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Functional Skills: what they are

Functional Skills are practical skills in English, maths and information and communications technology (ICT).

They are a set of qualifications available to all learners aged 14 and above.

Functional Skills are not just about knowledge in English, maths and ICT. They are also about knowing when and how to use the knowledge in real life situations.

Where and how you can take them

Functional Skills will involve taking separate tests which will give you a qualification if you pass them. They will also count towards other qualifications, including Diplomas and Apprenticeships.

They are widely available in England in schools, colleges, training providers and the workplace.

Taking Functional Skills as part of other qualifications

Functional Skills are part of the secondary curriculum. This means that all young people learn them.

Functional Skills are an integral part of:

• Apprenticeships
• Diplomas
• GCSEs
• The Foundation Learning Tier

• Apprenticeships

• Diplomas for 14 to 19 year olds

• GCSEs

• Find out more about Foundation Learning Opens new window

Taking Functional Skills on their own

You can also take Functional Skills qualifications as stand-alone qualifications.

• Skills for Life qualifications

• Key Skills qualifications

Choosing the right level of qualification

Functional Skills qualifications are available at Entry Level (1, 2 and 3) and Level 1 and Level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework and the Qualifications and Credit Framework.

The frameworks show how different types of qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.

• Qualifications: what the different levels mean

How you will be assessed

You will be assessed mainly by completing a set of practical tasks within a given time limit. The assessments can be paper based or may be online.

• Qualifications and exams: a guide for adult learners

• Taking exams: getting organised

More useful links

• 14 to 19: your life, your options

• Adult learning

• Find out more about Functional Skills Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulation

• Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)

• UK NARIC