The website for learners of Functional Skills

Key Skills

Key skills are a set of qualifications that are offered at schools, colleges and at workplaces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

There are six key skills:

• Application of Number
• Communication
• Information and Communication Technology
• Improving own Learning and Performance
• Problem Solving
• Working with Others

Key skills are standalone qualifications and are assessed at level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4 and level 5.  They are often taught along with other subjects and qualifications.

 

England

Key Skills are assessed through a mixture of portfolios and tests.

Latest news: "The intention is that Functional Skills will replace Key Skills from 2010, although Key Skills will still be available for new candidates until at least August 2010 and will be accredited until 2012."
Source: http://www.qrsp.org.uk/search/Resource-27650.aspx

Wales

Key Skills are assessed using portfolios.

Wales is currently developing a new qualification which is likely to replace key skills in the future - known as Essential Skills Wales.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has both Key Skills and Essential Skills which are adult qualifications.