5th November 26
Wondering what the Functional Skills pass mark is? There isn't one number that applies to every paper, and that's worth understanding before you sit your exam. This page explains how marking works, why there are no grades, and what to do to give yourself the best chance.
What is the Functional Skills pass mark?
The Functional Skills pass mark isn't fixed. Awarding organisations set the pass mark for each version of an assessment, so it can differ from one paper to the next.
You can see this in practice. NCFE, a different awarding organisation from ours, publishes its pass boundaries as ranges. Its August 2023 version gives 53% for its Level 2 English Reading assessment, for example. We use TQUK, and the pass mark for your paper is set when that paper is awarded, so we can't give you one figure that always applies.
What is the Functional Skills Level 2 pass mark?
The Functional Skills Level 2 pass mark works the same way as it does at Level 1. It's set for each assessment version, and it reflects how demanding that particular paper is. The sensible approach is to score well above the pass mark in your practice, so a tougher paper doesn't catch you out.
Are there Functional Skills grades?
No. There are no Functional Skills grades like the 9 to 1 used for GCSEs. Functional Skills are marked pass or fail, so you either reach the pass mark or you don't.
That can feel like less pressure. You're not chasing a higher grade, you're working towards one clear target.
How are the papers structured?
Maths is one assessment in two sections, one without a calculator and one with, according to TQUK's factsheet. You pass the assessment overall.
English has three parts: reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating. You're marked on each part, and you can resit a part on its own if you need to.
What about Functional Skills pass rates?
Functional Skills pass rates differ between providers, awarding organisations and years. Be careful with any single figure unless it names its source, the year and how many people it covers. A high rate may reflect who enrolled as much as how well they were taught.
A better question is what support you'll get to reach a pass. On our courses, you work through quizzes, you need 80% or more to move on, and you take a marked mock exam with tutor feedback before the real thing.
How to give yourself the best chance of a pass
Whatever the Functional Skills pass mark turns out to be for your paper, these habits help:
- Practise under timed conditions so the real exam feels familiar. Our guide to past papers shows you how.
- Use your mock exam. It's the closest thing to the real assessment, and your tutor tells you what to focus on.
- Practise the non-calculator part of Maths on its own, because it's the part many people leave until last.
- Book your exam when you feel ready, and remember you'll need to allow at least four weeks' notice.
What if you don't reach the pass mark?
It's not the end. Our Functional Skills category includes resit options for learners who've already taken an exam with us, and English parts can be retaken individually. Your results and certification arrive within six weeks of your final exam, so you'll know where you stand.
Get ready with learndirect
You can add a mock exam or tutor time to practise with feedback, or choose a course that includes everything. See our mock exams and extra support, or look at Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 Including Exams.
Download your Functional Skills brochure below or speak to a course adviser on 01202 006 464.
