Basic Skills: Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALAN)
ASDAN ALAN qualifications have had their accreditation approval extended until 2012 (with certification until 2014) for all learners 14-19 and post-19. The DfE has agreed to the continuation of ALAN qualifications for 14-19 as they will contribute to the development of English and Mathematics – as recommended by the Wolf Report and accepted in the government's response. Section 96, which lists all qualifications eligible for funding 14-19, will be changed to reflect this.
What are Basic Skills?
Basic Skills are qualifications designed to help learners improve their literacy, language and numeracy skills and are available from ASDAN at Levels 1 and 2. They are also called Skills for Life and include Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy (sometimes known as ALAN).
The Basic Skills of Literacy and Numeracy test technical knowledge and understanding, whereas Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number also test their application.
These qualifications can be used to give recognition for the knowledge and skills developed through many of the practical activities that schools, colleges, training providers and others already offer. They can give formal qualification status for skills developed through a range of programmes.
Who are they for?
Pre- and Post-16 students, and adults.
Assessment
As an approved awarding body, ASDAN offers the following Basic Skills:
- ASDAN Level 1 Certificate in Adult Literacy
- ASDAN Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy
- ASDAN Level 1 Certificate in Adult Numeracy
- ASDAN Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy
These are fully fundable by the Learning and Skills Council under Sections 96 and 97 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.
The Basic Skills of Literacy and Numeracy are assessed by nationally set tests, each featuring up to 40 multiple-choice questions. These are available online from ASDAN - see the eAssessment page for more information.
The Basic Skills specifications, Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum and other resources are available from:
Status
Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are worth 12.5 points each at Level 1 and 23 points each at Level 2, equivalent to half a GCSE. Therefore, a student achieving AL and AN at Level 2 will gain a qualification worth 46 points on the School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables, equivalent to a Grade B at GCSE.
Download further information on ASDAN qualifications and performance points to find out more.
FAQ
Secure Area for registered centres
Once your centre is registered with ASDAN for Basic Skills, you can access further information and resources via the website's Secure Area.
It contains all relevant updates, essential documents, meeting information and resources and enables you to:
- Download resources, including forms, guidance and sample test papers
- Register your candidate numbers and names
- Purchase materials from the online ASDAN catalogue
- Check the list of candidates registered from your centre
There is no limit to the number of people from a centre who can register for a Secure Area password. You can register for a password online, by using the password request form.