Functional Skills English Exam
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 11th August
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 11th August
Functional Skills English Exam
This Exam Package at a Glance
- Complete your Functional Skills English exam at home
- Includes reading and writing exams and an SLC assessment
- An essential final step to obtain your Functional Skills qualification
- Includes registration and certification fees
- Also includes an exam preparation course
- Exams available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- No need to travel to an exam centre
- Available for Level 1 and Level 2
About Your Exam Package
If you've already built your English skills, whether independently, through a previous course, or with another provider, and just need to complete your qualification, a Functional Skills English Exam gives you a faster, more practical route than resitting a GCSE. Unlike our other Functional Skills English options, which bundle learning materials together with your exam, this is the exam only: no course content, just the assessment itself, available at both Level 1 and Level 2.
That makes it the ideal choice if you've already covered the material elsewhere and simply need to book Functional Skills exam access to gain your qualification. You won't need to work through modules or assignments here, this option is purely for learners who are ready to sit their exam and want a flexible, remote way to do it.
If you're working towards Level 1 first, our Level 1 English writing exam papers cover the same core skills as Level 2, just at a foundation standard, giving you a manageable stepping stone before progressing further. Whether you need to sit the Functional Skills English Level 1 writing exam alone or alongside reading and SLC, this exam-only option lets you book exactly what you need.
learndirect is one of the only UK providers offering fully remote Functional Skills exams, sat using secure virtual classroom technology rather than at a physical exam centre. Your exam is regulated by Ofqual, so your certificate carries the same national recognition as sitting in person, wherever and whenever you choose to take it.
Who should choose this exam package?
This exam package is designed for you if:
- You've already completed a Functional Skills English course, whether with learndirect or another provider, and are ready to sit your exam
- You want to book Functional Skills exam access without paying for a full course you don't need
- You'd rather sit your exam from home than travel to and sit in a physical exam centre
- You're working towards Level 1 English as a stepping stone, or Level 2 as your main qualification
- You want the flexibility of booking your exam for a time that suits you, rather than a fixed centre-based date
What's included:
- Awarding organisation registration fees
- Certification fees
- One reading and one writing online exam, taken from home using our virtual classroom technology
- One Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC) assessment, taken remotely using virtual classroom technology
- Access to our exam preparation course, covering everything you need to know before sitting your exam
Exams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with Speaking, Listening and Communicating assessments held on Friday mornings. This flexibility puts you in control of when you complete this final step of your qualification, whether that's meeting a university entry requirement or building the confidence to tackle everyday reading and writing challenges.
*Please note that entry requirements differ between universities. It's always best to check with your chosen institution that your Functional Skills qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.
Modules
Functional Skills English Exam
Reading Exam
- Comprehension & Analysis: Test your ability to read for information, evaluate author opinions, and spot biased content.
- Layout Recognition: Demonstrate your understanding of different visual and structural layout features and their impact on the reader.
Writing Exam
- Practical Writing: Assess your ability to craft formatted communications, such as letters, newspaper articles, emails, and blogs.
- Technical Skills: Demonstrate accuracy in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC) Assessment
- Interactive Assessment: Complete a group assessment evaluating your real-world communication skills.
- Practical Application: Demonstrate effective speaking, listening, and practical interaction in daily scenarios.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this exam. All you need for your learning is access to a computer or tablet and an internet connection. If you wish to, you can complete your exam at one of our centres, however, this option gives you the opportunity to access the exam from home instead.
Equipment Requirements:
For you to sit a remotely invigilated assessment, you'll need the following equipment and environment:
- Laptop or desktop with a webcam and microphone (Windows or Mac; Chromebooks cannot be used)
- Wi-Fi connection (minimum 1Mbit/s upload, 10Mbit/s download)
- Smartphone or tablet (Apple iOS 8.0 or Android 4.1 or higher)
- A quiet test environment, away from distractions
Your laptop or desktop will run the assessment software, and your smartphone or tablet will be used to record you and the assessment. The assessment itself cannot be sat on a smartphone or tablet.
Laptop/desktop Requirements:
You'll need access to a laptop or desktop with the following set-up:
- Broadband speed: minimum 1Mbit/s upload (1.5Mbit/s recommended), minimum 10Mbit/s download. Tethering via a mobile phone is not supported; connecting your computer directly to your Wi-Fi router with an ethernet cable can help guarantee your connection. You can test your broadband speed at speedtest.net
- Operating system: Windows 8 or higher, or Mac OS X (latest or previous release). Chromebooks are not supported
- Web browser: the latest version of Google Chrome
- Webcam: maximum resolution of 1280 x 720
- Microphone and audio required
- Turn off any device updates if possible, and ensure your laptop or desktop is plugged in for the duration of the assessment
Note: laptops or devices intended for work purposes may have restricted access or admin rights installed, which can cause issues accessing the ProctorExam platform. We recommend using a personal laptop or device.
Mobile Devices:
You'll need a smartphone or tablet to download the ProctorExam app, available on the Google Play Store or App Store. Instructions for downloading the app will be provided during the system check once your assessment is booked.
Specifications for the app are:
- Android 4.1 or higher, or iOS 8.0 or higher
- Minimum video resolution of 800 x 600px
- A stable Wi-Fi connection, so you don't use your mobile data
- Ensure your mobile device can be plugged in for the duration of your assessment
Please note that the Google Pixel series of phones is currently unsupported due to issues with blurring within the ProctorExam application.
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans, must be settled in full before certification can be ordered. You'll have access to the course for 12 months.
Once you're ready to book Functional Skills exam access, contact exams@learndirect.com. Please allow at least four weeks' notice, whether you're arranging Functional Skills English Level 2 exam booking or booking at Level 1.
Exams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with Speaking, Listening and Communicating assessments held on Friday mornings.
You must have a quiet room where you won't be disturbed; we'll invigilate your exam using our virtual classroom technology. All instalment plans must be paid in full before your exam can be booked.
TQUK
For our functional skills qualifications and certification we work with TQUK.
Established in 2013, Training Qualifications UK are one of the most forward-thinking and agile Awarding Organisations in the UK. They work closely with both employers and providers to ensure learners receive qualifications that have impact in the workplace and help learners succeed in all walks of life.
Career
A Functional Skills English Exam can help you develop your career or access a job you've always wanted. Many employers now look for a Level 2 qualification in English before considering a candidate, so gaining this qualification could give you the boost you need against other applicants.
English is also genuinely useful for day-to-day life, from writing a letter of complaint to sending a confident, well-written email, or holding your own in a group conversation.
It's also valuable if you want to help your children with their homework, and can even give you the skills you need to get into university: many universities set an entry requirement of a Level 2 in English, so gaining this qualification could be your route to studying your degree. It's always worth checking with the university that they accept Functional Skills English before starting your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 11th August
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 11th August
Functional Skills English Exam
This Exam Package at a Glance
- Complete your Functional Skills English exam at home
- Includes reading and writing exams and an SLC assessment
- An essential final step to obtain your Functional Skills qualification
- Includes registration and certification fees
- Also includes an exam preparation course
- Exams available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- No need to travel to an exam centre
- Available for Level 1 and Level 2
About Your Exam Package
If you've already built your English skills, whether independently, through a previous course, or with another provider, and just need to complete your qualification, a Functional Skills English Exam gives you a faster, more practical route than resitting a GCSE. Unlike our other Functional Skills English options, which bundle learning materials together with your exam, this is the exam only: no course content, just the assessment itself, available at both Level 1 and Level 2.
That makes it the ideal choice if you've already covered the material elsewhere and simply need to book Functional Skills exam access to gain your qualification. You won't need to work through modules or assignments here, this option is purely for learners who are ready to sit their exam and want a flexible, remote way to do it.
If you're working towards Level 1 first, our Level 1 English writing exam papers cover the same core skills as Level 2, just at a foundation standard, giving you a manageable stepping stone before progressing further. Whether you need to sit the Functional Skills English Level 1 writing exam alone or alongside reading and SLC, this exam-only option lets you book exactly what you need.
learndirect is one of the only UK providers offering fully remote Functional Skills exams, sat using secure virtual classroom technology rather than at a physical exam centre. Your exam is regulated by Ofqual, so your certificate carries the same national recognition as sitting in person, wherever and whenever you choose to take it.
Who should choose this exam package?
This exam package is designed for you if:
- You've already completed a Functional Skills English course, whether with learndirect or another provider, and are ready to sit your exam
- You want to book Functional Skills exam access without paying for a full course you don't need
- You'd rather sit your exam from home than travel to and sit in a physical exam centre
- You're working towards Level 1 English as a stepping stone, or Level 2 as your main qualification
- You want the flexibility of booking your exam for a time that suits you, rather than a fixed centre-based date
What's included:
- Awarding organisation registration fees
- Certification fees
- One reading and one writing online exam, taken from home using our virtual classroom technology
- One Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC) assessment, taken remotely using virtual classroom technology
- Access to our exam preparation course, covering everything you need to know before sitting your exam
Exams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with Speaking, Listening and Communicating assessments held on Friday mornings. This flexibility puts you in control of when you complete this final step of your qualification, whether that's meeting a university entry requirement or building the confidence to tackle everyday reading and writing challenges.
*Please note that entry requirements differ between universities. It's always best to check with your chosen institution that your Functional Skills qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.
Modules
Functional Skills English Exam
Reading Exam
- Comprehension & Analysis: Test your ability to read for information, evaluate author opinions, and spot biased content.
- Layout Recognition: Demonstrate your understanding of different visual and structural layout features and their impact on the reader.
Writing Exam
- Practical Writing: Assess your ability to craft formatted communications, such as letters, newspaper articles, emails, and blogs.
- Technical Skills: Demonstrate accuracy in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC) Assessment
- Interactive Assessment: Complete a group assessment evaluating your real-world communication skills.
- Practical Application: Demonstrate effective speaking, listening, and practical interaction in daily scenarios.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this exam. All you need for your learning is access to a computer or tablet and an internet connection. If you wish to, you can complete your exam at one of our centres, however, this option gives you the opportunity to access the exam from home instead.
Equipment Requirements:
For you to sit a remotely invigilated assessment, you'll need the following equipment and environment:
- Laptop or desktop with a webcam and microphone (Windows or Mac; Chromebooks cannot be used)
- Wi-Fi connection (minimum 1Mbit/s upload, 10Mbit/s download)
- Smartphone or tablet (Apple iOS 8.0 or Android 4.1 or higher)
- A quiet test environment, away from distractions
Your laptop or desktop will run the assessment software, and your smartphone or tablet will be used to record you and the assessment. The assessment itself cannot be sat on a smartphone or tablet.
Laptop/desktop Requirements:
You'll need access to a laptop or desktop with the following set-up:
- Broadband speed: minimum 1Mbit/s upload (1.5Mbit/s recommended), minimum 10Mbit/s download. Tethering via a mobile phone is not supported; connecting your computer directly to your Wi-Fi router with an ethernet cable can help guarantee your connection. You can test your broadband speed at speedtest.net
- Operating system: Windows 8 or higher, or Mac OS X (latest or previous release). Chromebooks are not supported
- Web browser: the latest version of Google Chrome
- Webcam: maximum resolution of 1280 x 720
- Microphone and audio required
- Turn off any device updates if possible, and ensure your laptop or desktop is plugged in for the duration of the assessment
Note: laptops or devices intended for work purposes may have restricted access or admin rights installed, which can cause issues accessing the ProctorExam platform. We recommend using a personal laptop or device.
Mobile Devices:
You'll need a smartphone or tablet to download the ProctorExam app, available on the Google Play Store or App Store. Instructions for downloading the app will be provided during the system check once your assessment is booked.
Specifications for the app are:
- Android 4.1 or higher, or iOS 8.0 or higher
- Minimum video resolution of 800 x 600px
- A stable Wi-Fi connection, so you don't use your mobile data
- Ensure your mobile device can be plugged in for the duration of your assessment
Please note that the Google Pixel series of phones is currently unsupported due to issues with blurring within the ProctorExam application.
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans, must be settled in full before certification can be ordered. You'll have access to the course for 12 months.
Assessment
Once you're ready to book Functional Skills exam access, contact exams@learndirect.com. Please allow at least four weeks' notice, whether you're arranging Functional Skills English Level 2 exam booking or booking at Level 1.
Exams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with Speaking, Listening and Communicating assessments held on Friday mornings.
You must have a quiet room where you won't be disturbed; we'll invigilate your exam using our virtual classroom technology. All instalment plans must be paid in full before your exam can be booked.
Qualifications
TQUK
For our functional skills qualifications and certification we work with TQUK.
Established in 2013, Training Qualifications UK are one of the most forward-thinking and agile Awarding Organisations in the UK. They work closely with both employers and providers to ensure learners receive qualifications that have impact in the workplace and help learners succeed in all walks of life.
Career
A Functional Skills English Exam can help you develop your career or access a job you've always wanted. Many employers now look for a Level 2 qualification in English before considering a candidate, so gaining this qualification could give you the boost you need against other applicants.
English is also genuinely useful for day-to-day life, from writing a letter of complaint to sending a confident, well-written email, or holding your own in a group conversation.
It's also valuable if you want to help your children with their homework, and can even give you the skills you need to get into university: many universities set an entry requirement of a Level 2 in English, so gaining this qualification could be your route to studying your degree. It's always worth checking with the university that they accept Functional Skills English before starting your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
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