The Upfront Assessment Of Need
The Upfront Assessment Of Need (Uan) Process
Ironwood is committed to ensuring students have the foundational skills needed to succeed in their studies and to providing support where required.
The Upfront Assessment of Need (UAN) is a mandatory three-part pre-enrolment process—covering suitability, support needs, and literacy/numeracy—required for all Skills SA subsidised courses. It ensures students are suited to their chosen course, identifies required learning supports, and assesses Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) skills.
This process must be completed to access subsidised training, with a specific focus on identifying learning barriers early to ensure completion.
The UAN process consists of 3 assessments that must be undertaken in the following order before approving the commencement of your training.
- Suitability assessment – Ensures the course aligns with your goals and capabilities.
- Supports assessment – Identifies personal or learning supports required for success.
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment – Using ACER’s Snapshot Reading and Numeracy Indicator (SRNI) or the Core Skills Profile for Adults (CSPA) to measure skills
Suitability and Support Needs Assessment
As part of the Skills SA Upfront Assessment of Need (UAN) process, all prospective students complete a Suitability and Support Needs Assessment before enrolment.
This assessment helps us identify whether the chosen course is the right fit for the student and whether any learning, wellbeing, language, literacy, numeracy, or personal supports may be required throughout their studies. The process also helps students better understand the course expectations, study requirements, and potential career pathways connected to their training.
As outlined in the Skills SA UAN Guidelines, the assessment considers areas such as:
- Communication and English language abilities
- Aptitude and readiness for learning
- Digital literacy and study skills
- Career goals and suitability for the course
- Understanding of industry expectations and employment pathways
- Ability to meet course requirements and participate safely in training and assessment
- Any support needs that may impact successful participation and completion.
The assessment may include enrolment documentation, an interview with staff, prior education or work experience, and other pre-enrolment activities designed to help us understand each student’s individual circumstances.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN)
Contents of an LLN Assessment
The LLN assessment is designed to suit the individual and may vary in structure, question types and duration depending on the qualification you are applying for. It is typically delivered online and includes a mix of written and visual questions, with multiple-choice responses that assess everyday numeracy and reading comprehension. Some assessments may also include a short writing task, where you respond to a practical scenario.
Supervised LLN assessments are conducted in a controlled setting. Applicants begin with a short Snapshot of Reading and Numeracy Indicators (SRNI), which usually takes between 15 minutes and one hour. If further information is needed to accurately assess your skill level, the applicant is assigned the CSPA (Core Skills Profile for Adults) for a more in-depth assessment of their reading and/or numeracy capabilities, or both. A full assessment can take up to three hours.
Undertaking Your LLN Assessment
Ironwood will supervise all assessments and provide applicants with details to log-in or a link to complete their SRNI/CSPA assessment via email.
On completion of an SRNI, Ironwood will receive a simple report which identifies whether the student requires further assessment. A finding of further assessment means a student’s assessment result indicates they are not at ACSF exit level 2.
Ironwood Institute requires students who return a SRNI result of further assessment to undertake the CSPA for a more in-depth assessment of their reading and/or numeracy capabilities, or both.
Applicants who return a SRNI finding of no further assessment can continue in the enrolment process.
If you require assistance at any stage, please contact the Ironwood team, who will be able to guide you through the process and provide support as needed.
Applicants and Students with a Disability or Medical Condition
Applicants who have a disability or medical condition may be eligible for reasonable adjustments or additional support when completing their LLN assessment. To access this support, you will need to provide appropriate documentation from a medical practitioner, psychologist, or other qualified health professional.
To discuss your individual needs, please contact the Ironwood team, who can guide you through the available support options and the documentation required. This may include a Medical Practitioner Report or a letter from your treating practitioner.
We recommend making contact at least 7 days prior to your scheduled LLN assessment to allow sufficient time to arrange any necessary adjustments and ensure you are well supported.
LLN Exemptions
You may not need to complete an LLN assessment if you can provide evidence of one of the following:
- You are enrolling in a subsidised skill set
- You are currently working in an industry aligned to their qualification of choice, and have an AQF Certificate IV or higher qualification in an industry aligned to the qualification of choice (regardless of when the AQF qualification was achieved) *
- You are not currently working in an industry aligned to their qualification of choice, but have a AQF Certificate IV or higher qualification in an industry aligned to the qualification of choice, achieved within the last 5 years*
* Evidence of qualification is required.
Outcomes of the LLN
Your LLN assessment results are reviewed against the entry requirements of your chosen course to determine the most suitable study pathway for you.
If your results show that you need additional support, you may still be offered a place in your course. However, you will be required to complete Bridging Units, which are studied alongside your qualification
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book in an appointment for my UAN?
Once your application to study at Ironwood is received and assessed you will be contacted to book a UAN assessment.
The admissions team will then guide you through the UAN process including showing you how to access the LLN assessment.
Additional assistance
For the LLN assessment, you can use pen and blank paper if required, however, no personal calculators or phones can be used.
- You may take as much time as you need.
- You may take breaks when you need them. We just ask you to let the supervisor know you are taking a break.
- You may use the built-in calculator available in the software used to test LLN for the maths/numeracy questions.
- You may use your personal headphones to avoid distractions. Please inform your supervisor if you intend to use personal headphones.
Support workers or family members can accompany you to the campus and are welcome to wait for you in the foyer/common areas of Ironwood whilst you undertake the UAN/ LLN assessment.
If you face any problem, our friendly staff are here to assist you.
What happens after I complete the UAN?
Successful applicants are notified of offers in person or via email.
Please make sure to check the course entry requirements section on the Ironwood website for each course you have applied for to ensure you have completed all application requirements.
Can I get my results?
Do I pass or fail the LLN?
When completing the LLN for a subsidised course, there are ‘required levels’ that need to be met.
- Requirement for Subsidy – If you fall below the required levels, this does not prevent an offer from being made. You may be required to complete a bridging unit.
- Requirement for Course – If you do not meet the required level for an offer you will be contacted by Ironwood to discuss further options.
What is a bridging unit course?
A bridging unit is a course designed to increase your skill levels if you have not reached the required levels in the CSPA assessment. For example, if you are slightly below the required level in numeracy you would enrol in a numeracy bridging unit. This is a requirement to receive subsidised funding and is used to assist you to be successful in your study. There is no charge or fee for bridging units and are arranged on an individual basis.
When will I know I need a bridging unit?
You will be informed by the Institute when an offer is made.
If I don’t do the LLN what will happen?
- If your course fees are subsidised by the government, you will be unable to access this subsidy (which means you will have to pay the full fees for your course)
- Your educator will not be able to identify if you will need learning support during your studies
- You will be unable to register/enrol in your subsidised course
Can I bring my children to my UAN session?
Can I go back after I have finished a section in the LLN assessment?
Can I resit the LLN multiple times?
You can re-sit the SRNI after 3 months of the initial attempt.
Does the UAN cost anything to attend?
No, the UAN is fee-free.
Can someone help me to complete the UAN process?
What if I have a medical condition?
Support is available for Applicants/Students with a Disability/Medical Condition.
Student Services are available to discuss your concerns related to health, disability, and other issues. If you think you may require individual adjustments to the UAN, we recommend that you connect with us at least 7 days before your booked session.
I haven’t done any study for a long time and I am worried about the UAN/ LLN assessment.
Ironwood has many students from all walks of life and it’s normal to feel nervous when starting something new. You may not have studied for 20 years, or not finished school. You may be a parent returning to work or just moved to Australia. The important thing to remember is that we are here to support you and that completing the UAN allows us to see how we can offer you additional support.