Key Skills
'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:
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give you more confidence in your own abilities
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boost your CV and show employers what you can do
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help you move on to other qualifications such as an HND or degree
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show what you have achieved in your learning programme
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.
Subjects available
There are six different Key Skills subjects:
Main Key Skills
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Communication
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Application of Number
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ICT (information and communications technology)
Wider Key Skills
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Working with Others
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Improving Own Learning and Performance
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Problem Solving
Study at a level to suit you
Key Skills are at levels 1-4 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). You can take different subjects at different levels to suit you.
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 90 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.
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.