Skills for Life Specification - Pearson Entry Levels 1-3 and Level 1-2 Award, Certificate and Diploma

Oct 20, 2026

Skills for Life Specification outlines Pearson’s Skills for Life qualifications across multiple levels, including Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1, and Level 2. It describes qualification purpose and how learners in Wales (14–16) develop nationally recognised skills through practical application, confidence, and civic responsibility. The document sets out key qualification information, unit structure, combination rules, and assessment requirements, including language of assessment, internal assessment, authorised assignment briefs, and recognition of prior learning.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages185

Reading Time7 h 46 min

AccessFree to download

Introducing the qualifications

What are Skills for Life qualifications?

How to use this document

Qualification summary and key information

Qualification levels

Qualification sizes

Qualification titles

Unit summary

Rules of Combination

Unit and Qualification Grading

Assessment requirements

Language of assessment

Internal assessment

Authorised Assignment Briefs

Assessment of units

Recognition of Prior Learning

Units

Unit SfL 1: Arts and crafts

Unit SfL 2: Basic first aid

Unit SfL 3: British Sign Language (BSL)

Unit SfL 4: Community participation

Unit SfL 5: Democracy in action

Understanding the qualification grade

Glossary

Part A – General terminology used in the specification

Part B – Glossary of terms used for internally assessed units

Skills for Life Specification Pearson Entry Level 1 Skills for Life Award, Certificate and Diploma Pearson Entry Level 2 Skills for Life Award, Certificate and Diploma Pearson Entry Level 3 Skills for Life Award, Certificate and Diploma Pearson Level 1 Skills for Life Award, Certificate and Diploma Pearson Level 2 Skills for Life Award, Certificate and Diploma First teach September 2027 Issue 1 About Pearson We are the world’s leading learning company operating in countries all around the world. We provide content, assessment, and digital services to students, educational institutions, employers, governments, and other partners globally. We are committed to helping equip students with the skills they need to enhance their employability prospects and to succeed in the changing world of work. We believe that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. References to third-party materials made in this specification are made in good faith. Pearson does not endorse, approve, or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Materials may include textbooks, journals, magazines, and other publications and websites.) All information in this specification is correct at the time of publication. VQ000553 All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2026 Contents 1 Introducing the qualifications 1 What are Skills for Life qualifications? 1 How to use this document 1 2 Qualification summary and key information 2 Qualification levels 2 Qualification sizes 2 Qualification titles 3 Other key information 4 3 Unit summary 5 Rules of Combination 6 Unit and Qualification Grading 7 4 Assessment requirements 8 Language of assessment 8 Internal assessment 8 Authorised Assignment Briefs 8 Assessment of units 9 Recognition of Prior Learning 10 5 Units 11 Unit SfL 1: Arts and crafts 12 Unit SfL 2: Basic first aid 16 Unit SfL 3: British Sign Language (BSL) 21 Unit SfL 4: Community participation 26 Unit SfL 5: Democracy in action 30 Unit SfL 6: Digital film and media 34 Unit SfL 7: Equality, diversity and inclusion 38 Unit SfL 8: Ethical choices 42 Unit SfL 9: Everyday law 46 Unit SfL 10: Exercise for all 51 Unit SfL 11: Faith and belief in the community 55 Unit SfL 12: Financial literacy 59 Unit SfL 13: Food planning and preparation 64 Unit SfL 14: Healthy lifestyle 68 Unit SfL 15: Healthy relationships 73 Unit SfL 16: Home management and maintenance 77 Unit SfL 17: Looking after others 82 Unit SfL 18: Mental health and wellbeing 87 Unit SfL 19: Music, dance, and drama 91 Unit SfL 20: Online safety 95 Unit SfL 21: Personal safety 99 Unit SfL 22: Practical gardening 103 Unit SfL 23: Science and technology in everyday life 107 Unit SfL 24: Skills in the natural environment 112 Unit SfL 25: Sustainability in action 116 Unit SfL 26: Teamwork 120 Unit SfL 27: Understanding self and others 124 Unit SfL 28: Values for life 128 Unit SfL 29: Leading a sport activity session 133 Unit SfL 30: Preparing for an outdoor expedition 137 6 Understanding the qualification grade 142 7 Glossary 151 Part A – General terminology used in the specification 151 Part B – Glossary of terms used for internally assessed units 152 Annexe A: CQFW Level Descriptors 154 Annexe B: Units mapped against Curriculum for Wales Cross-curricular skills frameworks 157 Annexe C: Evidence for Units mapped against Curriculum for Wales Cross-curricular skills frameworks 160 Annexe D: Units mapped against Curriculum for Wales Cross-cutting themes 167 Annexe E: Evidence for Units mapped against Curriculum for Wales Cross-cutting themes 170 1 Introducing the qualifications What are Skills for Life qualifications? The Skills for Life qualifications enable 14–16-year-old learners in Wales to achieve nationally recognised qualifications by demonstratin

FAQs

What are Skills for Life qualifications designed to help learners achieve?

They enable 14–16-year-old learners in Wales to achieve nationally recognised qualifications by demonstrating a broad range of skills. The focus supports confidence in navigating adult life and learning, and prepares learners for personal and professional success.

How should this specification be used for teaching and assessment planning?

It must be used together with the Teaching and Learning Support document and the Assessment Delivery and Administration Guide. Pearson also provides an Authorised Assignment Brief for each unit as an example of the assessment approach.

Are Authorised Assignment Briefs (AABs) mandatory?

No. AABs are available as exemplars, starting points, or guides, and centres can write their own assignment briefs based on local need, learner level, and context.

Oct 20, 2026

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