5th November 26
You can get maths and English certificates without going back to school. Functional Skills let you earn a recognised qualification online, at your own pace, and you book your exam when you're ready. Here's how to get your Functional Skills certificate, step by step.
How to get maths and English certificates with Functional Skills
How to get maths and English certificates depends on the route you choose. With Functional Skills, the path is clear. You learn, you pass an exam, and your awarding organisation issues your certificate. Ours is Training Qualifications UK (TQUK), and the Functional Skills it awards are regulated by Ofqual.
How to get Functional Skills certificate: six steps
- Choose your route. You can study a course with your exam included, a course on its own, or take just the exam if you've already done the learning.
- Complete your learning. You work through your modules and quizzes. You need 80% or more in your quizzes to move on.
- Take your mock exam. It's marked by a tutor, and it shows you what to revise before the real thing.
- Book your online exam. Contact our team and allow at least four weeks' notice. Exams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Sit your exam at home. You'll need a quiet room and the right equipment, and your exam is invigilated online.
- Receive your certificate. You can expect your certification within six weeks of your final exam.
One thing to know: all course fees, including any payment plan, must be settled in full before your certification can be ordered.
What is the Functional Skills Level 2 certificate worth?
A Functional Skills Level 2 certificate sits at the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4, according to the government's list of qualification levels. That's why many employers and colleges accept it where they ask for a grade 4. Our equivalence guide explains more.
Do I need to take English and Maths together?
No. English and Maths are separate qualifications, so you can take one or both. If you want to know how to get maths and English certificates in one go, our Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 Including Exams course covers both with the exams included.
How do I get my Functional Skills certificate if I've already studied?
How do I get my Functional Skills certificate if I learned somewhere else? You can take the exam on its own. Our English Exam and Maths Exam can each be taken at Level 1 or Level 2, and they include your registration and certification fees.
What you need for your online exam
Your exam is taken online from home and invigilated remotely. You'll need a laptop or desktop with a webcam and microphone (Windows or Mac, because Chromebooks can't be used), a stable internet connection, and a smartphone or tablet to record you and your assessment. You'll also need a quiet room where you won't be disturbed. The full requirements are on our exam pages.
What if you don't pass first time?
It happens, and you can try again. Our Functional Skills category includes resit options for learners who've already taken an exam with us. Our guide to pass marks and grades explains how marking works, and our tutor support helps you work out what to focus on.
Does a Functional Skills certificate expire?
No. Your Functional Skills certificate doesn't have an expiry date, so you only need to earn it once.
Prefer a GCSE?
If you'd rather get maths and English certificates through GCSEs, you can study online GCSEs with us too. Our guide to Functional Skills vs GCSE helps you decide.
Ready to get your certificate?
Our Level 2 courses have no entry requirements, so you can start from wherever you are. That's how to get maths and English certificates without waiting for a classroom start date.
- Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 Including Exams
- Functional Skills Maths Level 2 Including Exams
- Functional Skills English Level 2 Including Exams
Download your Functional Skills brochure below to compare your options, or speak to a course adviser on 01202 006 464.
