basic key skills builder

Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) is an approved online skills review tool used by TAFE Queensland. It determines your reading and numeracy levels within the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

We want to make sure you have the right skills and support to be successful in your course. The bksb helps us identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.

what does bksb measure?

The bksb tool identifies your current working levels for English and maths, as well as your learning style. This gives us an overview of your learning strengths so we can best support you to achieve your learning goals. The bksb tool also identifies gaps in your skills. For each skill gap, there is a learning resource that includes practical exercises and answers to help you find success.

Understanding your own skill and knowledge levels is an important step in commencing a new course of study. This is why we recommend all new students undertake a bksb assessment before beginning any training. 

WHO NEEDS TO COMPLETE THE BKSB ASSESSMENT?

All TAFE Queensland students applying for a VET Student Loan who are unable to provide a copy of an Australian Year 12 Certificate of Education, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) diploma, AQF Level IV or higher qualification (achieved in an English-language learning environment) or at a level in a framework that preceded the AQF that is equivalent to level 4 or above in the AQF, must complete a bksb skills review.

If you are not applying for a VET Student Loan, your local TAFE Queensland team might still recommend you undertake a bksb assessment so we can better understand your academic capabilities and identify areas where you may need support. You may also need to complete a bksb assessment to be eligible for certain funding options or concession prices. 

VET Student Loans and the bksb 

If you apply for a VET Student Loan (VSL), you need to provide evidence that you have the reading and numeracy skills to successfully complete your course.

You must demonstrate competence at, or above Exit Level 3 (working in Level 4) in the ACSF in both reading and numeracy.

You can demonstrate your reading and numeracy competence in one the following ways:

• Supply a copy of your Year 12 Certificate of Education that has been awarded to you by the board of studies of an Australian State or Territory. It does not matter when you completed high school.
• Supply a copy of an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) diploma; or
• Supply a copy of your Australian Qualifications Framework certificate IV or higher qualification (where the language of instruction is English), or at a level in a framework that preceded the AQF that is equivalent to level 4 or above in the AQF or;
• Complete a bksb skills review and achieve an Exit Level 3 (working in Level 4).