All about Functional Skills

Can I use Functional Skills for an apprenticeship?

If you don’t already have GCSEs, your training provider can put Functional Skills into your training plan and the government will fund tuition up to Level 2 (subject to the rules below and your employer agreeing it’s part of your plan). The Department for Education’s guidance also makes clear that only Ofqual-regulated Functional Skills count as acceptable evidence – unregulated look-alikes don’t meet the requirement.

What you need depends on your age and the level of your apprenticeship. For Level 2 apprenticeships, if you’re 16–18 and don’t already hold English and maths, you’ll normally work towards Level 1 first, then continue towards Level 2 where there’s time to make meaningful progress. If you already hold Level 1, you must start, continue and attempt assessments at Level 2 before your end-point assessment. For Level 3 and above, 16–18 year-olds must hold or achieve Level 2 in both English and maths to complete the apprenticeship. Providers must record these decisions in your training plan, and where English/maths is included you’re expected to attempt the assessments – but in most cases you’re not required to pass before taking the end-point assessment unless the specific rule above applies.

If you’re 19 or over, you can still study funded Functional Skills up to Level 2 if you don’t already have equivalent GCSEs and your employer agrees to include it in your plan. The official guidance page also lists which qualifications count as acceptable equivalents (including Functional Skills) and explains how providers check certificates – useful if you already have older results or overseas qualifications and want them recognised.

Can I use Functional Skills for an apprenticeship?

Functional Skills exams are designed to be practical, flexible, and focused on real-life problem-solving. You can usually choose to sit them online at home with remote invigilation or at a test centre. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll book your assessment window, complete any required ID checks, and – if you’re testing online – do a quick tech check to confirm your webcam, microphone and internet connection are ready.

What you’ll sit depends on the subject.

• Maths (Level 1 & 2) – one assessment covering number, measure, and handling information/data. It’s typically on-screen and calculator-friendly for most of the paper, with some non-calculator elements. You’ll be expected to show working and choose sensible methods – just like real life.
• English (Level 1 & 2) – three parts – Reading, Writing, and Speaking, Listening & Communicating (SLC). Reading and Writing are formal assessments (often on-screen); SLC is a short discussion/presentation with an assessor and a small group or one-to-one, conducted live or via video.

On the day, you’ll verify your ID, clear your desk, and follow the invigilator’s instructions. You can use approved resources only (for example, the on-screen calculator when permitted). Timing varies by awarding organisation, but expect around 60–120 minutes per component. If you have a learning difference or disability, you can usually request reasonable adjustments (extra time, reader, etc.) in advance with evidence.

On-screen tests are marked quickly – often within a few working days – while paper-based routes can take longer. If you don’t pass first time, you can resit just the component you missed (e.g., English Writing) after targeted revision. Certificates are issued digitally and/or posted once you pass all required parts at your level.

How fast can I complete Functional Skills courses?

It’s flexible – your timeline depends on your starting point, how much time you can study each week, and how quickly you’re ready to sit the exam. Most learners start with a short diagnostic to pinpoint any gaps. If you’re already close to Level 2 standard, you can move straight onto targeted revision and book an on-screen exam as soon as you feel confident.

With focused study, many learners finish in a few weeks. A strong refresher route might look like 5–10 hours of study per week over 2–6 weeks before attempting the assessment. If you’re building skills from further back, plan for 6–12+ weeks to work through the topics steadily. English can take a little longer than Maths because it has separate Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening components.

Scheduling is designed to be fast. Online exams run year-round with remote invigilation, so you can book a date and time that suits you – often at short notice. Results for on-screen tests are typically turned around quickly, and if you need a resit you can focus on the areas you missed and rebook without waiting for fixed seasons.

Can I resit if I don’t pass?

Yes – Functional Skills are designed to be flexible, and you can resit. If you fall short on the first attempt, you simply book another assessment once you’ve done a little targeted practice. There’s no long exam season to wait for; on-screen exams run year-round, so most learners can rebook quickly.

What you resit depends on the subject and level. In Maths, you’ll retake the single Maths assessment. In English, you only need to resit the component(s) you still need – Reading, Writing, or Speaking, Listening & Communicating – rather than starting the whole qualification again. Your tutor will help you focus on the exact skills that cost you marks so your next attempt is more confident and efficient.

Turnaround is fast. Results from on-screen tests are typically released promptly, which means you can review feedback, revise the specific gaps, and schedule a new slot without losing momentum. Most learners find that a short burst of practice – often days or a couple of weeks – makes the difference on a resit.

There may be a resit fee to cover the awarding body’s entry and invigilation costs (this varies by provider), and you’ll follow the same exam rules as before. If you used reasonable adjustments (for example, extra time), these can usually be applied again – just let us know so we can arrange them ahead of your new date.