Skills builder benchmark
Summary
What? Skills Builder Benchmark is an online self-assessment tool. Learners can reflect on their skill set, using questions aligned to the Universal Framework. Admins can use it as an impact measurement tool, by setting up groups and collating data about individual learners.
Learn more about how admins can use Benchmark, as well as integration features, Single Sign-On, and the possibility of data sharing via an API here.
Who? Individuals aged 11+ can register for free and record their reflections. To get admin-level access, please speak to your Skills Builder Partnership contact.
Where? Go to skillsbuilder.org/benchmark - Please note: to use this tool, you will be required to create an account.
Walkthrough Video
Click the image below to see a guided walkthrough of the online, self-reflection platform Skills Builder Benchmark.
How to guide
Go to skillsbuilder.org/benchmark and click ‘Log in/sign up’.
Enter your email address. You will be prompted to enter your details and create a password.
Enter a Group Code here, if you have been given one.
Click ‘Register.’
Complete surveys in each skill by clicking on ‘Get started’.
Watch a short video to learn about key definitions and concepts.
Answer questions related to each skill step (0-15). If the upcoming stage seems too challenging, you can ‘End here’ and go straight to your results.
On completion, you will be given a skill score, your top 3 strengths and your top 3 areas for development.
You’ll see suggested activities to practise each skill step.
You can download a Skill Report.
This information can be revisited on your Dashboard or via the History Tab. Here you can also download previous Skill Reports.
Continue to build your skills by completing the suggested activities.
Visit skillsbuilder.org/launchpad and work through the module for that skill step.
Talk to others about your Benchmark. Take time to think about a plan of action or next steps.
Top tips
When considering the steps, think about how often or how confident you would feel to demonstrate it different contexts.
Benchmark will only support you if you honestly reflect on your skillset. It is not a test!
The Framework and your progress is not linear – you may find you have gaps in some of the earlier stages.
FAQs
How long will it take to complete the Benchmarking tool?
The baseline assessments should be based on initial reflections. Some individuals will prefer to reflect on a particular focus skill, skill pairs or by revisiting the benchmarking tool for short periods at a time. Depending on your pace and preference, you might want to spend anything from 5 to 30 minutes at a time using the tool.
How often should I revisit the Benchmarking tool?
This will depend on your setting – for example, termly, every quarter or at the beginning/end of a project. However, it is important to have regular, meaningful reflection and time to develop and apply the essential skills you have identified as a focus.
Can I use my Benchmark login details to access Skills Builder Launchpad?
We encourage you to use the same login details for ease, however Skills Builder Launchpad is a separate platform so you will still need to register at skillsbuilder.org/launchpad.
Using Benchmark alongside Skills Builder Launchpad
Here is how we suggest you use both digital tools to ensure you get the most impact when exploring and building your essential skills:
