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Functional Skills

Functional Skills qualifications

Functional Skills are Ofqual-regulated qualifications in English, maths, and ICT available at Entry 1 through to Level 2. Level 2 is the nationally recognised equivalent of GCSE grade 4 (C), accepted by employers, apprenticeship providers, and most universities. They can be completed online with remote-invigilated exams in as little as four to twelve weeks.

Where Functional Skills qualifications can take you

LevelTypical rolesSalary range (GBP)
Functional Skills Level 1Pre-employment training, supported employment, preparation for Level 2 study—
Functional Skills Level 2 (GCSE equivalent)Apprenticeship entry requirement, retail, hospitality, administration, warehouse operative£18,000–£24,000 ↗
Functional Skills Level 2 → Level 2 ApprenticeshipCustomer service apprentice, business administration apprentice, IT support apprentice£7.55–£12/hr (apprenticeship wage) ↗
Functional Skills Level 2 → Level 3 ApprenticeshipAdvanced apprentice in accounting, engineering, health and social care, digital marketing£22,000–£30,000 ↗
Functional Skills Level 2 → Admin / customer service rolesOffice administrator, customer service advisor, receptionist, data entry clerk£18,000–£28,000
Functional Skills Level 2 → Care worker / support workerHealthcare assistant, support worker, care assistant, domiciliary care worker£22,000–£27,000 ↗
Functional Skills Level 2 → Access to HE Diploma (Level 3)Gateway to nursing, social work, teaching, business, psychology degree programmesDegree required for professional registration
Functional Skills Level 2 → GCSE or A-Level progressionGCSE Maths and English, then A-Levels; university entry via UCAS for any degree subjectDegree graduate median salary £34,000+ ↗

Awarding bodies in Functional Skills

Functional Skills qualifications — frequently asked questions

Is Functional Skills level 2 the same as a GCSE grade C?

Functional Skills level 2 is the nationally recognised equivalent of GCSE grade 4 (C) in English and maths. It is regulated by Ofqual, the same body that oversees GCSEs, and is accepted by the vast majority of employers, apprenticeship providers, and further education colleges as a direct substitute.

Can I sit a Functional Skills exam at home online?

Yes. Several Ofqual-regulated awarding bodies — including Open Awards and TQUK — offer remote invigilation for Functional Skills maths and English exams. You complete the assessment at home via a secure browser with a live invigilator watching remotely through your webcam. No travel to an exam centre is required.

How quickly can I pass Functional Skills level 2?

Most learners complete Functional Skills level 2 in 4–12 weeks of structured self-study, compared to two years for GCSE. The qualification requires around 55 guided hours of study. Because exams can be booked flexibly and retaken quickly after a fail, determined learners frequently achieve the qualification within a single month.

Do I need Functional Skills for an apprenticeship in the UK?

Adults without GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English and maths must achieve Functional Skills level 2 as a condition of completing most apprenticeships. Apprentices aged 19 and over who already hold a level 2 equivalent qualification are typically exempt, but their employer and training provider will confirm this at enrolment.

Is Functional Skills level 2 accepted for university entry?

Functional Skills level 2 satisfies the English and maths entry requirement for most UK universities when combined with a suitable Level 3 qualification such as an Access to HE Diploma. However, a small number of degree programmes — including some teacher training courses — may specify GCSE grade 4/C explicitly. Always check the admissions requirements of your target university directly.

Are Functional Skills qualifications recognised in Scotland and Wales?

Functional Skills are an England-only qualification regulated by Ofqual. The equivalent in Scotland is Core Skills, and in Wales it is Essential Skills. If you live or work in Scotland or Wales, check which qualification your employer or training provider accepts, as Functional Skills may not meet devolved national frameworks for funded programmes.

Explore our other faculties

Lift College offers regulated UK qualifications across a range of subject areas.