Adults in Switzerland generally outperform the international average in literacy, numeracy and problem-solving tests. Nevertheless, around 30% of 16- to 65-year-olds – around 1.67 million people – have low skills in at least one of these three areas. Skill differences can often be explained by factors such as educational level, age, main language or place of origin. This is shown in the national report of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on the initial results of the second cycle of the OECD’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). The results validate the federal government’s targeted support measures to assist adults in improving their basic skills.
