National Qualifications Online
About core skills
Core skills are the broad skills that help people achieve success in many situations in life and work. They provide a basis for learning throughout life, for working effectively, and for handling problems.
Try the new core skills section of NQ Online with a catalogue of support materials to download free, a suite of interactive core skills activities, plus a Core Skills Analyser and a Scottish Group Awards Predictor to create your own profile.
Core skills in detail
The table shows five core skills that are currently embedded in national Courses and Units.
| Core skill | Levels | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | Access 2 to Higher | Taking part in discussions, writing letters and reports, understanding written information |
| Numeracy | Access 2 to Higher | Using tables, diagrams, graphs and symbols, and working with money and measurements |
| Problem solving | Access 2 to Higher | Analysing a situation, planning a strategy, obtaining resources, using information and evaluating procedures |
| Using information technology | Access 2 to Higher | Using the internet and e-mail, preparing documents and presentations |
| Working with Others | Access 2 to Higher | Planning and carrying out a task in cooperation with other group members |
Related links
SQA catalogue of core skills
See the SQA's catalogue (in PDF format) to find out the core skill components covered by each course and national unit.
Core Skills Analyser
This interactive tool enables learners in Scotland to create their own core skills profile which they can print and save for their progress files or personal learning plans.