Fast track route to testing

This document is about the fast track section of the Learner Route. You might like to print it out to refer to as you work your way along the route. The fast track route has been designed for people who feel they already have the skills to pass the National Test but don’t have a current maths qualification and don’t want to go on a course. You can work along the route in a way that suits you. You can stop and then return to the route when you wish. If you feel that you need more preparation than just test practice, please register on the Prepare yourself for the test – maths learner route, where you will find resources to help brush up your skills.

Please note that if you start a practice test and don’t finish it, you cannot return to the test where you left off. You will need to take the test again from the start the next time you use the route.

Fast track gives you the chance to practise for the National Test in Numeracy and to build confidence for taking the test. To find out more about this qualification, have a look at the Guide to the National Certificates in the quick links.

As you fast-track your way along the route you will gain confidence in the skills you need to pass the National Test. You will be able to:

• test your skills
• take up to two practice tests
• review your answers
• prepare yourself for the test situation
• find your nearest test centre.

Do I have to be registered on a course to prepare and practise for the test?

No.

How do I know if I am ready to sit the test?

If you have got at least 28 out of 40 questions correct in two practice tests, and you feel confident you could pass the test (under test conditions), you should contact a test centre and ask to take the test as an external candidate (some centres will charge a fee for this).

You should let the test centre know that you can show them printouts of the results of two practice tests (with pass marks of at least 28 out of 40) and that you took the tests on screen. One of these tests should have been taken under test conditions. Information about test conditions is in the quick links.

Where do I find my nearest test centre?

To find a test centre near you, which accepts external candidates, select Find a test centre on the Move On homepage and look for the external candidate flag. If you want to take the on-screen test, you will need to ask the centre if they offer the tests on screen.

What is the mini-test?

The mini-test is a quick, fun way of giving you an idea of your skills level.

What are practice tests?

Each practice test has 40 questions like the ones in the National Test. These questions test your knowledge and understanding of maths. The tests in the fast track route are on screen and they are marked automatically. You will be able to:

• see which skill is tested in each question
• review the question
• see the correct answer
• get feedback on wrong answers.

The on-screen National Tests at the test centre may look a bit different from the practice tests in the Learner Route. To prepare yourself for the National Test, you can ask the test centre which awarding body they are registered with and see what their test looks like and have a go at some questions. This is called a navigation test. If you click on the name of an awarding body below you will be directed to its practice test.

City & Guilds

Edexcel

OCR

How can I improve my confidence for the test experience?

Have a look at Pointers to test success in the quick links for hints and tips.

If you don’t feel ready to take the test after practising with two tests and feel that you need more preparation than just test practice, please register on the Prepare yourself for the test – maths learner route. This part of the Learner Route will direct you to other resources such as Hot Topics or other web resources, if you feel that you need to brush-up any skills.

Build on your success

Now you have started on your learner journey, why not think about other courses you could join? There are all sorts of courses out there, so there’s bound to be one for you. Have a look at the Guide to next steps in study for some ideas.