Overview
Functional Skills are English and maths qualifications regulated by Ofqual in England. They are built around practical, everyday and workplace skills. The reformed versions described by Ofqual and the Department for Education began first teaching in September 2019.
Levels or stages
Functional Skills in English and in maths are offered at Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2, Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2. Ofqual states that Level 2 is at the same level as a GCSE grade 4 or C and above.
Exam pattern
A Functional Skills English qualification has three components: reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating. The reading component is a single assessment. Ofqual's rules set the total assessment time for English at between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours at entry level, and between 2 and 3 hours at Levels 1 and 2. At entry level the writing component includes a spelling task of ten words.
The pages listed here give the English rules in detail; for maths, check the specification of the awarding organisation you are studying with.
Marking and results
Results are pass or fail, with no grades. In English a learner must pass all three components at the same level to pass the qualification. Under the 2019 reforms the guided learning hours for each qualification are 55.
How to apply
Learners enrol with a school, college, training provider or employer that offers the qualification through an awarding organisation. Ofqual states that employers can accept Level 2 alongside GCSEs, which widens the pool of applicants.
FAQs
Is Functional Skills Level 2 the same as a GCSE?
Ofqual says Level 2 is at the same level as a GCSE grade 4 or C and above. It is a separate qualification from the GCSE.
Are Functional Skills graded?
No. Results are pass or fail.