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Literacy and numeracy requirements

If you wish to apply for a VET Student Loan to pay for some or all your course fees, you will need to satisfy the requirements for literacy and numeracy.

If you cannot provide a copy of your Australian Year 12 Senior Education Certificate issued by an agency or authority of an Australian State or Territory or a Certificate IV higher in an Australian Qualification delivered in English you need to attain an “Exit Level 3” or higher in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Commonwealth approved assessment test in reading and numeracy.

VET Student Loans literacy and numeracy test - BKSB

BKSB (basic key skills builder) is a test that provides an overview of your learning strengths and determines your reading and numeracy competence. You need to achieve Exit Level 3 in both English and Maths to be eligible for a VET Student Loan. 

To book the test please complete the BKSB Booking Form. You will be issued with a login for the testing tool once your booking has been confirmed. 

Access the BKSB Testing Tool(opens in a new tab) .

For information on how to log on please see the help guide BKSB Help Guide. (503 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)

The test must be done online under fair and honest conditions supervised* at one of our main campuses.

You will be allocated two hours to complete the test, but you may be allocated more time if required.

You can bring a calculator, pen and paper to use for your numeracy component. Alternatively, at points throughout the numeracy test tools will become available to assist with the test.
Accessing the internet and mobile phones are not allowed. 

Once you have completed the test we will endeavour to contact you via phone or by email with your test results for your records within 24 hours of you completing the test. We will also discuss your options and the next step in applying for your loan.

*Exemptions may apply in special circumstances as determined by the college