Coursera launches assessment tool LevelSets for learners to hone critical skills

Coursera Inc. has announced the launch of LevelSets, a new assessment tool designed to help learners determine their current proficiency in key business, technology and data skills.

Offered as part of the company’s enterprise platform, LevelSets currently includes over 20 different skill assessments created using machine learning programs. The initial assessments will test proficiency in high-demand data and analytics skills, including data analysis, cloud computing, machine learning, Python and SQL among others.

“Rapid digital transformation is increasing the urgency to acquire in-demand skills. However, lack of time and frustration over not knowing what courses to take are major barriers for learners,” said Leah Belsky, Chief Enterprise Officer at Coursera.

“LevelSets help motivate learners to enrol in recommended courses and enable them to develop job-relevant skills faster. These assessments determine where training should begin, and create a clear development path for learners featuring high-quality content that aligns to their skill goals,” Belsky added.

Here’s what LevelSets enables learners to do:

• Save time and develop skills faster ̶ Learners can complete assessments in less than 15 minutes to identify existing skills. This allows them to not waste time on content they have already mastered and focus on courses that can increase skill proficiency faster.
• Experience a unique learning journey with targeted recommendations ̶ Once assessments are completed, learners receive targeted content recommendations that match their proficiency level to ensure the right starting point in their skill development journey. This allows learners to avoid taking courses that are too rudimentary or too advanced.
• Develop stronger motivation to learn new skills ̶ By providing a deeper understanding of current skill levels and recommending specific content to improve proficiency, LevelSets can increase learners’ desire to enrol in and complete relevant courses.
• Showcase existing skills knowledge ̶ The assessments enable learners to demonstrate their proficiency in high-demand skills needed to unlock new career opportunities.

Customers such as Fidelity, Ingka IKEA, Pfizer and Thermo Fisher Scientific are early adopters of LevelSets. Initial data suggests that learners within these companies are three times more likely to enrol in a recommended course within one day of taking a LevelSet assessment. In addition, course completion rates have increased 66% among those that have completed assessments.

By completing a LevelSet assessment, learners will gain access to world-class content recommendations from leading university and industry partners. This content is delivered through SkillSets, job-based learning programs that help learners develop specific skills for specific roles.

LevelSets is currently available to companies, universities and governments that have implemented Data and Analytics SkillSets. Coursera plans to make LevelSets available across its portfolio of over 300 SkillSets early next year.

To learn more about the new LevelSets offering, visit: https://www.coursera.org/business/data-science-academy