useful links

• Learning at 14 to 19
• University and higher education
• Adult learning
• Find out more about Key Skills (opens new window)