Skills for Life - Adult Numeracy and Literacy

Skills for Life - Adult Numeracy and Literacy

Background

In 2000, QCA and DfES published the first National Standards for adult literacy and numeracy.  The standards for adult literacy and adult numeracy follow a common format and relate directly to the key skills of communication and application of number.  They have also been developed to match the national curriculum requirements for English and mathematics.

These standards have formed the basis of a number of initiatives, including the Government’s Skills for Life strategy in England, as well as the National Basic Skills Strategy for Wales (Words Talk Numbers Count) to address levels of literacy and numeracy among the adult population.

The national standards describe adult literacy and adult literacy as, ‘The ability to read, write and speak in English and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function at work and in society in general.’

From September 2001 national qualifications in adult literacy and numeracy became available for the first time.  The accreditation of these qualifications gives assurance to users that they are based on the national standards ensuring consistency in terms of level, demand, content and outcomes.  These qualifications are intended for learners who have been following the adult numeracy or adult literacy core curriculum and who have been assessed against the national standards.

IMI Awards offers the National Basic Skills tests in literacy and/or numeracy tests at Levels 1 and 2.  As reflected above, the tests for these certificates are the same as the tests used for key skills communication and application of number at levels 1 and 2 developed by QCA.  The tests are available on demand online, via IMI Awards.

If learners pass these tests at the appropriate level, they will achieve either (click table below for more information):

• IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Adult Literacy - QCA ID: 100/6464/3
• IMIAL Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy - QCA ID: 100/6465/5
• IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Adult Numeracy - QCA ID: 100/6466/7
• IMIAL Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy - QCA ID: 100/6467/9

Additional information is available on the DIUS website for all those involved in literacy and numeracy.  This includes, materials, online help and links to learndirect and up-to-date information on the Government’s literacy and numeracy skills strategy.

www.dcsf.gov.uk/readwriteplus, and help in what to do next