Proficiency Levels

Proficiency levels are the level at which a person demonstrates a particular skill.

Proficiency levels are predefined steps on a scale. They are simply one way to measure skills.

Here are some examples from the CALP Policy Manual: Kindergarten - Grade 12, Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), and Skills for Success.

Proficiency levels support CALPs to: (1) assess people’s skills and (2) help individuals understand their skill levels.  

CALP Staff use proficiency to determine whether foundational learning programs are a good fit for learners. For adults who do not have a foundational skills gap, they might benefit from:

• Community referrals to other service providers
• Learner Support Services
• Community Capacity Building 

Practice engagement is the idea that literacy and foundational skills improve with regular use in everyday life. Meaningful, real-world practice builds proficiency over time.