4th November 26
How long does Functional Skills take? It depends on how much time you can give it, but most people finish quicker than they expect. This page shows a realistic timeline from your first lesson to your certificate, and how to fast track Functional Skills Level 2 if you're in a hurry.
How long does Functional Skills take?
TQUK, our awarding organisation, sets 55 guided learning hours for each level of Functional Skills, according to its factsheet. If you study for two hours a day, that's about four weeks of learning.
Your own time will depend on how confident you already feel, and how many hours you can fit in each week. Some learners need longer, and that's fine.
How long is a Functional Skills course?
How long is a Functional Skills course with us? You have up to 12 months to complete it, and you can study whenever suits you, with no term dates. Many learners finish well before then. If you need more time, you can extend your course once for up to six months.
How long does Functional Skills Level 2 take from start to finish?
The learning is only part of the timeline. How long is Functional Skills Level 2 in total, from first lesson to certificate? Here's what to plan for:
- Your learning: about four weeks at two hours a day, or longer if you study less often.
- Your mock exam: you work through quizzes, need 80% or more, then take a marked mock exam.
- Booking your exam: you'll need to allow at least four weeks' notice.
- Your results: you can expect your certification within six weeks of your final exam.
The four weeks' notice is the part people forget. Build it into your target date from the start.
How to fast track Functional Skills Level 2
If you want to fast track Functional Skills Level 2, a few habits make the biggest difference:
How long does Functional Skills Level 2 take if you study every day? About four weeks of learning, plus the exam notice and your results.
- Set a weekly schedule. Short, regular sessions work better than occasional long ones.
- Aim for 80% in your quizzes early. You need that to reach the mock exam.
- Take your mock exam sooner rather than later. It shows you exactly what to practise.
- Use your tutor. If something isn't clicking, ask. Tutor support is part of your course.
- Plan your exam date. Remember the notice period, and ask our team when to book.
If you've already studied, you can skip the course. Our English Exam and Maths Exam can each be taken at Level 1 or Level 2, and exams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How is Level 2 different from Level 1 for timing?
How long is Functional Skills Level 2 compared with Level 1? TQUK sets the same 55 guided learning hours for both. The difference is the level of the content, so Level 2 usually takes more practice to feel confident.
How long does Functional Skills Maths take?
How long does Functional Skills Maths take compared with English? Maths is one exam, so there's one booking and one set of results to plan for. English has three parts (reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating), so there's more to schedule. Our guides to Functional Skills Maths and Functional Skills English explain each.
Choose the fastest route for you
To fast track Functional Skills Level 2 without cutting corners, pick the route that removes the most steps.
- Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 Including Exams keeps your course and exam together, so there's one thing to organise.
- Functional Skills Maths Level 2 Including Exams and Functional Skills English Level 2 Including Exams cover one subject at a time.
Download your Functional Skills brochure to see every option, or speak to a course adviser on 01202 006 464. Not sure where to start? Take the career quiz.
