Is Functional Skills Level 2 Hard?

Functional Skills level 2 is set at the same standard as a GCSE grade 4 (C), but most adults find it more manageable than a GCSE. It tests practical, real-life maths and English rather than a two-year syllabus, there are no coursework or set exam dates, and you sit it online from home when you’re ready. With good preparation it is very passable: 93% of learners who complete the Pass Functional Skills course pass their exam.

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What makes Functional Skills level 2 feel hard?

• Word problems. Questions are set in everyday situations, so you need to work out which maths to use, not just do the sum.
• The non-calculator section. The maths exam starts with a section where you can’t use a calculator.
• Accuracy in writing. The English writing exam marks spelling, punctuation and grammar, so small errors add up.
• Time. Each exam is timed, so practising under timed conditions matters.

What’s in the Functional Skills maths level 2 exam?

The maths exam lasts two hours, with a non-calculator section and a calculator section. It covers three areas: using numbers, measures, shape and space, and handling data. Topics include fractions, decimals and percentages, ratio and proportion, area and volume, and mean, median, mode and range. The Functional Skills Maths Level 2 page has free revision for every topic.

What’s in the Functional Skills English level 2 exam?

English has three parts, and you need to pass all three: reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating (SLC). Reading and writing are an hour each, and SLC is a group discussion and presentation sat on a different day. The Functional Skills English Level 2 page has free revision for each part.

What is the pass mark?

Pass marks are set by each exam board and move slightly from paper to paper. For English reading and writing they generally sit between 50% and 65%. See the maths level 2 pass mark and English level 2 pass mark by exam board.

Is Functional Skills easier than GCSE?

Many learners find Functional Skills easier because the questions are practical and you can sit it as soon as you’re ready. It is still a level 2 qualification, so it needs proper preparation.

How to prepare

1. Find your level. Take the initial assessment on our online course to see which topics to focus on.
2. Revise topic by topic. Work through the topics you’re less confident with, using videos and practice questions.
3. Practise past papers. Use the free Functional Skills past papers for your exam board.
4. Take timed mock exams. Book your exam when you’re scoring comfortably above the pass mark.

Ready to book? Sit the Functional Skills maths level 2 exam or the Functional Skills English level 2 exam online from home, with results in as little as 2 working days.

FAQs

Is Functional Skills maths level 2 harder than English?

It depends on you. Learners who are confident with numbers usually find maths easier, and strong readers and writers find English easier. The initial assessment shows which needs more work.

How long does it take to prepare?

Most learners study for a few weeks to a few months. Our courses suggest about 50 hours of study, at your own pace.

Can I fail Functional Skills level 2?

Yes, but you can resit. See our guide to Functional Skills resits. The Premium Course Bundle includes a free resit.

Is Functional Skills level 2 equivalent to a GCSE?

Yes. Employers, colleges and most universities accept it as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (C). See what level 2 is equivalent to.

Written by

Pass Functional Skills Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.