Key Skills

OCR offers e-Tests for Key Skills in Application of Number Levels 1 and 2, Communication Levels 1 and 2 and Information and Communication Technology Levels 1 and 2.

• Try our practice e-Tests for Key Skills

Registering learners

All Key Skills learners must be pre-registered with OCR before they can take an e-Test. You can choose to register learners by completing a D79 form or electronically via OCR Interchange or by using an EDI system.

Once your learners are pre-registered and your centre setup on the e-Test system you can register your learners within minutes via the administration website and take tests on demand.

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Fees and invoices

The first attempt at a Key Skills e-Test is charged in the Key Skills registration fee. Additional attempts will be charged on a per e-Test basis. Please see the fees list for latest prices.

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Examination and administration dates

Key Skills e-Tests can be taken at any time. You may schedule your e-Testing sessions at your and your learners' convenience. Learners who do not pass their e-test are able to retake a test, that will incur the standard fee.

Current QCDA guidance suggests that e-Test retakes should not be scheduled for at least one week after a failed attempt in order to allow learners time to prepare adequately.

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Results

Learners results are available immediately after their result file has been uploaded.

You can analyse e-Test results and give feedback to learners on their performance within minutes of them completing their e-Test.

Learners who have passed their Key Skills e-Test and have already achieved the appropriate portfolio element will have certificates dispatched to their centre within 6 working days of OCR receiving the uploaded result file.

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Software

The 2010 version of the installation software for the Key and Basic Skills tests is available for download in three self extracting zip files below. The software contains additional live and practice tests, a revised screen layout, split installers and has a shorter installation time

The installation software can also be supplied on DVD. Please contact the Customer Admin Support Team (CAST) on 02476 470033 ext 5194 to request a copy.

Software files

For general guidance on e-Testing for Key and Basic Skills and on how to install the software please view the guides available below.

• Key and Basic Skills 2010 SNA local (Exe, 649 MB)
  The SNA option of the software where the test content is located on each client computer. This option reduces the data transfer across the network as the data is read locally rather than over the network. This option is recommended for the majority of installations and especially where there are concerns over network capacity.
• Key and Basic Skills 2010 SNA central (Exe, 649 MB)
  The SNA option of the software where the test content is located in the share on the file server. This option is equivalent to the previous release of Key and Basic Skills tests and is suitable for centres where there is a reliable network with available capacity.
• Key and Basic Skills 2010 offline (Exe, 647 MB)
  The offline option of the software which includes the offline configuration files for memory sticks mounted to the E:\, F:\ or H:\ drive letters.

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Useful documents

For general guidance on e-Testing for Key and Basic Skills and on how to install the software please view the guides available below.

• Key and Basic Skills e-Testing support guide (PDF, 42 KB)
  Guidance on administering OCR Key and Basic Skills e-Tests in your centre.
• Topic references for Key and Basic Skills tests (PDF, 72 KB)
  Topic reference to be used in conjunction with the on-screen diagnostic report to analyse candidate performance

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Generic e-Testing documents - Basic and Key Skills

• e-Testing Technician's Guide (PDF, 5 MB)
  Guidance for technicians covering installation options, hardware requirements, downloading/unzipping, installation, configuration and approval installation for OCR’s e-testing software.
• e-Test administration website - Summer 2010 upgrade (PDF, 426 KB)
  Guidance on the new enhancements to the administration website.
• Evacuation and test recovery guide (PDF, 2 MB)
  Detailed instructions on how to stop and restart an e-Test in the event of an evacuation or loss of power during the test session (networked (SNA) and offline versions of the tests).
• Evacuation and test recovery guide summary (PDF, 69 KB)
  One page summary on how to stop and restart an e-Test in the event of an evacuation or loss of power during the test session (networked (SNA) and offline versions of the tests). Should be used in conjunction with the detailed instructions above as an aide-memoire.
• Notice to candidates (PDF, 36 KB)
  Poster detailing the JCQ invigilation guidelines, to be displayed outside the examination room

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