Essential Skills for Work and Life (Wales) (3846)

Last Updated: 24 Nov 2022
 These qualifications enable learners in Wales to develop their communication, number and ICT skills through a flexible and personalised learning programme. Developed in conjunction with the Welsh Government, these qualifications complement and support progression towards the Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications (3868).

The qualifications contain a wide range of small (1-3 credit) units at Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3 and Level 1, each aligned to the Essential Skills evidence and knowledge requirements. Like the Essential Skills Wales qualifications, these units focus on problem solving and the application of these skills, although the crucial difference with these qualifications is they allow learners to address specific skills gaps and build confidence in the particular skills they need to improve (eg Strategies for Reading, Using Fractions, Developing and Presenting Information Using ICT), without necessarily having to evidence the whole of the standard. They also allow communication, number and ICT skills to be integrated - as they are in real life.

These qualifications are suitable for a wide range of settings, although they are particularly suited to community and work-based delivery where, because of time or other pressures, it might not be feasible to complete a full Essential Skills qualification. They can also act as a stepping-stone towards Essential Skills, as well as to refresh skills that have not been used for some time or not been fully mastered in previous learning.

The Essential Skills for Work and Life qualifications are intended for post-16 learners, and are distinct from the National Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF) for schools in Wales.

Available to deliver in the following:
  • Wales – please check QiW website for available funding

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?
These qualifications allow you to focus on the particular literacy, numeracy and/or ICT skills that you want or need to improve. They allow you to build up your confidence in these areas and show that you can use these skills in real life or work situations.

You don't have to complete all of the units - just the ones that are relevant to you.
What Careers Can This Lead To?
Strong communication, number and ICT skills are vital in almost any career.
What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?
The units are designed to be flexibly, and it's possible for learners to work towards a mixture of communication, number and ICT units, or alternatively focus on just one area. All units are assessed by portfolio, with evidence drawn from any purposeful activity relevant to the learner.

These qualifications support learner progression towards the Essential Skills Wales qualifications, although do not contribute directly towards, or act as a 'proxy' for Essential Skills qualification achievement.

Entry 1

At Entry 1 there's a choice of four qualification sizes (6-37 credits) with units covering the following:
  • Application of Number
  • Communication
  • Information and Communication Technology.

For more information please refer to the Centre Documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?
Strong communication, number and ICT skills are vital in almost any career.
Essential Skills for Work and Life qualifications Wales (3846-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7185/0 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 16 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 160 - 160 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 160 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £79.20 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Diploma in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7188/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 37 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 370 - 370 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 370 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £158.40 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Extended Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7191/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 24 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 240 - 240 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 240 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £108.90 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7647/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 6 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 60 - 60 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 60 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £29.70 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry 2

At Entry 2 there's a choice of four qualification sizes (6-37 credits) with units covering the following:
  • Application of Number
  • Communication
  • Information and Communication Technology.

For more information please refer to the Centre Documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?
Strong communication, number and ICT skills are vital in almost any career.
Essential Skills for Work and Life qualifications Wales (3846-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7186/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 16 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 160 - 160 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 160 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £89.10 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Diploma in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7189/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 37 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 370 - 370 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 370 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £178.20 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7648/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 6 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 60 - 60 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 60 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £39.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Extended Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7747/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 24 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 240 - 240 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 240 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £108.90 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry 3

At Entry 3 there's a choice of four qualification sizes (6-37 credits) with units covering the following:
  • Application of Number
  • Communication
  • Information and Communication Technology.

For more information please refer to the Centre Documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?
Strong communication, number and ICT skills are vital in almost any career.
Essential Skills for Work and Life qualifications Wales (3846-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7187/4 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 16 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 160 - 160 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 160 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £89.10 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Diploma in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7190/4 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 37 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 370 - 370 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 370 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £198.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7649/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 6 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 60 - 60 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 60 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £39.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level Extended Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3)

  • Accreditation No: 600/7748/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 24 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 240 - 240 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 240 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £108.90 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1

At Level 1 there's a choice of two qualification sizes (6 and 16 credits) with units covering the following:
  • Application of Number
  • Communication
  • Information and Communication Technology.

For more information please refer to the Centre Documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?
Strong communication, number and ICT skills are vital in almost any career.
Essential Skills for Work and Life qualifications Wales (3846-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 1 Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life

  • Accreditation No: 600/7192/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 6 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 60 - 60 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 60 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £69.30 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1 Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life

  • Accreditation No: 600/7193/X This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 16 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 160 - 160 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 160 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £108.90 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2

Essential Skills for Work and Life qualifications Wales (3846-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 2 Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life

  • Accreditation No: 601/1396/0 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 6 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 46 - 48 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 60 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £49.50 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life

  • Accreditation No: 601/1397/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 16 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 121 - 136 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 160 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £89.10 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3

Essential Skills for Work and Life qualifications Wales (3846-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2025 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life

  • Accreditation No: 601/1398/4 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 6 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 42 - 42 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 60 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £0.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life

  • Accreditation No: 601/1412/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 16 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 116 - 116 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 160 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £0.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Additional information for centres

Learning Assistant

LEARNING ASSISTANT IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION

Learning Assistant is an innovative and cost effective e-portfolio solution that allows colleges and training providers to dramatically improve the delivery of their vocational qualifications.

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Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

Explore our wider maths & English offer

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For Learners

Related Qualifications

Browse some of our related qualifications:

> (3716) Augmentative and Alternative Communication

> (3847) English Skills and Mathematics Skills

> (3868) Essential Skills Wales

> (3748) LEGACY - Functional Skills qualifications

> (3850) Mathematics and English Skills

> (3844) Principles of English and Mathematics

> (3658) Workplace Core Skills

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