CORE AND KEY SKILL EQUIVALENCES

SQA and QCA have established the following tables of equivalent development in respect of Core and Key Skills.

Table of Equivalences

SQA Core Skills, QCA/CCEA/ACCAC Key Skills

Table 1
Showing areas covered by Key Skills, and the similar areas covered by Core Skills.

Key Skills

Core Skills

Communication

  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Reading

Communication

  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication

Application of Number

  • Interpreting Information
  • Carrying out Calculations
  • Interpreting Results and Presentings Findings

Numeracy

  • Using Graphical Information
  • Using Number Skills

Information Technology

  • Finding and Selecting Information
  • Developing Information
  • Presenting Information

Information Technology

  • Operate the Computer
  • Find Information
  • Use Software to Develop Information

Problem Solving

  • Identify Problems
  • Considering Solutions
  • Reviewing and Evaluating Outcomes

Problem Solving

  • Critical Thinking
  • Planning and Organising
  • Reviewing and Evaluating

Working with Others

  • Planning the work
  • Working to Identified Objectives
  • Reviewing Progress

Working with Others

  • Analysing and Preparing
  • Planning and Negotiating
  • Working Together
  • Checking and Evaluating
Improving Own Learning and Performance Achievement of both Working with Others and Problem Solving, at lower level should they differ. 
Personal Skills Development level 5 Under development.

Table 2
Showing the level of development of Key Skills compared to Core Skill.

Achievement in the Key Skill listed on the left-hand column of the following table can be taken to show equivalent development of the Core Skill in the corresponding right-hand column, and vice versa.

Key Skills

Core Skills

Level 3

Higher (SCQF level 6)

Level 2

Intermediate 2 (SCQF level 5)

Level 1

Intermediate 1 (SCQF level 4)

Adult Basic Skills entry level 3

Access 3 (SCQF level 3)

Adult Basic Skills entry level 2

Access 2 (SCQF level 2)

Adult Basic Skills entry level 1 There is currently no match at this level.

The information shown in Table 2 has been produced to assist those who need to evaluate prior achievement of Core Skills, and how this relates to Key Skills, OR prior achievement of Key Skills and how this relates to Core Skills. 

This information is for use only where candidates registered for a programme that requires Core or Key Skills achievement have already covered development, and therefore do not need to cover them again.

It does not provide a means of certification for these equivalent qualifications, nor does it provide a choice of qualifications to aim for in programmes where specific certification in Core or Key Skills is a requirement.

For further information, please contact:

Margaret Tierney  GRAPHIC: email icon.
Project Manager, Qualifications Research and Development
Tel: 0141-242 2319