Types of Essential Skills courses
Essential Skills are courses in English, numeracy and digital topics.
You can do an Essential Skills course if you're aged 19 or older and live in England.
English Essential Skills courses
English Essential Skills courses usually take 3 to 6 months to complete.
English courses cover basic English, including reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Entry requirements for English courses
You can do an English course if you:
- do not have at least a grade 4 (previously grade C) in English GCSE or a qualification that's the same level
- have been assessed as having a skill level lower than grade 4, even if you already have an English GCSE or equivalent
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses
ESOL courses usually take 3 to 6 months to complete.
An ESOL course can provide you with skills to help you with life in England, including reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Entry requirements for ESOL courses
You can do an ESOL course if English is not your first language.
Numeracy Essential Skills courses
Numeracy Essential Skills courses usually take 3 to 6 months to complete.
You can take numeracy Essential Skills courses that cover:
- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- fractions, decimals, ratios and percentages
- shapes and measurements
- handling data
- basic formulas
- household budgeting
Entry requirements for numeracy courses
You can do a numeracy course if you:
- do not have at least a grade 4 (previously grade C) in maths GCSE or a qualification that's the same level
- have been assessed as having a skill level lower than grade 4, even if you already have a maths GCSE or equivalent
Digital Essential Skills courses
Digital Essential Skills courses usually take 30 to 55 hours to complete.
You can take digital skills courses that will help you use devices, including how to:
- send emails
- create and edit documents and use spreadsheets
- make video calls and use online chat tools
- register for services and buy items on the internet
- stay safe online
You can also find out about essential digital skills for work courses.
Entry requirements for digital courses
You can do a digital course if you have low digital skills or little to no experience of using computers or other digital devices.
Find an Essential Skills course
Essential Skills courses can be available in the classroom or online.
You might be able to do a course full time, part time or in the evening depending on the provider.
You can find courses that suit you on the National Careers Service website.
Find courses through the National Careers Service
After your Essential Skills course
After you’ve finished an Essential Skills course, you could:
- apply for jobs straight away that need your new skills
- start more advanced training to get into more skilled work
- explore other free courses for jobs
What qualification levels mean
You can see if you have a qualification that’s the same level as a GCSE by checking what qualification levels mean on GOV.UK.