Who we are
We are Canada’s leader in online skills assessments and learning solutions.
The Essential Skills Group Inc. (ESG) is a national leader in the development of innovative, integrated web applications that test and build foundational skills, such as reading, writing, numeracy, digital skills, and problem-solving. We can test skills in any language.
To date, our web applications have delivered more than 600,000 online assessments and customized learning plans, making ours the most widely-used online foundational skills assessment in Canada.
More than 600 organizations currently use our web applications. Our clients include governments, post-secondary institutions, sector councils, researchers, associations, First Nations, NGOs, and private sector companies from across Canada. We also do testing in Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, India, Mexico, and Columbia with people who want to assess their English proficiency.
ESG is led by Michael Herzog, MBA, and Divona Herzog, MCE, and backed by a solid team of IT experts and other specialists.
The need for ESG
48%
Percentage of Canadians who have
insufficient reading skills
49%
Percentage of Canadians who have insufficient document use skills
55%
Percentage of Canadians who have
insufficient numeracy skills
Skills we assess and develop
Reading
The ability to understand reading materials in the form of sentences and paragraphs. We use this skill to scan information, skim for overall meaning, evaluate what we read and integrate information from multiple sources.
Numeracy
The ability to use numbers and think in quantitative terms. We use this skill when doing numerical estimating, money math, scheduling and budgeting math and analyzing measurements or data.
Working with Others
The ability to work with other workers to carry out tasks. We use this skill when we work as a member of a team or jointly with a partner, and when we engage in supervisory or leadership activities.
Problem-solving
The ability to engage in the process of evaluating ideas or information to reach a rational decision. We use this skill when we solve problems, make decisions, think critically, and plan and organize job tasks.
Writing
The ability to write text and documents. We use this skill when we organize, record, document, provide information to persuade, request information from others and justify a request.
Digital Skills
The ability to use different kinds of computer applications and other related technical tools. We use this skill when we operate cash registers, use word processing software, send emails and create spreadsheets.
Communication
Speaking and listening – the ability to use speech to give and understand thoughts and information. We use this skill to greet people, take messages, reassure, persuade, seek information and resolve conflicts.
Document Use
The ability to perform tasks that involve a variety of information displays such as technical drawings, lists and tables. We use this skill when we read and interpret signs, labels, lists, graphs and charts.
Example Web Applications
Click on the images below to learn about some of our web applications.
