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Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb)

  • Bksb is an online assessment tool used by TAFE Queensland to check your English and Maths skills
  • It measures your levels based on the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF)
  • Knowing your skill levels is important before starting a new course
  • It helps identify where you might need extra support in reaching your goals
  • If you have skill gaps, bksb provides learning modules to help you improve
  • That’s why we recommend all new students take a bksb assessment before beginning their training

Frequently asked questions

Bksb is available to all Enrolled students at TAFE Queensland. Applicants who apply for a program that requires bksb pre-enrolment are assessed and an invite is distributed in accordance with that program. You cannot access bksb without prior approval from TAFE Queensland and the relevant access or invitation.

When completing your online enrolment application you will be asked to submit documentation around academic eligibility. You can find further information about the documents required on our VET Student Loans page.

Academic eligibility can also be met using the bksb. If you do require bksb please contact the Customer Service team to advise that you wish to complete the assessments. 

After submission of your application, you will receive an invitation to complete the bksb. We ask you to wait for the invitation as this contains very important information about the requirements of bksb for this program and the login details.

The bksb assessments help identify areas where students might need extra help. Even though they are not mandatory, completing these assessments can provide valuable insights for both students and teachers to ensure you have the skills and assistance to be successful in your course. If you have any questions regarding the completion of the bksb assessments, speak with your teacher.

You do not have a time limit whilst completing the bksb. When planning to do an assessment you should allow yourself anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. But please do not rush. You can leave the assessment by exiting and come back by selecting continue.

Bksb contains two assessments – English and Maths.

The English initial assessment evaluates your proficiency in sentence structure, grammar, spelling, comprehension, vocabulary, and reading ability. It involves reading short passages and answering related questions to gauge your understanding.

The questions increase in difficulty as you progress through the assessment. Please note you do not need to get every single question correct and there is a small room for errors.

The bksb Maths initial assessment evaluates your current mathematical skills, covering concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, metric measures, conversions, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, geometry and data. The questions increase in difficulty, and a few mistakes are acceptable.

After completing each assessment, you’ll see your level on the results screen. You don’t need to continue and complete the diagnostic assessment unless instructed to.

After completing the initial assessments, you gain instant access to free online practice Maths and English courses where you set the pace and can accelerate your learning.

Start with the Diagnostic Assessment to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Log into the bksb platform, select your subject, and take the Diagnostic Assessment.

Work at your own pace and leave questions blank if unsure - never guess answers in the Diagnostics.

After completing the diagnostic assessment, you can commence the targeted modules identified for improvement.

When you finish your initial level course modules, contact your Educator for assistance to continue developing your skills at the next level.

Download the bksb student start-up guide located on this page.

From there you can access the bksb via this link.


You can access community centres and your local library to complete bksb. bksb can also be completed on an iPad. Contact Us and ask to speak to your region’s bksb team about accessing TAFE computers on campus.

If you have questions or feel worried about the bksb assessments, you can contact us for more information and support.

 

BKSB Assessment question tips

Taking an assessment can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Watch this video to learn more about the bksb assessments and how to answer them. If you have questions or feel worried about the bksb assessments, please contact us and ask to speak to your local bksb team. 

ladies around table with coffee

Complete the bksb assessment

Once you have you have received the bksb invite, you will have access to the bksb via the link below. If you haven't received your bksb invite via email, please contact us.