What is an essential skills assessment?
It’s an assessment using 60 multiple choice questions. The goal is to identify your strengths and areas for improvement in foundational skills like adaptability, reading, document use, and numeracy. These skills are important for success in both classroom training and on-the-job tasks.
Why is this being introduced?
To help you succeed! Sometimes individuals have hidden learning barriers that only show up during exams or training. This assessment gives us a chance to support you early, before challenges arise that may delay your progress.
Will the results affect my eligibility for the program?
No. The assessment is NOT used to screen you out or rank you. It’s a tool designed to give you support early by matching resources and guidance to your specific needs.
What happens if I score low?
There is no pass or fail ranking. The goal is to help you build confidence and succeed, not to penalize you. A lower score simply means you may be able to access, through the Virtual Learning Strategy program, extra supports like tutoring, testing/study strategies, or additional assessments to help determine if you have a learning disability or if other individual factors affect your performance. You can learn about this program here.
Do I need to prepare for it?
No special preparation is needed. It’s designed to reflect your current skill level so we can support you effectively. Just take your time completing the exam, be honest and do your best, and the test will indicate if you could benefit from extra supports.
How long does it take?
Most assessments take between one and two hours, but you can take as much time as you need and do not have to finish in one sitting. Your progress will be saved so you can pick up where you left off. To make the experience more comfortable you can use the reader function, increase the font size, or change the background color of the screen.
Will my employer see my results?
No. Your results are confidential. Only ATCD student support staff will see them, and they will use them to help you succeed in your training.
How do I complete the assessment?
- Complete and submit the online form found here: Essential Skills for Success Assessment (ESSA) – CONSENT FORM
- Once you submit the form, you will be enrolled into an online portal to access the assessment. You will receive an email within 10 working days with instructions and a link to access the portal.
- Once you complete the assessment, ATCD staff will review your results and email you the outcome of your assessment and any additional recommended steps.
Is this assessment mandatory?
Not right now, but it may become mandatory in the future.