Need to improve your English, maths or digital skills? Functional skills qualifications can help you gain recognised qualifications, access further study and boost your career prospects
What are functional skills qualifications?
Functional skills develop practical English, maths and digital skills that can be applied in everyday life, education and the workplace.
Unlike GCSEs, they focus on using knowledge in real-world situations. You'll build the skills needed to:
- communicate effectively
- manage money
- use technology with confidence
- solve problems.
A Level 2 functional skills qualification is widely accepted by employers, apprenticeship providers and many colleges as meeting the same standard as a GCSE grade 4 (C) in English or maths.
Who are functional skills qualifications for?
Functional skills are suitable for anyone looking to strengthen their:
- English
- digital abilities
- maths.
They may be particularly useful if you:
- are returning to education after time away
- don't have a GCSE pass in English or maths
- need qualifications to access a college course or apprenticeship
- want to improve your employment prospects.
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Apprentices who don't already have the required English and maths qualifications may study functional skills as part of their training.
Most courses have no formal entry requirements. Before you start, your provider may ask you to complete an initial assessment to identify the most appropriate level, whether that's:
- Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 - below GCSE level
- Level 1 - equivalent to GCSE grades 2 to 3
- Level 2 - equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (a standard pass).
What can you study?
English
Functional skills English develops practical communication skills for study, work and everyday life.
You'll learn:
- presentation techniques
- professional and academic writing
- reading comprehension and analysis
- speaking and listening skills.
Maths
Functional skills maths develops the numeracy skills you'll use both at work and in daily life.
Topics include:
- data handling and interpretation
- mental arithmetic
- problem solving
- percentages, measurements and statistics.
These skills can help you:
- make informed decisions
- manage budgets
- understand data.
Digital skills
Functional skills digital qualifications focus on building confidence with technology.
You'll develop skills in:
- creating and editing documents
- evaluating information sources
- online research
- professional communication, including email
- using digital tools safely and effectively.
Digital qualifications are less common than English and maths courses and may not be available through every provider.
Some organisations instead offer Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQs), which cover practical digital skills such as:
- communicating online
- creating documents
- staying safe on the internet
- using online services.
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What's the difference between functional skills and GCSEs?
Both qualifications demonstrate your abilities, but they focus on different outcomes:
- Functional skills help you apply English and maths in everyday life, work and further study.
- GCSEs cover a broader academic curriculum with a greater emphasis on theory and subject knowledge.
Rather than being easier, functional skills offer a more practical approach to learning and assessment. If you need English and maths qualifications for a job, apprenticeship or further study, they can provide an alternative to retaking GCSEs.
What can functional skills qualifications help you do?
The opportunities available depend on the level you achieve.
A Level 1 qualification shows you can apply practical English and maths skills in everyday situations. It can help you build confidence, progress to Level 2 study and meet the requirements for:
- entry-level jobs
- foundation apprenticeships
- some training programmes.
A Level 2 qualification demonstrates practical English and maths skills at a level equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (standard pass). It can help you access:
- employment opportunities that require evidence of English and maths competence
- further education courses
- intermediate and higher apprenticeships
- some A-level programmes at college
- vocational qualifications such as BTECs and NVQs.
Many colleges and universities accept Level 2 functional skills as evidence of English and maths ability, particularly for vocational courses and Access to HE Diplomas.
However, requirements vary between institutions and employers, and some universities, organisations and professional bodies specifically require GCSEs.
Before applying, check the entry requirements for your chosen course or provider and learn more about getting into university.
What jobs can I do with functional skills qualifications?
Employers across a range of sectors recognise functional skills because they demonstrate practical workplace skills.
A Level 2 qualification can support applications for entry-level roles in sectors such as:
While these qualifications won't qualify you for a profession on their own, they can help you meet essential entry requirements and demonstrate workplace readiness.
Where can you study a functional skills qualification?
Functional skills courses are flexible and can fit around your existing commitments.
Depending on the provider, you can study:
- in person - attend classes at a college, school or training centre
- online - access learning materials remotely and study at your own pace
- through blended learning - combine online study with face-to-face teaching and support.
Providers across the UK include:
- Adult education institutions - local authority and community learning services often deliver courses for adults looking to improve their qualifications. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for free or funded study.
- Apprenticeship providers - if you're completing an apprenticeship, you may be able to study as part of your training programme.
- Further education colleges - offering full-time, part-time and evening courses.
- Private training suppliers - often providing flexible options including self-paced study, online learning and tutor support.
- Schools and sixth forms - some institutions offer courses for students who need additional support in English, maths or digital skills.
Functional skills are awarded by organisations regulated by Ofqual, ensuring they meet national standards. Major awarding organisations include:
Recognised qualifications are accepted by employers, colleges and apprenticeship providers across England.
How do you find a course?
You can search for local and online courses through the National Careers Service.
Before enrolling, check:
- any entry requirements
- if learner support is available
- study methods and assessment arrangements
- the qualification level offered
- whether the course is funded or fee-paying.
Studying with an approved provider helps ensure your qualification is recognised by employers, colleges and apprenticeship providers.
How long do functional skills qualifications take?
Completion times vary depending on your:
- provider
- starting level
- study method.
Some intensive online courses can be completed within a few weeks, while college-based programmes may run for a term or academic year. If you're studying alongside work or an apprenticeship, you may complete the qualification over several months.
Many online providers offer flexible, self-paced learning, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
How are functional skills assessed?
Qualifications are graded as either pass or fail.
Assessment methods vary by subject and level, but typically include:
- online tests
- speaking and listening assessments (English only)
- written exams.
If you're studying online, it's important to check how assessments are delivered. Some providers offer remote exams, while others require attendance at an approved test centre. Reasonable adjustments are also available for learners with additional needs.
To prepare, you can use practice papers and revision materials from awarding organisations, as well as free resources from BBC Bitesize and OpenLearn.
If you don't pass your assessment, you can usually resit it.
There is no national limit on the number of retake attempts, although providers may charge for additional assessments or operate their own resit policies.
How much do functional skills qualifications cost?
Many students and adult learners can study for free through government-funded programmes.
Funding may be available if you are:
- aged 19 or over and don't already hold an equivalent qualification
- completing an apprenticeship
- studying through an eligible adult education provider
- unemployed.
If you're under 19, already hold a GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) in the subject, or don't meet the provider's funding criteria, you'll usually need to pay course fees.
Costs vary by provider. For example, Barnsley College charges £500 for learners who aren't eligible for funding.
Contact your chosen provider directly to confirm fees and eligibility for financial support.
How do you add functional skills qualifications to your CV?
Include functional skills qualifications in the 'Education' section of your CV in the same way as your other qualifications.
For example:
- Functional Skills Mathematics Level 2
Pass, City & Guilds, 2026 - Functional Skills English Level 2
Pass, Pearson Edexcel, 2026
You should also highlight how you've applied these skills through:
- employment
- study
- volunteering
- work experience.
Employers are often interested not only in the qualification itself, but in how you use those skills in practice.
Find out more
- Explore the opportunities available through further education.
- Compare your post-16 options.