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Functional Skills

Choose your Functional Skills pathway: English, maths, and ICT explained

Functional Skills are available in English, maths, and ICT. Most adults need Level 2 in English and maths. ICT is less widely required but valuable in administration and care settings. Use the decision guide below to choose the right subject, level, and study route for your specific goal — whether that is an apprenticeship, a job role, or progression to further education.

  • 3 subjectsEnglish, maths, and ICT availableMost learners need English and maths
  • CombinedEnglish and maths programme availableStudy both subjects together
  • Entry 1–L2Five levels available per subjectStart at the right level for you

Functional Skills are offered in three subjects: English, maths, and ICT. Most learners study English and maths at Level 2 because these are the two subjects universally required by employers, apprenticeship standards, and universities. ICT is useful in specific sectors but is less commonly demanded as a mandatory entry criterion. Starting with clarity about which subjects you need — and at which level — means you do not spend time and money on qualifications that do not serve your specific goal.

Functional Skills English

English is the most widely demanded Functional Skills subject. Employers across virtually every sector request evidence of Level 2 English, and it is an explicit requirement in apprenticeship standards, Access to HE entry criteria, healthcare support roles, teaching assistant positions, and most public sector jobs.

The Level 2 English qualification is assessed in two components: a reading exam and a writing exam. The reading paper presents a range of documents — articles, letters, reports, leaflets — and asks you to retrieve information, identify purpose and audience, and evaluate language choices. The writing paper requires you to produce two written pieces, such as a formal letter and a report, demonstrating correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

If you need English for an apprenticeship, a care sector job, or Access to HE, Level 2 English is your target. If your initial assessment places you below Level 2, your Lift College study plan will map the path from Entry Level or Level 1 upwards.

Functional Skills maths

Maths is equally essential. Level 2 maths covers number and the number system, operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion, measures and shape, handling data, and statistical averages — all applied to real-world contexts such as financial calculations, measurements, timetables, and data charts.

The exam format varies by awarding body. Pearson Edexcel divides the exam into two sections (calculator and non-calculator). NCFE and Open Awards offer on-screen assessments that mirror the format closely. Many providers include practice papers under timed conditions so the exam experience is not a surprise.

If you find maths challenging, Functional Skills Level 2 maths is significantly more accessible than GCSE Higher tier, which covers abstract algebra, trigonometry, and quadratic equations that go well beyond the Level 2 standard. The applied, practical focus of Functional Skills makes the content immediately relevant and easier to connect with real experience.

Functional Skills ICT

ICT is the least commonly required of the three Functional Skills subjects, but it carries value for learners working in administration, care, or any role that involves digital tools. Level 2 ICT covers using hardware and software safely, managing files and data, using email and the internet professionally, and creating basic documents and spreadsheets.

Not all awarding bodies offer Functional Skills ICT and it is less widely available than English and maths. Ascentis is among the providers offering it. Check that your target employer or training provider accepts Functional Skills ICT before enrolling — some prefer ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) or other digital qualifications for ICT-specific roles.

Which combination should I study?

  • For an apprenticeship: Level 2 English and Level 2 maths (both required for completion of virtually all apprenticeship standards)
  • For a healthcare or care role: Level 2 English as a minimum; Level 2 maths is also commonly required
  • For Access to HE Diploma entry: Level 2 English and Level 2 maths (entry requirement for all pathways)
  • For a teaching assistant role: Level 2 English and Level 2 maths (typically required alongside a Level 3 childcare or education qualification)
  • For an administration or customer service role: Level 2 English; Level 2 maths increasingly expected
  • For ICT or digital roles: Functional Skills ICT or an alternative digital qualification depending on employer preference

Study English and maths together or separately?

Lift College offers a combined English and maths programme that allows you to study both subjects simultaneously, with a single enrolment and a joined-up study plan. This is the most efficient approach for learners who need both qualifications and want to complete them in the shortest possible time.

If you already hold one subject at Level 2 — for example, if you passed GCSE English but not maths — you can enrol on maths alone. There is no requirement to repeat qualifications you already hold.

Choose English and maths if you want to

  • Start or complete an apprenticeship in any sector
  • Enter healthcare, care, or teaching assistant roles
  • Progress to Access to HE and then university
  • Meet employer minimum requirements in most industries
  • Satisfy UCAS entry conditions for undergraduate study

Also consider Functional Skills ICT if you

  • Work in administration or require digital skills evidence
  • Your employer or training provider specifies it
  • Want to complement English and maths with a digital qualification
  • Are applying for a role that lists digital or ICT skills as a requirement
FAQ

Your questions answered

Do I need to do Functional Skills English and maths at the same time?

No. You can study one subject at a time. However, studying both simultaneously is more efficient if you need both qualifications for a specific deadline — such as an apprenticeship start date or a college entry requirement. Lift College's combined programme provides a single study plan for both subjects with one enrolment.

Which awarding body is best for online Functional Skills exams?

Open Awards and TQUK are most commonly used for remote-invigilated exams that can be sat entirely at home. Pearson (Edexcel) and NCFE offer on-screen exams at approved centres. City and Guilds and Open Awards are widely recognised by employers. Lift College will advise on the most appropriate awarding body for your needs and preferred exam format.

Can I do Functional Skills ICT instead of a GCSE in IT?

For most administrative and office-based roles, yes. Functional Skills ICT Level 2 demonstrates practical digital competence. However, for some IT-specific roles or degree courses in computing, GCSE Computer Science or an ECDL qualification may be more appropriate. Check the requirements of your specific target role or course before deciding.

What if I only need one of English or maths?

You can enrol on a single subject only. If you already hold Level 2 English (via GCSE or Functional Skills) and only need maths, you enrol on maths alone. There is no requirement to repeat a subject you already hold at Level 2.

How do I know which awarding body my employer or college will accept?

All awarding bodies for Functional Skills are regulated by Ofqual, so in principle all Level 2 certificates are equivalent and interchangeable. In practice, most employers and colleges accept certificates from any Ofqual-regulated awarding body. If you are unsure, ask the employer or college directly — or ask your Lift College advisor to confirm before you enrol.

Is Functional Skills ICT the same as a digital skills qualification?

Functional Skills ICT Level 2 covers practical use of digital tools, but it is a different qualification from the BCS Digital Skills qualification or the AQA Unit Award in Digital Skills. Some employers and colleges accept Functional Skills ICT as evidence of digital competence; others specify a different qualification. Always confirm what is required before enrolling.

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