Pix, assessing, developing and certifying digital skills

Description

Pix is a nationally deployed tool for self-assessment and certification of digital skills. It was launched by the French Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in 2020 with the aim of enabling individuals to measure their digital skills, validate them through certification and develop them to improve their employability or further their education.

Pix is based on a system of online tests that allow users to measure their skills in different digital domains such as online content creation, computer security, data analysis, information processing, digital collaboration and communication. These skills are based on those defined in DigComp, the European reference framework, and constitute a base that every citizen should master. Users can position themselves on a scale of skills ranging from level 1 (beginner) to level 6 (expert) and obtain official certification for each level reached.

Pix is designed to be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their level of education or employment status, and registration is free. It also allows users to track their progress over time and target areas in which they wish to improve.

Pix is implemented with pupils from the start of secondary school – the 6th grade will be integrated into the scheme at the beginning of 2023 – through to higher education, in general and vocational courses. It provides for certification at key points in the schooling process.

It is important to note that Pix is a complementary tool that is not intended to replace existing diplomas in the digital field. It allows individuals to showcase their digital skills to employers and training organisations by giving them an official certification.

Points of interest

• Free of charge and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their level of education or employment status;
• Measures digital skills in a wide range of areas, such as online content creation, computer security, data analysis, etc.
• Provides a certification that is recognised by companies and public bodies, which can help individuals to improve their employability;
• Allows you to track your progress and target areas for development;
• Offers a fun approach to skills development;
• Can be used as part of a stand-alone or group approach – as part of campaigns set up by teachers using the Pix orga tool, for example.

Points of vigilance

• Requires an internet connection to access;
• Does not reflect the entirety of an individual’s digital skills, particularly those specific to a professional field;
• Needs to be more widely used, particularly in the professional world, to gain a greater impact on the employability of individuals