5th November 26
Functional Skills English Level 1 is a regulated English qualification that sits a step below a GCSE pass. It suits you if you need to show reading, writing and communication skills, or if an employer or training provider has asked for Level 1 specifically. Here's what it covers and how to take the exam.
What is Level 1 Functional Skills English?
Level 1 Functional Skills English tests your reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating skills in everyday situations. It's marked pass or fail, so you're working towards one clear target.
Level 1 is the middle step. Entry Level comes below it and Level 2 comes above, and our guide to Functional Skills levels shows how they fit together.
Who takes Level 1 English Functional Skills?
Level 1 English Functional Skills suits adults who want to show a solid foundation in English, and learners who've been asked for Level 1 by an employer, college or training provider. It can also be a stepping stone if you're building confidence.
If you've been asked for Level 1, check exactly what the requirement says. Some organisations ask for Level 2 instead.
What is Functional Skills Level 1 English equivalent to?
The government's list of qualification levels puts Level 1 Functional Skills at the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1, which are grades D to G on the old scale.
That means Level 1 isn't a GCSE pass. If you've been asked for a grade 4 or equivalent, you'll need Level 2. Our equivalence guide explains more.
How is Functional Skills Level 1 English assessed?
Functional Skills Level 1 English has three parts: reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating (SLC). Reading and writing are exams, and SLC is an assessment. Each part is marked pass or fail, and you can resit a part on its own.
You take your exam online from home. Our guide to pass marks and grades explains how marking works.
English Level 1 Functional Skills or Level 2?
English Level 1 Functional Skills is the right choice if Level 1 is exactly what you've been asked for. But for many people, Level 2 is the more useful qualification. It sits at the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4, and it's what employers and colleges most often ask for.
You don't have to do Level 1 first. Our Level 2 courses have no entry requirements, so you can start at Level 2 straight away if you feel ready. If you'd rather start at Level 1, that's fine too.
How to take your Level 1 exam with us
Our English Exam can be taken at Level 1 or Level 2, so it works for Functional Skills English Level 1. It includes your reading and writing exams and an SLC assessment, and it's taken online from home.
- Exams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- You'll need to allow at least four weeks' notice.
- You can expect your results and certification within six weeks of your final exam.
If you haven't studied yet, the exam works best once you've prepared. See our guide to Functional Skills English past papers and revision.
How to prepare for Functional Skills English Level 1
Preparing for Functional Skills English Level 1 is about regular practice. Read a little every day, write short pieces for different purposes, and practise speaking and listening in real conversations. Our guide to English papers and revision has tips for using sample papers.
Prefer to study first?
Our Level 2 courses include quizzes, a marked mock exam and tutor support.
- Functional Skills English Level 2 Including Exams includes your online exam.
- Functional Skills English Level 2 Excluding Exams is the course only.
If Functional Skills English Level 1 is your goal, you now know the route. Not sure which level you need? Take the career quiz, download your Functional Skills brochure, or speak to a course adviser on 01202 006 464. For the full picture, read about Functional Skills English.
