Functional Skills

Welcome to the Glasgow Tutor Company functional skills page. Here we will inform you about Functional Skills qualifications. Here you will find the information needed regarding Functional Skills from entry-level one up to level 2. We have dedicated functional skills Maths level 2 and functional skills English level 2 tutors at Glasgow Tutor Company to assist you and help you pass!

The Levels

There are five different levels for Functional Skills, and both the English and Maths exams follow the same level process. Starting from entry-level 1 to entry-level 2, then entry-level 3, level 1, and lastly, level 2. Out of the five levels, level 2 is the GCSE equivalent. Universities and most employers only accept a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification.

Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications are equivalent to a GCSE grade C or level 4. Routes of further education and employers may require you to have Functional Skills Maths Level 2 and Functional Skills English Level 2 qualifications if you did not achieve a grade C or level 4 in your Maths and English GCSE.

Additionally, there are Entry levels 1, 2 and, 3, as well as; Level 1 Functional Skills Qualifications available. The purpose of these qualifications is to prepare you for the Functional Skills Level 2 exams. Pass Functional Skills are an expert provider for all these exams and qualifications. They provide Ofqual regulated exams and detailed revision materials to help prepare you for your exams.

Exam Boards

Several awarding bodies offer Functional Skills Maths Level 2 Online Exams and Functional Skills English Level 2 Online Exams, the most well-known awarding bodies being City and Guilds and NCFE. City and Guilds is one of the more well-known exam boards. It has hundreds of people sitting their City and Guilds Functional Skills Level 2 exams a year. There are different functional skills courses for Level 2 Maths and Level 2 English; they follow the same curriculum set by the government. Therefore the topics and content will be the same across all exam boards. Ensure that you choose which Functional Skills Course carefully, as each course provides different features.

Glasgow Tutor Company has compiled a list of frequently asked questions. These should help you understand what is involved in the functional skills qualifications.

FAQs

What are Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications?

The Functional Skills Qualification Level 2 is a GCSE equivalent that will help expand your knowledge in English and Maths. This qualification is equivalent to a GCSE grade C/Level 4. Multiple universities and organisations will accept this qualification. It may also be a requirement if you have not obtained a GCSE in Maths or English.

How is the Functional Skills exam different to the GCSE exam?

There are very few differences between a Functional Skills exam and a GCSE exam. It is important to note that GCSE exams generally include more content and abstract themes. Whereas a Functional Skills exam applies to real-life scenarios, making the material easier to understand. Pass Functional Skills offer past papers for Functional Skills Maths Level 2 and, Functional Skills English Level 2 to further your learning. These past papers demonstrate the types of questions included in the exam.  

Which out of the two exams is easier?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question as it is down to the individual. If you prefer looking at everyday experiences, then you might find a Functional Skills exam easier. As the content is not reflective of real-life scenarios, some people find GCSE’s harder. 

How long does it take to complete a functional skills qualification?

Again, this is down to the individual. It depends on the learner and when they feel confident to take the exam. Glasgow Tutor Company puts a programme together for each learner and, these are all specific to each person. 

Do employers accept this qualification?

Yes, as the functional skills qualification is a GCSE equivalent, it can get you a job or apply to higher education.

What is the pass mark for the functional skills exams? 

The pass mark is usually around 50-60% but, this can change depending on the difficulty of the exam.

Is there any funding that I can apply to? 

There are a few people who can get funding for their Functional Skills Level 2 qualification. It is important to note that to access funding, you have to meet the particular criteria, for example, being under 19. If you do not meet the requirements, then you will have to fund the course yourself. Additionally, you can apply through apprenticeships programmes. MME and Pass Functional Skills are exam providers that offer the cheapest functional skills online exams for Maths and English.

Can I take an online functional skills maths level 2 exam? 

Yes, you can take an online Maths exam. Both MME and Pass Functional Skills provide online Functional Skills Maths Exams.