Skills for Life
If you want to improve your reading, writing, numeracy or information and communication technology skills, or want to show the skills you already have, a Skills for Life qualification could be for you.
what they are
Skills for Life qualifications are designed to help you develop the skills you use in everyday life, such as reading, writing or maths. They can also help you boost your CV or move on to further study.
You can take a Skills for Life qualification if you:
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are over 16 years of age
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have left compulsory full-time education
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do not have an up-to-date English or maths qualification at level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework (such as a GCSE)
In some cases, schools can also offer Skills for Life qualifications for 14 to 16 year olds.
As well as 'Skills for Life', you may have also heard people talking about 'Basic Skills'. The two terms mean the same thing, and refer to the same qualifications.
Subjects available
Skills for Life Certificates are available in:
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adult literacy
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adult numeracy
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information and communications technology (ICT)
There is also a Skills for Life qualification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Where and when you can take them
Skills for Life qualifications are offered on a regular basis, so you can take one whenever you are ready.
You can take them in your own learning centre, a local test centre, or in some cases at a driving test centre.
Study at a level to suit you
Skills for Life Certificates are available at a level of learning to suit you. The levels are:
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entry level (three entry levels to choose from)
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level 1
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level 2
The Skills for Life Certificate in ICT is available at entry level only.
How you are assessed
The type of test or task you take, and how it is assessed, will depend on which level of qualification you choose.
Entry levels
At the three entry levels, Skills for Life qualifications consist of tasks assessed by your learning centre, college or school.
Awards
Skills for Life Certificates are marked as either a pass or fail.
Where they can lead
Skills for Life qualifications are based on national standards, so everyone, including potential employers, can see what you're capable of. They can:
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give you more confidence in your own abilities
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show what you have achieved in your learning programme
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boost your CV
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help you get onto other courses such as NVQs