Functional Skills Exam

Introduction

Functional skills exams are essential qualifications, designed to equip learners with practical skills in maths and English. These qualifications are accepted by employers and further education institutions. This article from MME will look at the exams offered by Pass Functional Skills, as well as their structure, importance and content. With exams run Monday-Saturday, Pass Functional Skills will help you find a time that works for you to sit your functional skills exam.

 

What are functional skills?

Functional skills are set of crucial skills that universities and employers see as crucial. These skills include problem solving, critical thinking and communication. Essentially, a functional skills qualification displays competency in the basic skills needed for education or the workplace.

Pass Functional Skills offer functional skills exams at 3 different levels: level 2, level 1 and entry level 3. The most common being the level 2 exam as this is the equivalent of a GCSE (at grade 4/C). The level 1 qualification is just below this (around a grade 2/3 or E/D), entry level 3 falls just below level 1.

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The Importance of Functional Skills

Employability

Functional skills are highly valued by employers. They show the necessary English and maths skills a person needs in the work place.

Further Education

Functional skills level 2 qualifications in English and maths can serve as an avenue to further education, like apprenticeships or university.

Daily Life

These skills are essential for managing daily tasks, such as budgeting, reading and writing effectively.

 

Exam Structure and Content

English

The English functional skills exam looks at ability in:

Reading: Understanding and analysing information from various texts.

Writing: Producing clear and coherent written communications for different purposes and audiences.

Speaking, listening and communication (SLC): Participating in discussions and presenting information effectively.

Both the reading and writing papers are sat online, where you are required to type up your answers. Instead of being a traditional exam paper, the SLC is a discussion within a group.

 

Maths

The maths functional skills exam covers:

Using numbers: Basic arithmetic, fractions, percentages and ratios.

Common measure, shape and space: Understanding measurements, geometry and spatial awareness.

Handling information and data: Interpreting and presenting data using charts, graphs and tables.

The exam usually includes both calculator and non-calculator sections, requiring learners to apply concepts to solve real life problems.

 

Conclusion

Finally, functional skills exams provide an accessible route for those seeking further education or new employment. Pass Functional Skills exams are sat online from the comfort of your own home, with an online invigilator. Click the link below to find out more about what is involved in a functional skills exam. Whether you are a student or an adult learner, gaining your qualification is a great first step to new opportunities.

Functional Skills Exam