BKSB 2024: Assessment Maths & English Tests

What Is the BKSB Test?

The Basic and Key Skills Builder (or BKSB) test is designed to assess the competence level of a candidate in the areas of English, maths and information and communication technology (ICT) before they move on to taking Functional Skills tests.

The Department for Education and Skills has identified various key skills necessary for people to navigate life and succeed in the workplace, which they have called Functional Skills.

The BKSB assessment is one type of test available to assess an individual’s functional skills level and identify areas needing improvement to bring them up to the required level. Once the BKSB programme is completed, a candidate will be ready to sit the Functional Skills test.

BKSB: Functional Skills & GCSE

BKSB tests are administered to people who didn’t achieve higher-grade GCSEs but are intending to access college courses or apprenticeships.

Functional Skills can be pursued either as independent qualifications or as a pathway towards GCSEs, which certain employers may demand.

BKSB Functional Skills equips learners with powerful resources to effectively acquire essential abilities in English and Math, valuable for a lifetime.

If an individual applying for an apprenticeship has not achieved A* to C (or equivalent) in GCSE English and Maths, they can work towards their BKSB Level 2 qualification to fulfil apprenticeship entry requirements.

Some employers use BKSB tests to assess for entry-level jobs. However, BKSB assessments cannot be used for screening candidates during the recruitment process or for disqualifying individuals from employment or educational opportunities.

It is recognised that this group of skills are essential for success in any field and in everyday life. The BKSB tests are also commonly used during the rehabilitation of offenders to prepare them for life and work after being in prison.

BKSB Assessment Types

The BKSB is made up of two key areas:

• The initial assessment
• The diagnostic assessment

The assessments are usually organised and managed by a tutor based in a college or learning environment, but learners (or their parents) can access BKSB themselves.

1. BKSB Initial Assessment

Step one of the process is the BKSB initial assessment, used to determine a candidate’s current level of understanding and application of English and mathematics skills.

The system that provides the assessments is fully interactive, intuitive and self-marking. The learner makes their way through the questions, with one question per screen, clicking a button when they are ready to move on to the next screen.

At the end of the test, the candidate (and their tutor) is informed of their general working level.

This test takes on average 20 minutes to complete.

The results of the BKSB initial assessment are used to place the candidate at the correct level for the diagnostic assessment.

2. BKSB Diagnostic Assessment

The BKSB diagnostic assessment provides further questions in a similar style to the initial assessment via an easy-to-use, interactive tool. The assessment is available on any device, including mobile phones.

The level of difficulty of these questions will be determined by the results of the initial assessment carried out beforehand.

Once the diagnostic assessment is completed, the candidate is provided with a score and an individual learning plan that identifies strengths and weaknesses. It also suggests learning resources that can help the learner work on their skill gaps.

If you're looking for a BKSB test practice package tailored for the BKSB tests, we recommend this one from TestHQ.

What Do the BKSB Tests Assess?

The UK government believes that key Maths and English skills are crucial in the workplace. If you feel that your chosen career path doesn’t rely on good Maths or English skills, you may be overlooking important parts of the job.

For example, if you have chosen a career as a joiner because you enjoy practical work with your hands, you will still need an understanding of mathematical principles to work out angles, lengths and areas involved in your everyday work.

You may find that you already use these skills without realising it. Completing a BKSB assessment will help you formalise your knowledge and grasp any English or Maths skills you need to work on before taking the BKSB Functional Skills test.

BKSB Levels

The BKSB tests is split into:

• BKSB Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 (below GCSE level)
• BKSB Levels 1 and 2 (the equivalent level of GCSE grades 1 to 4)

The difficulty level of each paper depends on the level of assessment that applies. For example, the Level 2 paper, which is the equivalent to a standard pass at GCSE, will pose more complex questions than the Entry Level 3 paper.

For those who wish to study to a higher level, BKSB GCSE programmes are also available.

Whilst undertaking the assessments, marking will be immediate. For the actual BKSB Functional Skills tests, examiners will mark your paper either within the organisation you take the test in or via an external organisation.

Types of Questions on BKSB Assessment

• Multiple Choice: In this format, you are presented with a question and a set of options. You must select the correct answer from the available choices.
• Fill in the Blanks: You are given a sentence or a passage with missing words, and you need to fill in the appropriate words to complete the text.
• Matching: This format requires you to match items from two lists by drawing lines or selecting corresponding options.
• True/False: You are presented with statements, and you need to determine whether each statement is true or false.
• Short Answer: In this type, you are asked to provide a brief response or solution to a question or problem.

BKSB English Initial Assessment: Questions & Answers

The BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder) English Test is designed to assess and improve essential English language skills. This includes?

• Reading comprehension: The test may include passages or excerpts followed by a series of questions that assess your understanding of the text, including main ideas, details, inference, and vocabulary.
• Vocabulary and grammar: Questions related to vocabulary and grammar may assess your knowledge of word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, correct word usage, sentence structure, verb forms, tenses, and parts of speech.
• Spelling and punctuation: You may be tested on your ability to spell words correctly and use appropriate punctuation marks in sentences.
• Writing skills: The test might include questions or prompts that require you to write short paragraphs or essays, demonstrating your ability to express ideas clearly, organize thoughts, use appropriate grammar and vocabulary, and convey meaning effectively.
• Sentence completion: Questions may present incomplete sentences, and you would be required to select the most appropriate word or phrase to complete the sentence.
• Sentence correction: You may be given sentences with errors in grammar, punctuation, or word usage, and you would need to identify and correct those errors.
• Listening comprehension: Some BKSB English Tests may include audio clips or recordings, followed by questions that assess your listening comprehension skills, such as understanding main ideas, details, and specific information.

It's important to note that the specific format and content of the BKSB English Test can vary depending on the educational institution or organization using the platform.

The BKSB English initial assessment tests competency in sentence structure, grammar, spelling and comprehension. Candidates will also be assessed on vocabulary range and reading ability.

The questions will often be in an English comprehension format, whereby a short piece of text is provided followed by questions. The answers to the questions will all be contained within the text and are often displayed as multiple-choice options. The candidate may also be expected to take inference or interpret meaning from the text.

Spellings are often assessed by providing sentences or a list of words and asking the candidate to identify any misspelt words.

A writing exercise will also allow assessors to evaluate general writing skills.

BKSB English Sample Question:

Here is an example of the type of writing exercise question that could appear on the BKSB English initial assessment paper:

How You Will Be Assessed:

When marking a free writing piece such as this, an examiner will be assessing the overall structure of the piece of writing. The assessor will be looking at the following points:

• The word count, if specified in the question
• The length of the text will be assessed, to make sure it is appropriate for the type of writing requested
• The text will need to fit the format asked for within the question. For example, a letter must be addressed to someone and signed off by the writer, or a set of instructions must be listed appropriately and in order.
• Accurate use of punctuation
• Appropriate use of paragraphs
• Spelling and range of vocabulary

The candidate should be drawing upon their own experiences and ideas to put forward a reasonable argument as requested.

BKSB Maths Initial Assessment: Questions & Answers

BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder) is a software platform used for assessing and improving essential skills, including mathematics. This includes:

• Multiple-choice questions: The test may include a range of multiple-choice questions where you have to select the correct answer from several options.
• Fill in the blanks: Some questions may require you to fill in missing numbers or operators to complete an equation or solve a problem.
• True or false questions: You may encounter true or false statements related to mathematical concepts or principles.
• Problem-solving questions: These questions may present real-life scenarios or mathematical problems that require you to apply mathematical concepts to find a solution.
• Mathematical operations: The test may assess your ability to perform basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Fractions, decimals, and percentages: Questions related to fractions, decimals, and percentages might be included to assess your understanding and ability to work with these concepts.
• Data interpretation: You may be given graphs, charts, or tables and asked to interpret the information or perform calculations based on the given data.

It's important to note that the specific format and content of the BKSB Maths Test can vary depending on the educational institution or organization using the platform.

The BKSB initial assessment maths section comprises a selection of questions based on basic maths principles such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication.

Some of the BKSB Maths test questions will allow the use of a calculator and some will be labelled as ‘non-calculator’ questions.

The questions may also explore further mathematical principles such as sequences, decimals, ratios, percentages and fractions.

H4 BKSB Maths Sample Questions

Here is an example of the type of question that could appear in an Entry Level 2 BKSB maths paper:

What Happens After the BKSB Assessment?

Once the initial assessment and diagnostic assessment have been completed, the candidate will have a clear idea of which areas they need to work on to fill any skill gaps.

As part of the BKSB process, a series of modules with lessons and associated resources will then be available for the learner to work through.

These lessons are broken down into manageable chunks with engaging content and exercises. The learner can carry out this work from their device in a self-led manner or can participate in a group environment if a workplace or college offers this option.

At the end of every learning module, the learner will undertake a progress check to measure their progress and evaluate their understanding of the material being taught. The questions will be tailored for the individual depending on the areas previously identified as needing work.

Results from these checks will be provided immediately and course tutors will also have access to this information, so they can provide the necessary support to learners.

Once the candidate feels ready, they can take practice tests to simulate the Functional Skills tests. These practice exams replicate actual questions featured in Functional Skills tests and include all types of questions. They are marked automatically and instantly, so the candidate receives immediate feedback.

How to Prepare for the BKSB Assessments in 2024

The BKSB process assesses the current knowledge and skills base of the candidate, there is no particular revision needed for the BKSB test.

A candidate can revisit basic maths and English principles in preparation if they choose to do so, but this is not compulsory, with the right approach and dedication, you can increase your chances of success.

The outcome is that the candidate feels prepared and well-equipped to face the Functional Skills tests.

• Create a Study Plan: Give yourself ample time to cover all the topics that will be tested. Create a study plan that includes a realistic timeline and breaks down the subjects into manageable chunks.
• Identify Your Weak Areas: Take a practice test or a diagnostic assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving your weaker areas, Should you wish to practise in-depth, try this BKSB practice course.
• Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of study materials and resources provided by BKSB or recommended by your teachers. These may include textbooks, online tutorials, practice tests, and study guides. Join study groups or seek help from a teacher.
• Practice: Consistent practice is key to performing well on the BKSB tests. Work through sample questions and practice tests regularly to build familiarity with the content and improve your problem-solving skills. Review your mistakes and learn from them to avoid repeating them in the actual exam. Should you wish to practise in-depth, try this BKSB practice course.
• Pay attention to details: Read the instructions carefully before attempting each question and take your time to understand the question and think through your answer before selecting or writing it down. For multiple-choice questions, eliminate options that are clearly incorrect to narrow down your choices. If you're unsure about an answer, make an educated guess rather than leaving it blank. Review your answers before submitting the test to check for any mistakes or omissions.

Who Needs to Complete the BKSB?

The BKSB tests are commonly used in educational settings, such as schools, colleges, and training providers.

These tests are often administered to new students or individuals enrolling in courses to assess their current skills and knowledge in maths and English.

The results help educators identify areas of strength and weakness and provide targeted support to improve the individual's skills.

Health Education England has granted BKSB the authority to offer free access to their platform for all NHS trusts, community, primary, and adult social care employers. This means that individuals working within these organizations are among those who need to complete the BKSB tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Since the UK government made changes to the way Maths and English are assessed, admission to apprenticeships and many college courses are now dependent on successful completion of the Functional Skills test for candidates who did not achieve higher-grade GCSEs.

As a way of preparing for the Functional Skills test, individuals can follow a programme of assessment and study to equip them with the skills needed.

This ensures that learners are getting good guidance in preparing for their Functional Skills tests, to enable them to progress into further study or a career of their choice.