PIAAC

PIAAC, the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, is an international survey coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It measures adults' key cognitive and workplace skills to inform education and labor-market policy.

The assessment focuses on literacy, numeracy, and problem solving in technology-rich environments. In addition, respondents complete a background questionnaire covering education, work history, training, and socio-demographic factors. Participants are adults aged 16 to 65 selected through representative samples in each participating country or economy.

PIAAC uses a computer-based, adaptive testing approach in most cycles, with paper-based options in some contexts. Tests are designed to produce internationally comparable results, allowing cross-country and over-time analysis of skill levels and distributions. Data are released in country reports and via the PIAAC data explorer, and are widely used by governments, researchers, and international organizations.

Since its inception, PIAAC has undergone multiple data-collection cycles. The first cycle (fieldwork around 2011–2012; results released in subsequent years) established baseline measures of adult competencies. A second cycle followed in the mid-to-late 2010s, expanding participation and updating benchmarks.

Participating countries and economies include many OECD members and several non-members, with examples such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and Italy. The program aims to illuminate how adults’ skills relate to education, work, technology use, and economic outcomes, informing policies on education, training, and social inclusion.