PIAAC uses household surveys to assess competencies adults need for successful participation in society and labour force. Certain PIAAC components (reading literacy and numeracy) will provide trends on the level and distribution of adult skills. In addition the innovative PIAAC components will give information on key competencies such as problem solving abilities, teamworking, the use of ICT and computers and critical job competencies. Both components will help governments to improve the basic competency level of their adult population; especially targeting those people lacking key competencies.