Key Skills are skills commonly needed for success in a range of activities in education and training, work and life in general.

The Key Skills qualifications aim to develop and recognise candidates’ abilities to apply these skills in ways that are appropriate to different contexts, to improve the quality of learning and performance. They are intended for everyone, from pupils in school to chief executives in large companies; being most popular in schools and FE colleges.

6 Key Skills are specified at Levels 1 to 4; these are:

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

Example portfolios for all 6 Key Skills are available to download from the QCDA website, which provides useful guidance about the organisation, types and the amount of evidence required in a candidate portfolio. These are examples only – centres are encouraged to use their own templates and portfolio referencing methods wherever possible.

Some aspects of the Communication, Application of Number and ICT qualifications overlap with other qualifications that assess the same knowledge and skills. Because of this overlap, candidates can claim exemption or proxies from parts of these Key Skills, where proof of achievement of a proxy qualification can be provided.

More information and a list of which qualifications can be used as proxies can be found on the QCDA website. Please contact your Centre Support Assistant at NCFE if you have any questions.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the centre to ensure the authenticity and validity of any proxy qualification.

The Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and ICT are assessed through a portfolio and an externally set and marked test.

NCFE offer assessment on demand for the Level 1 and 2 Key Skills tests. The Level 3 and 4 tests are sat on specific exam dates, which can be found by clicking the links below:

2011 / 2012 Series
Level 3 Application of Number
Level 4 Application of Number
Level 3 Communication
Level 4 Communication
Level 3 ICT
Level 4 ICT

Sample papers for Key Skills can be found on the QCDA website

The Wider Key Skills in Working with Others, Improving Own Learning and Performance and Problem Solving are assessed via a portfolio of evidence and ‘Part A’ questions which are externally moderated by NCFE.