What ACSF Level in BKSB Must International Students Achieve for TAFE Courses in Queensland?
TAFE Queensland uses BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder) to assess incoming students’ skills in literacy (English) and numeracy (Maths), mapped to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The BKSB test helps TAFE understand whether students have sufficient reading, writing, and maths skills to succeed in their VET (Vocational Education & Training) or higher education courses. itwire.com+3TAFE Queensland+3TAFE Queensland+3
International students often need to meet BKSB-based ACSF requirements as part of entry or as part of eligibility for certain funding or loan programs. Below you’ll find the typical requirements and some variations depending on the course.
Minimum ACSF Level via BKSB for TAFE Queensland
According to TAFE Queensland’s BKSB Start Up Guide, international (and domestic) students are generally required to achieve at least ACSF Exit Level 3, which corresponds to Working at Level 4 in both English (literacy) and maths (numeracy) initial BKSB assessments. TAFE Queensland
To break that down:
- ACSF Exit Level 3 / “Working at Level 4”: This means that in your initial BKSB tests, your performance shows skills just at or above the ACSF Level 3 threshold, enough so that you are “working at” or capable of Level 4 tasks.
- You must meet this standard in both literacy and numeracy. It is not enough to excel in one and lag in the other. TAFE Queensland
When Is BKSB + ACSF Level Compulsory?
You will need to do the BKSB assessment and meet the ACSF standard in several circumstances:
- For VET Student Loans: If you’re applying for a VET Student Loan in Queensland, TAFE requires you to provide evidence of reading and numeracy skills. The BKSB exit (Level 3 / working at Level 4) is one way to show you satisfy that. TAFE Queensland
- For Course Enrolment / Entry Requirements: Depending on the TAFE course (especially ones with health, safety, or regulatory requirements, e.g. Nursing, Aged Care, etc.), meeting the BKSB ACSF level may be part of the core entry or enrolment conditions. over2aus.com+1
- Support & Accreditation Requirements: For courses that have external accreditation or registration (e.g., Nursing and Midwifery), meeting certain BKSB/ACSF standards is part of meeting those regulatory bodies’ language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) requirements. over2aus.com
Variations by Course
Although the “Exit Level 3, Working at Level 4 in both English & Maths” is widely a standard minimum, there are some courses with higher or more specific requirements. For example:
- Nursing and health-related courses often have stricter English language proficiency and BKSB/ACSF requirements to meet regulators’ standards. Though the BKSB ACSF Level tends to be the same minimum, the required IELTS or other tests might be higher. over2aus.com+1
- Some advanced diplomas or degrees may also require stronger performance in BKSB or additional prerequisites. Always check the specific course page. TAFE Queensland+1
Why These Levels Matter
Meeting the ACSF Exit Level 3 (Working at Level 4) in both literacy and numeracy ensures that students have sufficient foundational skills. These include:
- Understanding instructions, reading technical text or safety guidelines.
- Writing reports, completing assessments with structured language.
- Performing required maths (e.g. measurements, basic financial calculations) relevant to vocational tasks.
If you do not meet the required level, TAFE Queensland often offers support resources (bridging courses, learning modules, or supplemental tutoring) so that students can reach the required level before or during their course. TAFE Queensland+1
How to Prepare / What to Do Before You Enrol
To ensure you’re ready:
- Do the BKSB Initial Assessments: One for English/literacy and one for maths/numeracy. Use the Student Start-Up Guide to get familiar. TAFE Queensland
- Identify gaps: If your result is below Exit Level 3, you can use BKSB diagnostic modules or other support to improve.
- Check course-specific requirements: Some courses need higher English, IELTS scores, or minimum sub-scores. These will be listed in the Entry Requirements section of the course. TAFE Queensland
- Plan ahead: Since some courses, especially health or regulatory ones, require both the BKSB exit level and language test scores, it’s good to confirm both well before your enrolment deadlines.
Summary & Key Takeaway
- Minimum required level via BKSB for most TAFE Queensland VET and certificate/diploma courses (including for international students applying for a VET Student Loan) is ACSF Exit Level 3, i.e., Working at Level 4, in both literacy and numeracy. TAFE Queensland
- More rigorous courses may require higher language proficiency (e.g. IELTS) in addition.
- Always confirm on the official TAFE Queensland course page for your desired study area, since requirements can vary.
Useful External Resources
- TAFE Queensland’s official BKSB / bksb Start Up Guide for students. TAFE Queensland
- TAFE Queensland’s Entry Requirements page. TAFE Queensland
- Information about how BKSB maps to the ACSF and its assessments. TAFE Queensland+1
