What GCSEs Do You Need To Be a Paramedic?
GCSE Requirements
Paramedicine Routes
Book GCSE Exam
Contact Us
What GCSEs do you need to be a paramedic?
To meet the entry requirements for paramedic training, you usually need Level 2 English and maths. This can be achieved through GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, or in some cases through Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths, although acceptance depends on the university or training provider.
The question remains: what GCSEs do you need to be a paramedic? In addition to English and maths, most paramedic science courses require GCSE science, often biology or combined science, at grade 4/C or above. Entry requirements can be more specific for paramedic routes than for nursing, so it’s important to check the criteria for your chosen university, apprenticeship, or paramedic science degree carefully.
If you’re unsure whether your current qualifications meet paramedic entry requirements, you can fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page. Our friendly team can help you understand your options and advise whether Functional Skills or GCSEs are the most appropriate route for progressing towards paramedic training.
Can I become a paramedic without GCSEs?
If you are hoping to move into paramedic training without GCSEs, there may still be alternative routes available. Paramedic courses typically require maths, English and science, with biology often being particularly important.
In place of full GCSEs, some universities and training providers may accept Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English as an alternative to GCSEs at grade 4/C. However, for paramedic science degrees, GCSE science is more commonly required, and Functional Skills are less likely to be accepted as a substitute for science subjects. Entry requirements can vary, so it is important to check the expectations of each provider carefully.
| Feature | GCSE | Functional Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted UK Wide Accepted UK Wide | ||
| Ofqual Regulated Ofqual Regulated | ||
| Suitable for Paramedicine Suitable for Paramedicine | ||
| Can Sit in May or Nov Can Sit in May or Nov | ||
| Can Sit All Year Round Can Sit All Year Round | ||
| Can Take Exam From Home Can Take Exam From Home | ||
| Results in 10 Working Days Results in 10 Working Days |
Why do you need GCSEs to become a paramedic?
GCSEs are required for most paramedic courses because they demonstrate that you have the essential literacy, numeracy and scientific understanding needed for the role. Maths and English are particularly important, as paramedics must communicate clearly with patients and colleagues, interpret written information accurately, and work confidently with numbers in fast-paced clinical situations.
Although entry requirements can vary, most universities and training providers ask for at least a grade 4/C or equivalent in Maths and English, and nearly all paramedic science courses require a Science GCSE, often biology or combined science. These subjects help show that you understand key scientific principles and can apply them in emergency and healthcare settings.
Alongside GCSE Maths, GCSE English and GCSE Science, you may also choose to study other GCSEs you enjoy. Subjects such as History, Geography or Psychology can be particularly helpful, as they develop analytical thinking, decision-making and written communication skills, which are valuable when completing coursework and assessments during a paramedic science degree.
What paramedicine routes can I take with GCSEs?
If you achieve GCSEs in maths, English and science, there are several routes into becoming a paramedic. You could progress through A levels, BTECs or T Levels before moving on to a paramedic science degree, or you may choose to enter the profession through a paramedic apprenticeship, which combines paid work with academic study.
Some of the paramedic and pre-hospital care careers that people with these GCSEs often go on to include:
How do I book my GCSE exams?
Book your Ofqual-regulated GCSE exams to support your route into paramedic training with our team at Pass GCSE. You can book online via our exam booking pages or complete the contact form at the bottom of the page, and our team will guide you through the process and confirm your booking during a follow-up call.
You can choose your preferred exam date, exam board and tier. What GCSEs do you need to be a paramedic include GCSE Maths and English exams which are available in May or November, while GCSE Science exams run in the May/June series each year, which is particularly important for learners planning to progress into paramedic science courses. Our pricing includes a full end-to-end service, covering exam entry, locating a local exam centre and issuing your certificate.
If you are planning to take Functional Skills exams instead of GCSEs, these can be booked through Pass Functional Skills. You can book directly online using the links below:
Speak to Our Experts
☎️Call us on
020 4574 9155
GCSE Paramedicine Support
💻Call us on
020 4574 9155
GCSEs to be a Paramedic Summary
Do I need GCSEs to become a paramedic?
Most paramedic science degrees and apprenticeships require GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above, or an accepted equivalent such as functional skills level 2. What GCSEs do you need to be a paramedic includes GCSE Science and often Biology or Combined Science, as paramedic training is science-heavy.
Are Functional Skills accepted for paramedic courses?
Some universities and training providers may accept Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English, but acceptance is more limited for paramedic routes than for some other healthcare careers. Functional Skills are rarely accepted as a replacement for GCSE Science, so it’s important to check entry requirements carefully.
What science GCSE do I need for paramedic training?
Most paramedic science courses ask for GCSE Biology or Combined Science at grade 4/C or above. This helps demonstrate your understanding of human biology and scientific concepts used in emergency care. You can complete fast track GCSEs if you have the time to commit to rigorous study, and a course deadline which is fast-approaching.
Can I become a paramedic through an apprenticeship?
Yes. You can train as a paramedic through a paramedic degree apprenticeship, which combines paid work with academic study. Entry requirements still usually include GCSE Maths, English and Science (or approved alternatives to GCSEs ).
What grade do I need in Maths and English for paramedic courses?
Most paramedic science degrees and apprenticeships require GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above, or an accepted equivalent. Some universities and training providers may accept Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English, but acceptance can vary, so it’s important to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen paramedic course.
Can Pass help me book my GCSE or Functional Skills exams?
Yes. Pass GCSE can support you with booking your GCSE exams, including exam entry and finding a local exam centre. If you’re taking Functional Skills, these can be booked online through Pass Functional Skills, with full support available throughout the process.
Get in Touch
Get in touch with one of our friendly team and they will discuss your options and help you to determine what qualifications and subjects are right for you.
-
Call 020 4574 9155
-
Or fill in the contact form