What to expect in your Skills Test
Skills Test
The Skills Test must be taken by apprentices approaching the end of their four-year Modern Apprenticeship (MA).
Adult Apprentices complete their Skills Test after three years.
The MA is not complete until the test has been passed. A re-sit / part re-sit of the test will be available.
The duration of the test is two days at a Painting and Decorating Skills Test Centre.
The test will assess competencies from the SQA Awards and UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) Approved Qualification Structure derived from National Occupational Standards (NOS).
Candidates will be assessed on four test items and an achievement is required on all test items with the following marks:
- Papered wall (8 points from a possible 12)
- All cubicle interior trim, door window and varnished door (5 points from a possible 7)
- Emulsion / ceiling / cornice / eggshell painted walls (5 points from a possible 7)
- Cross-lining (4 points from a possible 6)
A further three marks are assessed on general duties:
- Surrounding areas
- Overall impression
- Health & Safety
Candidates who fail to have the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be refused permission to take the test and will be subject to disciplinary procedures.
You can now download Skills Test information for employers and candidates’ guidance documents, which explain more about your test as well as provide some practical information.
