Modules

Functional Skills maths includes sections on:

• Using numbers – This section covers everything from whole numbers to fractions, decimals and percentages . You’ll look at how to solve real problems using these skills, including making decisions about purchases, using ratios in recipes and in work or working out whether your bills are correct. All of the number skills you look at will be tested by quizzes at the end of each section, ensuring that you are ready to sit your final exam.

• Understanding measure, shape and space – This section contains a wide range of topics from area and distance to time, speed and temperature. You’ll look at how to solve problems involving time to plan your day-to-day or work life, and how to use your understanding of shape and area to do anything from read a map to plan a house renovation. Our quizzes will check that you’re able to use these skills in different situations, making sure that you’re ready for your final exam.

• Handling data – This section looks at working with information. You’ll look at how to summarise and present information that you’ve found, and how to understand information that other people are sharing with you. You’ll also look at probability and how likely certain things are to happen. You’ll learn how to spot patterns and see how even data and statistics can be biased. Our quizzes on topics such as averages, probability and interpreting charts and graphs will help you to make sure you’re ready for your final exam.

Requirements

Great news! There are no entry requirements for the course. All you need for your learning is access to a computer or tablet and an internet connection. For your exam, you can attend one of our centres, or you can access the exam from home.

Equipment requirements:

For you to sit a remotely invigilated assessment, you’ll need the following equipment/environment:

• Laptop/desktop with webcam and microphone (Microsoft Windows or a Mac, Chromebooks cannot be used)

• Wi-Fi connection (Min 1Mbit/s upload | Min 10Mbit/s download)

• Smartphone or tablet (Apple iOS 8.0 / Android 4.1 or higher)

• Suitable test environment (quiet room with no distractions).

Your laptop/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 to have access to a laptop/desktop that has the following set up:

• Broadband speed/bandwidth: - Minimum 1Mbit/s upload speed - recommended upload speed is 1.5Mbit/s - Minimum 10Mbit/s download speed - Tethering via a mobile phone is not supported. Tip: You could try connecting your computer directly to your Wi-Fi router using an ethernet cable to improve and/or guarantee your connection. You can test your broadband speed/bandwidth here: https://www.speedtest.net/  The operating systems supported are Windows 8 or higher, and MAC OS X (latest and previous releases). Chromebooks are not supported therefore shouldn’t be used.

 • Wi-Fi connection – you should be positioned where the signal is strongest

• Web browser – you’ll need the latest version of Google Chrome

• Webcam required – maximum resolution of 1280 x 720

• Microphone required

• Audio required

• If possible, turn off any updates on devices

• Ensure that your laptop/desktop is plugged in for the duration of the assessment

Note: Attempting to use a laptop or device that is intended for work purposes may have restricted access and admin rights installed. This may cause issues when trying to access the ProctorExam platform and therefore it is recommended that you use a personal laptop or device.

Mobile devices:

You’ll need a smartphone or tablet on which you’ll need to download the ProctorExam app. You can download the app by accessing the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the App Store (iOS (Apple) devices) and searching for ProctorExam. Our instructions for downloading the app will be provided during the system check process once your assessment is booked. Specifications for downloading and running the app are:

• Android 4.1 or higher / iOS (Apple) 8.0 or higher

• Video resolution must be minimum 800 x 600 px

• Ensure you can connect to Wi-Fi – so you don’t use up your data

• Ensure your mobile device can be plugged in for the duration of your assessment.

Please note that the Google Pixel series of phones are currently unsupported due to issues with blurring within the ProctorExam application.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed throughout your learning by our online quizzes. If you achieve 80% or more in our quizzes, you’re ready to take a mock exam. One marked mock exam is included in this package. 

The Functional Skills Mathematics exam includes one exam which tests your ability to utilise mathematics skills to solve problems involving the following areas:

• Using numbers – This section covers everything from whole numbers to fractions, decimals and percentages. You’ll display your ability to solve real problems using these skills, including making decisions about purchases, using ratios in recipes and in work or working out whether your bills are correct.
• Understanding measure, shape and space – This section contains a wide range of topics from area and distance to time, speed and temperature. You’ll show how you can solve problems involving time to plan your day-to-day or work life, and your understanding of shape and area to do anything from read a map to plan a house renovation.
• Handling data – This section looks at working with information. In your exam you’ll summarise and present information that you’ve found and show that you understand information that other people are sharing with you. You’ll also display your skills with probability and how to spot patterns and explain how data and statistics can be biased.

Once you’re ready to book your exam, please contact exams@learndirect.com.

Part of the exam allows the use of a non-scientific calculator.

All instalment plans must be paid and up to date before an exam can be booked. In addition, exams cannot be booked for dates before the final payment is successfully made. For example, if two monthly payments are due in the future, an exam can be booked, but the exam date will be after the final payment is received.

Qualifications

NCFE

For our functional skills qualifications and certification we work with NCFE.

NCFE is a national Awarding Organisation, passionate about designing, developing and certificating diverse, nationally recognised qualifications and awards. These qualifications contribute to the success of millions of learners at all levels, bringing them closer to fulfilling their personal goals. Last year alone, over 340,000 learners from over 2,000 colleges, schools and training organisations chose NCFE as the Awarding Organisation to help them move their careers forward.

NCFE is a registered educational charity and has a strong heritage in learning, going back over 150 years. With a buzz that sets it apart, NCFE is proud to be recognised for its exceptional customer service and friendly approach. We're a values based company and our values are at the heart of everything we do.

NCFE’s extensive product catalogue includes a wide range of general and vocationally related qualifications in a variety of subject areas, as well as Competence Based qualifications/NVQs, and Functional Skills qualifications.

NCFE is recognised as an Awarding Organisation by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Welsh Government in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA Regulation) in Northern Ireland.

Functional Skills maths can help you to develop your career or even to find that job you’ve always wanted. Many employers now look for a level 2 qualification in maths before they consider hiring a candidate for a job. Gaining this qualification could be just what you need to give you that boost against the other people applying for the position.

Maths is also really beneficial for your day to day life skills. You can make sure your phone bill is correct, work out discounts to make sure you get the best deal. You could even plan renovations to your house!

Functional Skills maths is also great if you want to help your children with their homework, you’ll learn how to help them get the right answer.

Functional Skills maths can even give you the skills you need to go to university. Many universities now have an entry requirement of a level 2 in maths, gaining this could be your ticket to studying your degree. You need to check with the university that they accept Functional Skills maths before starting your course.