Skills For Life FAQs
Q: What are the qualifications about?
A: They allow you to:
- brush up your English and/or Maths skills (known as Literacy and Numeracy)
- obtain nationally-recognised qualifications in English and/or Maths
- prove your ability in English and/or Maths
- the qualifications provide adults with skills for many different jobs. For some people, the qualifications are a big step towards getting more education.
Q: What are the qualifications called?
- Certificate in Adult Numeracy Level 1
- Certificate in Adult Numeracy Level 2
- Certificate in Adult Literacy Level 1
- Certificate in Adult Literacy Level 2
Q: What do the different levels mean?
A: All qualifications in the UK are part of the National Qualifications Framework:
- Level 1 is the same level as GCSE grade D to G
- Level 2 is the same level as GCSE grade A* – C
Q: Who are the qualifications for?
A: Anyone over 19 who:
- has no qualifications in English or Maths
- has lower-level qualifications in English or Maths
- does not already have another Level 2 qualification (e.g. an NVQ)
Q: I’ve been doing my job for years and I do it well – why should I bother getting Literacy and Numeracy qualifications?
A: The most obvious benefit is having qualifications on your C.V. that are known to employers throughout the UK. Brushing up your English and/or Maths will increase your skills and can lead to greater confidence in areas such as:
- Helping your family and friends with their schoolwork
- Budgeting your home expenses
- Taking on more responsibility at work
- Being more flexible at work
- Working as a team member
- Taking your education further
Don’t forget – Qualifications in English and Maths are the key ones that employers look for.
Q: I didn’t do so well with Maths or English at school, so I’m a bit nervous about picking it up again.
A: It’s understandable that you might be nervous, but Total People’s priority is to provide a relaxed and flexible learning environment for you, with lots of support. Your tutor will make sure that you are working at a level that stretches you but is achievable. You and your tutor will work together to find out which areas need to be improved and your tutor will draw up a learning plan just for you.
Q: Are the qualifications hard to achieve?
A: Definitely not! This is because your tutor will work with you to find out the level you’re working at currently and then you can aim for the next level. This means you will be working towards a level that’s realistic.
Q: Will I have to do homework?
A: Only if you want to. Your tutor will always have practice exercises for you to take away to support what you’ve learned during a lesson.
Q: Will I have any support with my learning?
A: Absolutely! Your tutor will visit you regularly at work and support you all the way through the course. You will be able to contact your tutor between visits too.
Q: Is there a test involved?
A: Yes – the test contains 40 multiple-choice questions and takes 1 hour for Literacy and 1 hour 15 minutes for Numeracy.
Q: How will I know when I’m ready to take the test?
A: Once you have brushed up your skills, your tutor will work through practice tests with you. You and your tutor will know, from your marks in these practice tests, when you are ready for the test.
Q: Where can I take the test?
A: Your tutor will bring the test to your workplace.
Q: How long will it take to achieve a qualification?
A: It depends on how much brushing up you have to do and how much of your own time you are able to spend practising what’s been covered in lessons. Your tutor will not put pressure on you to do homework.
Q: Will there be other adults in the lessons with me?
A Lessons are one-to-one with your tutor, unless two or more colleagues ask for lessons together. This would depend on your employer’s work situation.
Q: How much do the qualifications cost?
A: Nothing – they’re free!
