PIAAC - Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies
PIAAC (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) is an international programme aimed at assessing the skills possessed by the adult population. It was devised by the OECD, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and involves many countries around the world, including Italy.
The PIAAC Programme collects a vast amount of data, not just for scientific purposes but also with a view to making suggestions for effective policy actions to develop and strengthen individuals' competencies.
The programme is implemented through the administration of an international statistical survey.
The aim of the survey is to build up-to-date, internationally comparable databases, capable of providing information on the development of competencies and human capital in the various countries involved, on the link between competencies, education and work and on the role played by competencies in improving the work and life prospects of the adult population.
The survey collects crucial information for all countries that face the challenge of being competitive in a globalised economy, being required to adapt their labour markets to meet new or changing needs, stimulating people to be part of the workforce and tackling the issue of an ageing population.
PIAAC is conceived as a multi-cycle study, and is administered every ten years.
A total of 38 countries participated in the first cycle, enabling PIAAC to become the largest ever international survey focusing on adults.
The second cycle, ongoing, currently involves 34 countries.
Italy participated in Cycle I, and is also participating in Cycle II.
