Adult Numeracy and literacy
What is ALAN? (Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy)
Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy qualifications sit under the Skills for Life umbrella
Often referred to as Adult Basic Skills, they can be taken by learners of any age.
They are nationally recognised, stand alone qualifications that enable learners to gain
the basic key skills they require in English and mathematics.
Qualification Structure
Each ALAN qualification is broken up into the components below. Students can enter
at a level that best meets their learning and development needs, and because ALAN is
on-demand students can enter when they are ready.
Numeracy Handling data Number Measure shape and space
Level 2 and 1 Not Assessed Multiple choice questions on screen
or paper based
Entry level Paper based
1 2 &3 Entry level 3 available as multiple choice on screen test
Learners who attain a Literacy and Numeracy qualification at Level 2 will achieve the
points equivalent to one GCSE, helping them with applications to college,work and further
education.These points are in addition to those achieved for GCSE English and mathematics.
Assessment and Onscreen Testing
ALAN tests are onscreen and on-demand at Level 1 and Level 2 and for Numeracy and
Reading at Entry Level 3. All tests followthe same assessment designwhereby each
qualification is a single,onscreen test.All tests are also available for paper-based assessment.
Sample assessment materials
Entry level1 Entry level2 Entry level3
Handling data Handling data Handling data
Number Number Number
Measure shape and space Measure shape and space Measure shape and space
On Screen Testing
Entry level 3
level 1 and 2
Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy qualifications sit under the Skills for Life umbrella
Often referred to as Adult Basic Skills, they can be taken by learners of any age.
They are nationally recognised, stand alone qualifications that enable learners to gain
the basic key skills they require in English and mathematics.
Qualification Structure
Each ALAN qualification is broken up into the components below. Students can enter
at a level that best meets their learning and development needs, and because ALAN is
on-demand students can enter when they are ready.
Numeracy Handling data Number Measure shape and space
Level 2 and 1 Not Assessed Multiple choice questions on screen
or paper based
Entry level Paper based
1 2 &3 Entry level 3 available as multiple choice on screen test
Learners who attain a Literacy and Numeracy qualification at Level 2 will achieve the
points equivalent to one GCSE, helping them with applications to college,work and further
education.These points are in addition to those achieved for GCSE English and mathematics.
Assessment and Onscreen Testing
ALAN tests are onscreen and on-demand at Level 1 and Level 2 and for Numeracy and
Reading at Entry Level 3. All tests followthe same assessment designwhereby each
qualification is a single,onscreen test.All tests are also available for paper-based assessment.
Sample assessment materials
Entry level1 Entry level2 Entry level3
Handling data Handling data Handling data
Number Number Number
Measure shape and space Measure shape and space Measure shape and space
On Screen Testing
Entry level 3
level 1 and 2