What is the Initial Assessment?
An Initial Assessment is a short test. It checks a learner’s basic knowledge of a subject before they start a course.
The goal is simple:
- To understand what the learner already knows
- To find the right starting level for them
After the learner finishes the assessment, they receive a result. This result shows their initial level.
What does the initial level mean?
The initial level helps us choose the most suitable course for the learner.
Every course has a recommended level range. This means:
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If a learner’s result falls inside a course’s score range,
→ that course is a good match for them.
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In some cases, more than one course may match the learner’s score.
→ The learner may see multiple course recommendations.
This helps learners avoid:
- Starting a course that is too easy
- Starting a course that is too difficult
Below is a rough guideline of what your initial level means.
Functional skills Initial Asessments:
| IA Score | Most Suitable Course | Extra Context |
| 0.1-0.3 | Entry Level 1 | The learner’s score suggests limited prior knowledge. They may require additional support to work through the resources. |
| 0.3-0.6 | Entry Level 2 | The learner’s score suggests limited prior knowledge. They may require additional support to work through the resources. |
| 0.6-0.9 | Entry Level 3 | The learner’s score suggests limited prior knowledge. They may require additional support to work through the resources. |
| 0.9-1.5 | Level 1 | The learner has an understanding of key concepts but lacks in-depth knowledge of the subject. Learners scoring towards the higher end of this range may not need to complete the full Level 1 course before being ready for the exam. |
| 1.5-2.5 | Level 2 | The learner is ready for Level 2, demonstrating a good understanding of key concepts and readiness to develop them further. Learners scoring 2.5 or above may be prepared to sit the exam without completing the full course. |
How to take the initial assessment
1. This student has sat the English initial assessment but not the maths.
2. You can see that they have been recommended to take the level 2 English course.
3. To give the maths initial assessment a go, click 'Start the Maths Initial Assessment'
4. Click on Start Initial Assessment and complete all the questions to see what level you are starting at.
