What is an 'ACSF Assessment Task'?
An 'ACSF Assessment Task/Tool' or 'LLN Assessment Task/Tool' is a diagnostic assessment tool used to determine an individual's language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skill levels.
The tasks typically consist of a variety of reading, writing, maths and oral communication questions designed to be relevant to workplace tasks.
The idea is that the tools will help gauge a person's current LLN skill levels and identify whether they have the required LLN skills to effectively interact with information and complete tasks that would be commonplace in a certain job, and if not, where the areas of required support are.
What does it mean 'mapped to the ACSF'?
The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) is another tool. It is a national framework used in Australian vocational education and training (VET) to describe a student's performance in the five core skills of:
- Learning
- Reading
- Writing
- Oral communication
- Numeracy
The ACSF has five levels (plus a pre-level) that describe increasingly complex skills in the five core skills.
If an ACSF or LLN Assessment Tool is "mapped to the ACSF", it means that the tasks in the assessment tool have been designed to sit at a particular level of the ACSF.
You'll see in this example diagram, the task of 'completing a driver run sheet' requires core skills of reading at level 3, numeracy at level 3 and writing at level 2.
Outcomes of the diagnostic assessments give an indication of the learner's 'spiky profile' and this provides guidance to trainers/assessors on existing core skills levels and any LLN support and/or development required.
For more on the spiky profile, see our information on the Foundation Skills Videos page.
This page continues with:
- Validated LLN Assessment Tasks Mapped to the ACSF
- Industry-Based Literacy & Numeracy Quizzes
- Links to videos
- More on Foundation Skills
- Other useful pages
Using this information as part of your TAE studies?
Skills Education is a private provider of VET sector support services and professional development for teachers and trainers.
Validated LLN Assessment Tasks Mapped to the ACSF
Note that a 'validated' LLN assessment task / tool is not the same as assessment validation. Instead, this is about diagnostic assessment applied to determine a learner's current skills and levels of language, literacy and numeracy. The 'validated' means the task / tool has been tested by experts for its validity and reliability.
The following assessments have been validated and they are mapped to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
Task title |
ACSF skill and level coverage |
Industry coverage |
Description |
Download the Assessment |
A self-reflection |
Learning 2. Reading 2. Oral communication 1. |
Generic |
Reflective questions about own skills |
|
Admit a resident |
Reading 3. Writing 2 |
Aged Care |
Transferring information from one text type to another |
|
Assessment record |
All |
Generic |
Form to record information about the LLN assessment and your judgement of the candidate’s skills levels |
|
Background of concrete |
Reading 3. Writing 3 |
Construction |
Read informative text and answer questions |
|
Check the vehicle |
Reading 2. Writing 2 |
Transport |
Read information and fill out a form |
|
Complete a driver run sheet |
Reading 3. Numeracy 3. Writing 2 |
Transport |
Read a scenario and transfer information to a form |
|
Complete a log: Aged care |
Reading 1 and 2. Oral communication 2-4 |
Aged Care |
Reading tables and role play |
|
Complete a log: Security |
Reading 2. Writing 2 and 3. Oral communication 2-4. Numeracy 2. |
Security |
Reading tables and role play |
|
Fill out a claim form |
Reading 2. Writing 2. Oral communication 3 |
Transport |
Reading information, completing a short report |
|
Fill out a time sheet |
Reading 1-2. Numeracy 2 |
Aged Care |
Reading and completing a time sheet based on given information |
|
Fill out an information form |
Reading 1 and 2. Writing 1 and 2 |
Generic |
Complete a form with personal information |
|
Forklift safety |
Reading 3. Writing 2 and 3. Numeracy 2-3 |
Generic |
Read and respond to an informative text, create a pie chart, read tables |
|
Injury hotspots: Health and aged care services |
Reading 2 and 3. Writing 2 and 3. Numeracy 1-3 |
Health and Community Services |
Reading diagrams, plotting graph |
|
Injury hotspots: Hospitality |
Reading 2 and 3. Writing 2 and 3. Numeracy 1-3 |
Hospitality |
Reading diagrams, plotting graph |
|
Injury hotspots: Wood manufacturing |
Reading 2 and 3. Writing 2 and 3. Numeracy 1-3 |
Wood Manufacturing |
Read diagrams and informative text, plot a graph, write a formal letter |
|
Interview form |
Learning 1-3, Oral communication 1-3 |
Generic |
Reflective question and answer Particularly useful for new workers |
|
Make a sling |
Learning pre-level 1-2. Reading pre-level 1 and 1. Writing pre-level 1-2. Oral communication pre-level 1-2 |
Generic |
Watch a video and respond to questions |
|
Making numbers work 1 |
Numeracy pre-level 1 and 1 |
Generic |
Complete various numeracy tasks |
|
Making numbers work 2 |
Numeracy 2 and 3 |
Generic |
Complete various numeracy tasks |
|
Manual handling |
Learning 3. Writing 2 and 3. Oral communication 3 |
Generic |
Watch video and respond to questions |
|
Mixing concrete |
Reading 2 and 3. Writing 2. Numeracy 2 and 3 |
Construction |
Read a brochure, answer questions, role play |
|
Plan time |
Reading 1 and 2. Oral communication 1 and 2. Numeracy 1 |
Agrifood |
Reading and constructing a timetable |
|
Read a calendar |
Learning pre-level 1 and 1. Reading pre-level 1 and 1. Writing pre-level 1. Numeracy pre-level 1 and 1 |
Generic |
Read numeric text and answer questions |
|
Read a forklift poster |
Reading 3. Writing 2 and 3 |
Generic |
Read and interpret a poster |
|
Read a map |
Reading pre-level 1 and 1. Writing pre-level 1. Oral communication 1. Numeracy pre-level 1-2 |
Generic |
Read a simple map and answer questions |
|
Read and interpret a safety data sheet |
Reading 4. Writing 3 or 4 |
Generic |
Read and interpret a Safety Data Sheet |
|
Read Signs |
Learning pre-level 1. Reading pre-level 1 - 3. Writing pre-level 1 - 2 |
Generic |
Read and interpret a range of workplace signs |
|
Read the Dangerous Goods Code |
Learning 4. Reading 4. Writing 3 and 4 |
Transport |
Read complex text and answer questions |
|
Safe lifting in the workplace |
Learning 2. Oral communication 2 |
Generic |
Watch a video and follow instructions |
|
State your opinion |
Writing 3 and 4 or Oral communication 3 and 4. |
Generic |
Write or deliver an opinion piece |
|
Stay safe in the workplace |
Reading 2. Writing 3. Numeracy 1-3 |
Resources and infrastructure |
Reflective questions about own skills
|
|
Take a message |
Writing 2. Oral communication 2 |
Aged Care |
Listen to telephone conversation, take a message |
|
Understand feed charts |
Reading 1 and 2. Numeracy 2 and 3 |
Agrifood |
Reading charts, calculating amounts |
|
Use a floorplan |
Reading 1 and 2. Numeracy 1-4 |
Construction |
Reading a house plan, calculate and draw additional building |
|
Use a safety data sheet |
Reading 2 and 3. Writing 2 and 3 |
Generic |
Reading and interpreting source material |
|
Use emergency procedures |
Reading 1 and 2 |
Generic |
Reading a procedure |
|
Use fire extinguishers |
Learning 3. Reading 3. Writing 2 |
Generic |
Follow instructions |
|
Use hand signals: Aviation |
Learning 3. Reading 3. Oral communication 3 |
Aviation |
Read instructions and demonstrate hand signals |
|
Use hand signals: Security |
Learning 3. Reading 3. Oral communication 3 |
Security |
Read instructions and demonstrate hand signals |
|
Use professional language: Aged care |
Reading 2 and 3. Writing 2 and 3. Oral communication 2 and 3. |
Aged Care |
Read and respond to texts in different formats, role play |
|
Word and number bingo |
Learning pre-level 1. Reading pre-level 1. Writing pre-level 1. Oral communication pre-level 1. Numeracy pre-level 1 |
Generic |
Word matching activities |
|
Write an accident report |
Writing 3. Oral communication 3 |
Transport |
Listen to detailed scenario and complete form |
|
Write an incident report |
Writing 3. Oral communication 3 |
Transport |
Listen to detailed scenario and complete form |
|
Write away |
Writing 1-3 |
Generic |
Personal writing based on a photo |
|
Write instructions |
Writing 1-3 |
Generic |
Write instructions |
Industry-Based Literacy & Numeracy Quizzes
The new Australian Government Australian Apprenticeships webpage presents a range of industry-specific quizzes designed to give a broad idea of the types of literacy and numeracy used in various jobs.
Industries and related quizzes include:
- Agriculture, Animals & Conservation
- Automotive, Transport & Maritime
- Business & Financial Services
- Construction & Electrical
- Creative & Beauty
- Digital, Technology & Telecommunications
- Energy & Utilities
- Food & Wine Processing
- General or non-industry based
- Health & Community Services
- Manufacturing & Production
- Resources, Mining & Processing
- Retail, Hospitality & Recreation
Links to videos
See videos that may provide useful information about foundation skills
More on Foundation Skills
Current information about the ACSF on DEWR website
Future delivery of foundation skills training in remote Australia – Discussion Paper Response Summary and Analysis
- Responses to recent discussion paper on foundation skills training in remote Australia have seen a resounding message that language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills programs should be designed and led by remote communities.
- The paper states that a community led component “…is critical for remote and First Nations communities, where success of the program can depend largely on word of mouth, and the support of key community members”.
- DEWR has confirmed that they have listened to this feedback and are now using it to help inform policy and program approaches for future Commonwealth supported foundation skills program delivery.
Foundation Skills frameworks reviewed
-
Review of the Australian Core Skills Framework and Digital Literacy Skills Framework - feedback closed 28.2.23
New Digital Capability Framework (ADCF)
The Framework was developed by Australian Industry Standards (now the JSC, Industry Skills Australia) and the Digital Capability for Workforce Skills Final Report details the development and potential application of the ADCF
Jobs and Skills Australia - Oct 2022
With the change in government, a new entity 'Jobs and Skills Australia' (JSA) was created. One of its first actions is to conduct an inquiry in to foundation skills
"To support action on foundation skills, the Australia Government also announced a National Study on Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Skills to be led by JSA. This will assess the current skill levels and foundation skills gaps of adults across Australia."
From the Minister for Skills and Training's announcement:
"To support action on foundation skills, the Government will fund a National Study on Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Skills. This will assess the current skill levels and foundation skills gaps of adults across Australia with a feasibility study to be undertaken to assess and support the skills of First Nations People.
“Increasing a person’s literacy and numeracy levels supports them to participate in training and education and has a direct and positive impact on their future employment opportunities.
JSA Foundation Skills Study - 4.4.23
The Foundation Skills Study consists of three elements:
- a survey of Australian adults to assess their current skills levels
- a feasibility study into how best to assess the literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy levels of First Nations people
- analysis of Commonwealth administrative and other data to ‘drill down’ into the results for priority groups.
JSA welcomes and encourages feedback on the discussion paper. The discussion paper is now open for consultation. Submissions will closed 24 April 2023.
National Foundation Skills Strategy for Adults
When it existed, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) set the National Foundation Skills Strategy for Adults . This was a ten-year framework that aimed for a target of by 2022, two thirds of working age Australians would have literacy and numeracy skills at Level 3 or above.
The strategy was developed by the Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, which in 2013, was replaced by the COAG Industry and Skills Council.
Don't take it as read
In March 2022, the Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training, was to inquire into and report on adult literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in Australia.
Have you seen?
Other useful pages on the Skills Education website such as:
Trainer Chat - Practical LLN Insights: Everyday Strategies for Trainers
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ACSF FAQs
Copy of information from original source and that is still relevant:
Who can use the ACSF assessment tasks?
The ACSF assessment tasks are designed to be used by assessors who are experienced LLN practitioners with a sound working knowledge of the ACSF.
Workplace trainers who are not experienced LLN practitioners may use the tasks, but should seek advice about their judgements from an experienced practitioner.
Anyone using the ACSF assessment tasks, or working with the ACSF, should regularly participate in validation with the broader sector to ensure the judgements made around the ACSF are consistent and accurate.
Are the assessment tasks free?
Yes, the assessment tasks have been developed with a funding from the Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Resources program through the Department of Industry, and are available to download free of charge.
Assessment tasks should not be rebadged or on-sold. Copyright remains with the Commonwealth of Australia. Please refer to the copyright and acknowledgements information.
Can I change the assessment tasks?
The tasks in the current format are validated by a group of ACSF professionals. The tasks can be contextualised to suit the environment that you assess within, but should always be ‘revalidated’ to ensure the ACSF levels are agreed and accurate.
Copyright conditions still apply to changed tasks.
How do I do a pre and post test of an ACSF level? Do you have any pre and post tests?
The tasks can be used for both pre and post assessments. Don’t use the same tasks for both with the same candidate.
Are ACSF levels the same as AQF levels?
The levels of the AQF do not match up with the performance levels of the ACSF.
Where can I get a pre-training assessment task?
Any of the tasks in the table above could be used as a pre-training assessment – the idea is that an assessor would pick and choose ones that are appropriate to the candidate being assessed (refer to the user guide).
How do I score a candidate if they get some of the questions wrong?
If the candidate gets the question right then the level in the mapping (included at the front of the task) applies to that question. If the task is more open-ended, or if the response could be varied (such as with a writing task), then you will need to make a judgement. Refer back to the ACSF to help make that judgement.
Do you have any assessment tasks at ACSF level 5?
No. The bank of tasks was developed with WELL Resources funding. The WELL program targets workers with skills at ACSF level 1-3, so most of the tasks in the bank sit with that range.
Can these assessment tasks be used with someone from a non-English Speaking Background or English as a Second Language?
Yes, but the language of the tasks is English.
Do the tasks have answers?
No. When the developer received the funding to build the bank, they asked stakeholders whether they would prefer lots of tasks, or fewer tasks with answers. The response was for more tasks with no answers.
Can I develop my own foundation skills assessments?
See these PD sessions:
plus
Development of these assessments was funded under the Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Program by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training. WELL is now closed.
The WELL programme aimed to assist organisations to train their workers in job-related English language, literacy and numeracy skills. The WELL programme was integrated with vocational training and dedicated to the needs of the workplace, from employers’ and employees’ perspectives (UNESCO, 2013).
More on WELL (noting this is historical information):
- The professional development of WELL Programme practitioners [Journal article PDF]
- Fighting for better workplace literacy and numeracy - Statement from Adult Learning Australia
- WELL Case Study - from DEWR
- BEYOND CINDERELLA: Towards a learning society - From Parliament of Australia, Parliamentary Business
- Workplace Literacy - Flier from NDS Workforce RESOURCES - Building tomorrow’s workplace today
Skills Education has replicated this information from its original site to support practitioners in the Australian VET System
"These validated ACSF assessment tasks are designed to be used by assessors who are experienced LLN practitioners with a sound working knowledge of the ACSF. Workplace trainers who are not experienced LLN practitioners may use the tasks, but should seek advice about their judgements from an experienced practitioner. Before using these resources, please read through the ACSF assessment task user guide and review the copyright and acknowledgement information"
All the ACSF assessments on this page were produced by Precision Consultancy and others listed at the bottom of this page. Copyright for these materials is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia and content is shared under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Australia Licence which has been applied to this work.
Copyright Notice
© Commonwealth of Australia 2013
CC BY-NC-SA
This work is copyright. Except where otherwise indicated, and save for the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, the Department has applied the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Australia Licence to this work.
The Department of Education and Training must be attributed as the author of the Department’s copyright material.
As far as practicable, material for which the copyright is owned by a third party has been clearly labelled. The Department has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that this material has been reproduced on this website with the full consent of the copyright owners.
Requests and enquiries concerning the Department’s copyright material should be addressed to:
The Legal Branch
Department of Industry
GPO Box 9839 Canberra ACT 2601
Or emailed to [email protected].
This resource was funded under the Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Program by the Australian Government Department of Industry
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the view of the Minister for Industry. The Australian Government does not give any warranty nor accept any liability in relation to the contents of this work.
ISBN: 978-0-9874882-1-3
Developed by Precision Consultancy
The development team included:
- Jenni Oldfield (Project manager, writer)
- Philippa McLean, Escalier McLean Consulting, (Writer, ACSF expert)
- Raelene McNaughton (Desk-top publishing)
- Christopher Harrigan (Website)
Acknowledgements
The development team acknowledge all those who assisted with gathering source material for assessments, and who gave feedback on the tasks, including:
- Anne Munday, GoTAFE
- Katrina Lyle
- Dave Tout, ACER
- Simone Reinertsen, Transport & Logistics Industry Skills Council
- Rosa McKenna, WELL Quality Assurance
- Les Retford, Queensland VET Development Centre
- The many participants who attended ACSF workshops.
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