Hi, im new to the forum, just want to ask what does this literacy and numeracy test involve? i have been put forward to do nvq3 by my employer, and need to do this test tomorrow before i am accepted. i thought id you had your nvq2 it would just take you straight to do nvq3!!!!!

this is new to me, sorry

ok dallas, thanks for reply anyway.

Hi Michelle

This does seem a bit strange. The Government is throwing lots of cash at training at the moment but usually only up to level two. It is a condition of the funding that every candidate takes the basic numeracy and literacy tests and, if the candidate falls below the desired level then the training provider has to offer free numeracy and literacy tuition to the candidate. The candidate does not have to take-up the offer.

As I said this is for level 2, not level 3, so I cannot see any logic in this - unless it is a test at a higher level?

Dave

hi dave,
just been for my nvq3 sign up at work, didnt have to do the numeracy or literacy test. and should be starting nvq3 in about 4 weeks. thanks for the reply.
michelle

I have been told I will be doing the numeracy and literacy test for the
nvq3 I did it for the nvq 2 as well:

This depends on your other qualifications, the less you have the more funding you need (apparently) so you sit this test to gauge your ability.

Hmmm

Not much funding around for level 3's - bog all as far as I know!

Dave

You can be a level 3 jumper on train to gain but there's usually some money involved or you become a level 3 AMA so long as your under 25. Most colleges require an entrance test so they can show they're providing adequate support levels n got you on the right key skills.

In the end I did not have to do the test for the nvq3

The test is just to assess your ability. It is so that they can assess what standard of work to expect, thus they can guage if you have done the work your self. The test is fairly easy. You normally do the test towards the end of the course. The course is not complete until you have completed the test.

I am supposed to be doing NVQ3 later in the year but have already done the numeracy and literacy test, however a couple of my colleagues (one doing NVQ2 and one doing NVQ3) have also done this test but have been told they will also be required to sit exams for english and maths as their GCSE grades from school were not high enough. Can anyone confirm if this is correct? I hadn't heard anything about this and I have no such qualifications. I did NVQ2 two years ago and that wasn't part of it then.

Hi Annne
It sounds like someone is trying to bolt on extras to the NVQ. As I stated in an earlier post, as far as I understand it, if you are going to receive funding for your NVQ then the ALI insist that you take a basic skills assessment consisting of numeracy and literacy. If you fall below the desired level then the training provider has to offer support to bring you up to that level but you are not forced to accept it. I know there are other "exams" such as technical certificates etc for some NVQs but not compulsory exams prior to gaining an NVQ. It could be just the way it has been presented to your colleagues "you must" instead of "you have the option" etc. They should be asking "why?" I know some weak assessors or training providers don't express themselves very well when giving information - essential when delivering NVQs!

I ramble on but hope I have shed some light on the situation.

Dave

Thanks Dave. They have been given 'practice papers' on maths and English to do at home and will be told when they are 'ready' to sit the exams.
Some others who have done NVQ 3 in the past are saying this is all new and that they never had to do anything like..learn the dates particular laws were passed and dates of new legislation etc.
Your point about asking "why" is a good one, I would certainly be asking.
If it turns out that it's going to take up too much of my time then I just won't be doing it, it's more a case of my employer wanting me to do it rather than me wanting to

Hi annne

I am doing my NVQ3 and it is fully funded in the worcester area. When I started my NVQ I did a literacy and numeracy test, both were quite easy. However, I have been told by my assessor that I now have to do another english and maths test and these are called Keyskills. Practice tests can be found on www.keyskills4u.com. I have also been told that I have to pass these before I can get my NVQ3. I also had to do the Technical Certificate which covers most of the Mandatory units for NVQ3. Seems to me these NVQ's differ from place to place and I can't understand this. Seems unfair that I have to do these and others just did their 8 units and got NVQ3. They should all be the same, so now I am confused!!!

Ultraviolet