Get the GCSE equivalent you need without waiting for the next GCSE exam window. Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English are Ofqual-regulated, equivalent to a GCSE grade 4/C and accepted by many universities, employers and apprenticeship providers as a GCSE maths equivalent or GCSE English equivalent.
Take your exam online from home, with flexible booking 7 days a week and results in as little as 2 working days.
Not sure which GCSE equivalent is right for you? Get free expert advice in one quick call.
Excellent · 4.7 out of 5Based on 1,027 reviews on Trustpilot*Based on maths level 2 pass rates using data from the largest exam provider, Pearson for 2023/2024 vs data taken from 5399 Pass Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam sittings
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Functional Skills are practical, real-world qualifications in maths and English, and the most popular GCSE equivalent. A Level 2 pass is regulated by Ofqual and equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 - the old grade C, and the standard most universities, employers and apprenticeships ask for. The difference is how you get there.
Results can take up to 16 working days during exam board standardisation periods.
NHS England
Avon & Somerset Police
Bournemouth University
City & Guilds
Open Awards
Accenture
Ford
SiemensHere are some of the situations where a Functional Skills GCSE equivalent makes more sense than resitting a GCSE.
A course, job or apprenticeship is starting soon and you need your grade 4 in time.
GCSE exams only run in the summer or November, and results take months.
Getting to an exam hall on a set date and time doesn't fit around your life.
Long GCSE papers and exam halls aren't where you do your best.
Level 2 Functional Skills is a government requirement for apprenticeships at Level 3 and above.
Most universities, many police forces, the Army and many employers accept Functional Skills Level 2 as a GCSE equivalent.
A few routes ask for GCSEs specifically, such as some competitive degrees like medicine and dentistry, and some teacher training providers. Always check the entry requirements for your course or role before you book.
Most learners take the course to prepare, then sit their Ofqual-regulated GCSE equivalent exam with us - all in one place. Here's how it fits together.
Our market-leading online course plus your Ofqual-regulated Level 2 exam, bundled together. The complete route from “I need maths/English” to a certificate in your hand.
100% online, around 50 hours, available 24/7. Start by taking a free Subject Knowledge Assessment that builds a personal learning plan focused on exactly what you need.
Book your exam with as little as one day's notice and sit it online from home. Choose the invigilation style that suits you.
Our advisors speak to hundreds of learners every week across every career path. One quick call and we'll tell you exactly what you need - completely free.
Call us or fill in the form. Tell us your career path and any requirements you've been given.
A specialist talks you through your options and the right qualification for your goal.
Access our online course and free revision materials. 93% pass when they complete the course.
Sit your online exam, get results in days, and take the next step in your career.
We've helped thousands of people across every profession get their GCSE equivalent at Level 2. Here are just some of the careers we support.
Don't see your career? Our specialists cover every profession.
Ask a specialist →We had tremendous support for Functional Skills Maths . The past exam papers and booklets were all really useful. The fact that you can take the exam in your own home is also a strong plus for those who get anxious under exam conditions. I would definitely recommend it!Read on Trustpilot →
I’ve been thinking about gaining my Functional Skills Level 2 for a while- I’ve coped for many years without it, successfully gaining a degree, PGCE, MA and nearing completion of a PhD- but not having my Maths has still held me back with my confidence and professional development. Tom was super helpful and supportive, talked everything through with me and answered all my questions clearly (on a Sunday!). His professionalism and support has already made me feel more confident about starting and completing something I’ve avoided for years! Gold star for Tom, please.Read on Trustpilot →
Just booked my level 2 functional English with them . George was really very helpful.I will book math later . Thank you.Read on Trustpilot →
After failing one of my functional skills exams with distance learning very recently, I found the courage to enquire with pass functional skills. I was directed to William who has been very supportive throughout the whole process. Everything has been explained in detail and without any problems. I have successfully managed to book a course and exam bundle today with William. Thank you very much.Read on Trustpilot →
Excellent, efficient and helpful , passed first time !!!Read on Trustpilot →
Made passing functional skills really easy. This was amazing for me as I was able to go onto my college course.Read on Trustpilot →
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The UK's #1 Functional Skills service - built for adult learners who need a clear answer and a fast result.
Yes. Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English are Ofqual-regulated qualifications at the same level as a GCSE grade 4 - the old grade C. The difference is how you get there: around 50 hours of study instead of a 2-year course, an exam you can sit from home all year round, and a pass or fail result instead of a 9 to 1 grade.
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 is the most popular GCSE maths equivalent, recognised as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4/C. It covers number, measures, shape and space, and handling data, using practical, real-life problems such as budgeting, planning and converting units.
You sit one exam online from home with an invigilator, and can get your results in as little as 2 working days.
Functional Skills English Level 2 is the most popular GCSE English equivalent, recognised as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4/C. It has three parts: reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating, all based on everyday situations at work and in daily life.
Like maths, you can take it online from home, any day of the week.
Yes, most universities, employers and apprenticeship providers accept Functional Skills Level 2 as a GCSE equivalent, including many nursing, midwifery and paramedic degrees, police forces and the armed forces. It's also the Level 2 maths and English required for apprenticeships at Level 3 and above.
A few routes ask for GCSEs specifically, such as some competitive degrees like medicine and dentistry, and teacher training, which usually asks for a GCSE or an equivalency test. Always check the entry requirements for your course or role - or ask us and we'll check for you.
No. A GCSE equivalency test is a GCSE-style exam, following the GCSE curriculum, that providers accept in place of a GCSE - most often for teacher training and nursing. Tests are available in maths, English and science.
Functional Skills Level 2 is an Ofqual-regulated qualification in its own right, with a more practical focus. If you're applying for teacher training or need a science GCSE, an equivalency test is usually the better fit. For most jobs, apprenticeships and university courses, Functional Skills Level 2 is the faster route.
The main alternatives to resitting a GCSE are Functional Skills Level 2, GCSE equivalency tests and online International GCSEs. Functional Skills Level 2 is the most popular: practical maths and English, around 50 hours of study, and exams all year round from home. Equivalency tests are GCSE-style exams often needed for teacher training and nursing. An online International GCSE is graded 9 to 1 like a GCSE and sat from home in the summer or November exam series.
Compare them in our guide to the alternatives to GCSEs.
One quick conversation with our specialist team is all it takes. Tell us what you need your GCSE equivalent for, and we'll talk you through your options - and the fastest way to get it.
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