The OECD Survey of Adult Skills is an international survey carried out in more than 30 countries as part of the PIAAC – Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. EAEA follows up on the results with various activities and events.
In the framework of PIAAC, the OECD collects and analyses data that assist governments in assessing, monitoring and analysing the level and distribution of skills among adults. The OECD Survey of Adult Skills measures the key workplace and cognitive skills needed for individuals to participate successfully in society and for economies.
The evidence from the survey helps countries understand how education and training systems can nurture these skills. Policy makers, educators and labour economists will use this information to develop economic, education and social policies that will continue to enhance the skills of adults.
2023 Survey of Adult Skills (2nd cycle)
The latest Survey of Adult Skills results, published in 2024, show that 18% of adults do not have the basic level of proficiency in literacy, numeracy and adaptive problem solving. Participation in adult education varies within OECD countries, with 40% of adults participating in learning each year. And while some countries experience a notable increase in participation, participation seems to be falling in many countries.
Non-formal education is analysed in the context of the survey purely as non-formal job-related learning. The data show that 37% of adults participate on average in non-formal job-related learning, with an overall slight decrease compared to previous results.
EAEA is monitoring the results of the survey and issued a joint statement with the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) in December 2024, with key recommendations for action to the national and regional authorities. You can also check the views of our members on the national results by exploring the country reports’ latest edition.
PIAAC 1st cycle
The first results of the survey were released on 8 October 2013, with the publication OECD Skills Outlook 2013: First Results from the Survey of Adult Skills to which EAEA reacted with a statement.
The first PIAAC cycle was divided in 3 rounds, with results published in 2013, 2016 and 2016. You can find all the publications on the official website.