Key skills proxy qualifications
This page provides information on proxy qualifications, including a list of what qualifications can be used as proxy qualifications.
What are proxy qualifications?
Proxy qualifications are qualifications that assess the same knowledge and skills as aspects of the key skill. Because of this overlap, candidates can claim exemption from all or part of a key skills assessment. If a candidate can show evidence of completing the proxy qualification and complete the other relevant key skills assessment requirements, they can be awarded the key skill qualification.
Which qualifications are proxy qualifications?
Only qualifications that appear on the Proxy exemptions for key skills – qualifications list can guarantee that the candidate is being assessed in the appropriate skills and knowledge. This list used to be reviewed periodically, however a decision was made in 2006 that no further qualifications could be added. Only qualifications that can be quality controlled by the regulators for England (Ofqual), Wales (DCELLS) and Northern Ireland (CCEA) are included on the list. Qualifications from other countries, or that don’t appear on this list, aren't agreed proxy qualifications and can't be used as such.
To be a key skills proxy, a qualification must:
- be accredited into the National Qualifications Framework
- normally be at the same level as the key skill qualification for which it's a proxy for (although some higher level qualifications can be used as proxies)
- assess the same application of knowledge and skills as the key skill qualification assessment that it is acting as proxy for
- use the same mode of assessment as the key skills assessment.
Candidates who achieve a key skill qualification via a proxy shouldn't have their certificates endorsed in any way – certificates should not be distinguishable from one awarded to a candidate achieving the portfolio and test.
Is there a time limit for proxy qualifications?
Exemptions claimed by proxy qualifications must be made no more than three years after the date the proxy qualification was awarded to the candidate.
So when a candidate has completed a qualification during the summer exam season, that qualification will be deemed to have been certificated on the last day of August that year.
And when a candidate has completed a qualification during the winter exam season, that qualification will be deemed to have been certificated on the last day of the following March.
Modern apprenticeships
Learners who are on a modern apprenticeship programme may be able to claim a relaxation from the whole of the Key Skills award (test and portfolio). The relaxation ruling allows apprentices who have achieved a grade A*-C GCSE in English and/or mathematics, to complete their frameworks without being required to take the level 2 Communication and/or Application of Number key skills qualifications.
This relaxation is designed to enable apprentices to concentrate on developing other key skills or improving their Communication or Application of Number by progressing to level 3.
Candidates for modern apprenticeships who wish to claim 'relaxation', should read the details of the 'relaxation ruling' in paragraph 8.5 of Key skills policy and practice: your questions answered.
Last modified: 17 May 2010
