Each Essential Skills Wales qualification is equivalent to an E grade at GCE AS-Level (Three Essential Skill Wales qualifications is equivalent to a D grade at GCE A-Level).
Four awarding bodies currently offer the qualifications: Pearson, City & Guilds, WJEC and the Welsh Open College Network, Agored Cymru.
[5] Application of Number and Communication are assessed by a Controlled Task and Confirmatory Test.
Digital Literacy and Employability are assessed by a Controlled Task and Structured Discussion.
Essential Skills Wales is one of the four core components of the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.