Basic SkillsAdult Literacy and Numeracy

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AQA adult literacy and numeracy qualifications are at five different levels: Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2

Candidates may enter any of the tests suited to their level of attainment. Check for the appropriate level for your learners.

Why choose Basic Skills?

• Available to candidates who are 14 years and above
• Basic Skills tests at levels 1 and 2 may be used as proxies for Key Skills, exempting candidates from Key Skills tests at Levels 1 and 2*
• Assessment is by multiple-choice test only of up to one hour 15 minutes for Levels 1 and 2
• Performance table points available:
  • Level 1 – 12.5 points
    Contribution to Level 1 threshold: Pass 10%
  • Level 2 – 23 points
    Contribution to Level 2 threshold: Pass 10%
• Suited to a variety of candidates from the minimally literate/numerate to those capable of achieving GCSE
• Each candidate receives a statement of results and a certificate.

*The Key Skills tests in Communication and Application of Number are the same tests that are used for Basic Skills Adult Literacy and Numeracy. Candidates passing the Basic Skills test will be certificated and may also be exempted from the Key Skills test component if the proxy is claimed.

The Link between Entry 1, 2 and 3 and Basic Skills Level 1 and 2

As demonstrated above, Basic Skills offers candidates the opportunity to progress to the next stages of the National Qualifications Framework. Although AQA has different teams to administer Entry 1, 2 and 3 and Basic Skills Level 1 and 2, this will not cause any additional work to the centre and the same high levels of support can be expected from both teams.

Success in the Basic Skills tests at Levels 1 and 2 can count towards the Key Skills qualifications in Application of Number and Communication by entering the appropriate codes which allow centres to claim Basic Skills tests as proxies for Key Skills tests. Learners would need to put together a portfolio of work to complete the full Key Skills qualification.

Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy

• designed to offer candidates an opportunity to show Entry Level achievement available to pre 16 upwards
• funded on the DCSF, Section 96 Qualifications list
• papers are available at any time of year, subject to a minimum order and 4 weeks' notice of the test date
• learners who achieve the Entry Level certificates in Adult Literacy/Numeracy may progress to Levels 1 and 2.

The ELC Adult Literacy comprises two papers at each level:

Paper 1 – Speaking and Listening has two parts and represents 40% of the total marks.
Part A – Speaking is centre assessed. For the assessment, candidates will take part in short one-to-one or group discussions and ask questions to obtain information.
Part B – Listening is externally assessed. Scenarios are read out by a supervisor followed by a set of questions.

Paper 2 – Reading and Writing represents 60% of the total marks.
Short answer and extended writing questions, to be taken under examination conditions (Externally assessed).

Candidates must sit both papers 1 and 2 in order to be eligible for a result.

The Adult Numeracy paper consists of two parts at each level:

Part A allows for the use of a basic, non-programmable calculator.
Part B is conducted without a calculator.

Candidates must take both parts in order to be eligible for a result.

See further information about Entry Level Certificates.

Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates in Literacy and Numeracy

At Level 1 and Level 2, learners take a National Test which consists of 40 multiple-choice questions linked to scenarios. The tests are the same as those for Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number and are marked by AQA. Test questions are linked to scenarios and last for one hour for Literacy and one hour 15 minutes for Numeracy.

The use of calculators and dictionaries is not permitted at either level.

Key Skills Levels 1 and 2 in Communication and Application of Number are strongly linked to Basic Skills Levels 1 and 2 in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy. The main difference between Key Skills and Basic Skills is that for Key Skills candidates have to submit a portfolio of work as well as taking a test. The tests that are taken are the same.

For further information on Basic Skills at Levels 1 and 2 or Key Skills contact keyskills@aqa.org.uk.