Welcome to the Exam Practice area. This area has been developed to help Key Skills and Basic Skills learners prepare for examination. Exams are currently available for Application of Number, Information Technology and Communications at Levels 1 and 2.

• The Key Skills Exam Practice system has been researched and developed as a web-based testing and teaching aid.


• The system delivers multiple choice questions via a simple user interface, followed by a detailed post-test report. The report includes a detailed analysis of your performance broken down into the learning categories detailed in the Key Skills standards Section A.


• The system also provides you with the correct working for problem questions. In many cases these worked answers contain tips and tricks to help you spot the correct answer and increase you chances of passing the exam !

How do I access the system?

• You need a username and password to access the system. This allows you access to your own area containing exams for practice and your results.


• If you are an existing user then simply log in under the 'Existing Users' section opposite.


• If you are a new user - then you will need to Register. This is a simple four step process which once completed will provide you with instant access to the practice exams. PLEASE READ THE SECTION OPPOSITE RELATING TO REGISTRATION.

• You will need a four digit 'authorisation code' from your training provider to register.
• Once you have your code - click on the button below to begin the four step process...

Why is the code necessary?

• During the registration process you have to register under your training provider - this is so they can access your results, give you support in your development and monitor your progress.

Benefits of this system?

• Once your training organisation is set-up on this system your learners will be able to sit as many practice exams as they wish at any computer with an internet connection.


• This interface allows staff/tutors within your organisation access to all their learners results instantly - so that you can guide them in their KS development.


• One person will need to be nominated as a point of contact / administrator for this system within your organsisation.
  This person will have overall control of the provider interface and will be able to set-up access for tutors and other staff within your orgnanisation.

How do I access the system?

• Existing Users. If you have been given a Provider username and password either from Acorn or your employer - you can access your Provider Area by clicking on the button below.

• New Users/Providers. Your nominated Administrator will need to request an Administrator username and password from Acorn. Please email us using the link below.
  (This step needs to be completed before your learners can sit practice exams on this system).

Taking the test:

• The practice exam system has been designed to be as easy to use as possible. You don't have to be a computer genius to use it. Learning to use a computer effectively may be difficult, learning to use this system is not.
• Exams consist of 40 multiple choice questions to be completed in 1 hour. Most test items have been taken from the QCA question papers, which are available for download from www.qca.org.uk. All items have undergone detailed analysis to ensure they are well written and have clear meaning.

On completion of the test:

• All candidates have permanent access to a report on completion of the exam. Marking is automatic, allowing candidates immediate feedback on their efforts and eliminating the need for time consuming marking by teachers/trainers.
• Reports contain a detailed analysis of the candidates performance including a breakdown of their results against the learning outcomes of the relevant Key Skill. The system also records timing information regarding each question in the test, giving the candidate a clear picture of the amount of time they have spent on each question category. The instant availability of detailed information regarding the candidates performance allows trainees and their teachers/trainers to quickly assess their level of competence in a particular Key Skill.
• The system goes further than simply evaluating a candidates performance. It also provides the correct working and answers for problem questions. In this way the system is unique in that it acts as a teaching aid as well as a testing device.