Literacy & numeracy tests

VETASSESS has recently reviewed the VETASSESS Test and made some changes to the questions. These changes will be introduced in July 2010.

The components of the VETASSESS Test will be the same:
   • Literacy - 40 questions
   • Numeracy - 40 questions
   • English Writing Skills - 3 tasks

The new VETASSESS Test has been designed to assess the same levels of competence as the current test. As always, it remains the decision of the RTO what the range of test scores will be for acceptance into their courses.

Test scores received for the current VETASSESS Test will remain valid for 2010.

We offer a normative test for literacy and numeracy based on the National Reporting System for Adult Literacy and Numeracy known as the VETASSESS Test.

The VETASSESS Test has been established to help Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) identify the literacy and numeracy competence of candidates wishing to apply for a course of study.

Who can sit the test?

People who are interested in undertaking the following courses may need to sit the literacy & numeracy test:

  • nursing
  • aged care work
  • welfare work
  • children’s services

View the list of courses that the test is currently applicable to.

What the test involves

The test assesses literacy and numeracy skills at the levels required to successfully complete the course. The test is based on relevant indicators of competence specified in the National Reporting System (NRS).

Test components

Generally, the test has three components:

Test 1 – Literacy

30 minute test containing multiple-choice questions that assess the ability to work with words, sentences and other written text, eg vocabulary, spelling, grammar, sentence construction and written comprehension. A dictionary is not permitted.

Test 2 – Numeracy

30 minute test containing multiple-choice questions that assess the ability to work with numbers and to solve arithmetic problems, eg calculations, measurements, patterns, interpreting graphs, shapes and space. A calculator is not permitted.

Test 3 - English Writing Skills

30 to 45 minute test requiring candidates to write different types of responses to sets of questions or topics. There are usually 2-3 different types of writing tasks. The test generally assesses the ability to

  • use written language to communicate a viewpoint, eg to construct sentences logically and fluently
  • use accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation
  • write legibly (clearly).

Each course has differences in the length of time allowed to complete the English Writing Skills test component. For more information see test durations.

More information

 

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