Preparing and practising for the test

This document is about the Learner Route. You might like to print it out to refer to as you work your way along the route. You can work along the route in a way that suits you, and you can stop and then return to the route when you wish.

Note: if you start a progress check or practice test and do not complete it, you cannot return to where you left off. You will need to take the test again from the start next time you use the route.

The Learner Route gives you the chance to practise and prepare for the National Test in Literacy. It will help you to gain a qualification in English, the National Certificate in Adult Literacy. To find out more about this qualification, have a look at the Guide to the National Certificates in the Quick Links.

As you work your way along the Learner Route, you will gain confidence in the skills you need to pass the National Test. You will be able to:

• test your skills
• take progress checks which will help you gain confidence in tackling test type questions, plan your learning and check your progress
• take up to three practice tests
• review your answers
• brush up your skills
• 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. You can work by yourself at home if this way of learning suits you better. When you are ready to take the test, you can contact a test centre and complete a short programme to further brush up your skills and have practice in the form of the test offered by the awarding body used by that centre.

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

If you have got at least 32 out of 40 questions correct in two of the practice tests L, M or N, and if you feel confident that you could pass the test (under test conditions), you should contact a test centre to talk about the next step.

You should let the test centre know that you can provide them with printouts of the results of two practice tests (with pass marks of at least 32 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 available in the Quick Links.

Where do I find my nearest test centre?

To find a test centre near you, select Find a test centre on the Move On homepage. 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. The result gives you an indication of which Learner Route you need to take to develop your skills further.

What are Progress Checks A–J?

These are laid out like tests but are not practice tests. They help you to gain confidence by getting used to the test layout and test-type questions. Use them to find starting points for further work and to check on your progress.

What are practice tests?

These tests are most closely like the one you will take to gain your certificate. Each practice test has 40 questions like the ones in the National Test. These questions test your knowledge and understanding of English. The tests in the Learner Route are on screen and they are marked automatically. You will be able to:

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

Your final practice test should be one of the tests from the awarding body that you will be registered with. Please ask your teacher about this. If you are learning at home, you will need to contact the centre where you are hoping to take the test to ask them about this.

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 what the test will look like, you can take a navigation test at the test centre.

How will I prepare for taking the test?

After taking the practice tests and looking at the feedback of the results, 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.

You should complete at least two practice tests, including at least one under test conditions, to check whether you are ready to pass the test.

Use tests L to N for final practice and preparation. Your final practice test should be from the awarding body that you will be registered with.

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.

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.