Functional Skills Level 2 (2024)

FAQs

Is functional skills level 2 easy to pass? ›

Functional skills are better suited to students who have failed in maths and English; however, that does not mean functional skills are easier. Just like GCSE and any other exams, you will still need to put in the hard work and revision.

Level 1 assessments are designed to have a pass mark in the range of 40-42 marks. Level 2 assessments are designed to have a pass mark in the range of 47-49 marks.

You'll have to make a new entry each time for Level 1 and 2. At Entry Level there are three sets of assessments per level for each subject. If a learner does not pass their assessment, they may sit the alternative test, providing there is a gap of at least 14 days.

It can take as little as 6 weeks to complete your Functional Skills Maths Level 2 course and pass the test. Much quicker than GCSE Maths, especially if you have to wait 6 months to sit your GCSE Maths exams. Are you trying to apply for a job, improve your career options or progress in education?

Resit process

If you fail your Functional Skills exams don't worry, a failed exam is not the end of the road! If you fail an exam, a subject specialist tutor will get in touch with you to offer support tailored to your individual needs. The next steps will consider: Areas of development found in the exam.

Level 2 – roughly equal to GCSE grades 4 and above in England and Wales, the old grade C or above in England and Wales, the current grade C or above in Northern Ireland or above National 4 in Scotland.

Yes, the majority of universities accept the level 2 qualification in English and maths as a GCSE equivalent that enables you to gain entry to courses such as nursing, midwifery and many more. Functional skills is the way to go if you need a level 2 GCSE maths or English equivalent.

The functional skills level 2 equivalent qualifications, are equivalent to GCSE grade C and level 4. Having a level 4 at GCSE or a functional skills level 2 is crucial for getting into University, completing an apprenticeship and applying to most jobs.

After carefully going through these statistics, it is very evident that many students are struggling to pass these examinations. Most of the time, it is seen that the students who are taking the Functional Skills exam for the second time after failing the first tend to fail again.

Is functional skills hard to pass? ›

Functional skills pass rates currently sit at around 75 per cent, down from 84 per cent before the pandemic and before the reformed qualifications were introduced.

While Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and Functional Skills English are simpler and quicker to complete, their recognition as C/4 GCSE grade equivalents does mean you will be required to meet a certain level of subject proficiency to pass the Functional Skills exam.

Functional Skills Levels

Functional Skills qualifications are available at Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2. As an approximate comparison, Entry Level 1 – 3 is below GCSE level, Level 1 is comparable to GCSE grades 1 – 3, and Level 2 is comparable to GCSE grade 4.

A Level 2 qualification in maths (usually either Functional Skills Level 2, GCSE grade 4/C or above or National 4/5) shows a good standard of maths and is required for many jobs. You'll need a Level 2 maths qualification for lots of apprenticeships, diplomas and other courses.

The Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications are equal to a GCSE level qualification. Employers and Universities also see them as this and will accept them as an equivalent. The average pass mark for a Functional Skills Level 2 exam is between 50% – 60%, this varies between paper to paper.