Course Overview
Build on your current knowledge and skills and learn to use maths with confidence with Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 2.
Our interactive Functional Skills Maths online courses help you to fill gaps in your qualifications and provide vital skills that will help you progress in your career.
Functional Skills qualifications will boost your confidence in maths and open doors to a wide range of jobs — whether you finished your studies recently or you’ve not studied maths since you left school.
Our Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2 Maths course is ideal if you are:
- currently in an apprenticeship programme
- looking to study at your own pace with frequent assessments
- need to boost your skills in order to feel more confident in solving maths problems in your day-to-day life – whether household budgeting, adding up your grocery list, or calculating how much wallpaper you will need to redecorate your home.
Sometimes accepted as an alternative to a GCSE, this interactive online Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 2 course will set you on the right track.
Our innovative Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 2 online course put maths into real-life contexts, aiding you in your understanding of the world around you and the skills you need for your personal and professional lives.
By studying Functional Skills Maths, you will be starting from the beginning and will be able to see your skills increase over time. Level 1 will take you through numbers, measures, shapes and handling data. Level 2 will expand your knowledge to include fractions, decimals, three-dimensional shapes and more advanced ways of handling and interpreting data.
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Interactive course
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Dedicated tutor support
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Develop your skills
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Which Functional Skills level is right for you?
This page is for Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2, providing you with six tutor-marked assignments.
We also offer Functional Skills Maths Level 2 only.
If you would rather study for Functional Skills Maths Level 2 only and do not need the Level 1 assignments, please visit the Level 2 course page.
Functional Skills Level 2 Maths at a glance
Our Functional Skills Maths Level 2 online course is an alternative to a GCSE at Grade 4.
TQUK
Qualification number 610/2624/4 (Level 2)
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 12 months from your date of enrolment.
The assessment is taken online via TQUK’s secure platform and consists of two externally assessed sections:
Section A – Non-calculator
Duration: 30 minutes
Weighting: 25% of the overall grade
Section B – Calculator
Duration: 90 minutes
Weighting: 75% of the overall grade
Results are typically available within six working days of completing the assessment.
4 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final externally set assessment.
Tutor marked past paper so you can practise before the exam.
NEC offers an exam pass guarantee – for this to be applicable to your final externally set assessment, you must pass the past paper provided as part of your course before sitting the external assessment.
There are no essential set texts, as all of the information you need to succeed in the course is included in the course materials.
However, as an additional resource, you might find the following texts useful:
- CGP Functional Skills Maths Edexcel – Level 1: ISBN 978 1 78908 391 0
- CGP Functional Skills Maths Edexcel – Level 2: ISBN 978 1 78908 393 4
Each book contains a code allowing the learner to access the online version.
These texts summarise the specification content and provide practice questions and a practice paper for each level.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Minimum age 13
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 55* study hours, plus assignment time.
* The specification suggests that 55 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
You will need some basic mathematical equipment in order to study the course, both during the studies and in the exams.These include:
- A good calculator with a broad range of functions, for example a π button
- A ruler
- A protractor for measuring angles
- A set of compasses for drawing circles.
TQUK
Qualification number 610/2624/4 (Level 2)
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 55* study hours, plus assignment time.
* The specification suggests that 55 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
There are no essential set texts, as all of the information you need to succeed in the course is included in the course materials.
However, as an additional resource, you might find the following texts useful:
- CGP Functional Skills Maths Edexcel – Level 1: ISBN 978 1 78908 391 0
- CGP Functional Skills Maths Edexcel – Level 2: ISBN 978 1 78908 393 4
Each book contains a code allowing the learner to access the online version.
These texts summarise the specification content and provide practice questions and a practice paper for each level.
The assessment is taken online via TQUK’s secure platform and consists of two externally assessed sections:
Section A – Non-calculator
Duration: 30 minutes
Weighting: 25% of the overall grade
Section B – Calculator
Duration: 90 minutes
Weighting: 75% of the overall grade
Results are typically available within six working days of completing the assessment.
4 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final externally set assessment.
Tutor marked past paper so you can practise before the exam.
NEC offers an exam pass guarantee – for this to be applicable to your final externally set assessment, you must pass the past paper provided as part of your course before sitting the external assessment.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 12 months from your date of enrolment.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
You will need some basic mathematical equipment in order to study the course, both during the studies and in the exams.These include:
- A good calculator with a broad range of functions, for example a π button
- A ruler
- A protractor for measuring angles
- A set of compasses for drawing circles.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Minimum age 13
TQUK
Qualification number 610/2624/4 (Level 2)
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 12 months from your date of enrolment.
The assessment is taken online via TQUK’s secure platform and consists of two externally assessed sections:
Section A – Non-calculator
Duration: 30 minutes
Weighting: 25% of the overall grade
Section B – Calculator
Duration: 90 minutes
Weighting: 75% of the overall grade
Results are typically available within six working days of completing the assessment.
4 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final externally set assessment.
Tutor marked past paper so you can practise before the exam.
NEC offers an exam pass guarantee – for this to be applicable to your final externally set assessment, you must pass the past paper provided as part of your course before sitting the external assessment.
There are no essential set texts, as all of the information you need to succeed in the course is included in the course materials.
However, as an additional resource, you might find the following texts useful:
- CGP Functional Skills Maths Edexcel – Level 1: ISBN 978 1 78908 391 0
- CGP Functional Skills Maths Edexcel – Level 2: ISBN 978 1 78908 393 4
Each book contains a code allowing the learner to access the online version.
These texts summarise the specification content and provide practice questions and a practice paper for each level.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Minimum age 13
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 55* study hours, plus assignment time.
* The specification suggests that 55 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
You will need some basic mathematical equipment in order to study the course, both during the studies and in the exams.These include:
- A good calculator with a broad range of functions, for example a π button
- A ruler
- A protractor for measuring angles
- A set of compasses for drawing circles.
Why study Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2 Maths
Future opportunities
- Continuing to further studies such as GCSE, A level or a vocational course.
- Build skills that are transferable to many other subjects.
- Progressing in your career – Functional Skills Level 2 can act as an alternative to a GCSEs at Grade 4.
Your common questions and concerns answered about Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 2
Frequently asked questions
You can enrol in Level 2, or a combined course covering both levels 1 and level 2. Enrolling on the combined option grants access to all Level 1 materials to refresh fundamental topics before progressing to Level 2. Initial diagnostic guidance ensures learners study at the correct difficulty.
You will need a 30cm ruler, protractor, drawing compass, pen, pencil, and eraser. For the calculator section, you must supply a basic, non-scientific calculator powered by battery or solar energy. Specialised software or scientific functions are strictly prohibited during exams.
The single-component exam lasts two hours in total and contains two sections taken in one continuous sitting. Section A is a 30-minute non-calculator test worth 25% of overall marks. Section B is a 90-minute calculator test making up the remaining 75%.
Courses include tutor-marked assignments and a full practice past paper. Qualified teacher tutors mark submissions delivering constructive feedback. This process reinforces real-world problem-solving across numbers, measures, shapes, and data handling.
Assessments feature real-life scenarios like budgeting, calculating dimensions, or interpreting data tables. Exactly 75% of total exam marks evaluate applied problem-solving and decision-making. The remaining 25% measures core underpinning mathematical procedures.
External exams are delivered online using TQUK’s secure assessment platform. Remote invigilation allows flexible test scheduling on dates and times that fit your personal schedule. NEC ensures guaranteed assessment access through approved testing systems.
With you every step of the way
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor for up to 12 months from the date of enrolment.
All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2 alternatives…
Do you need to develop your English and maths skills but not sure what courses to take. Here are some alternatives.
Maths GCSE
Become better equipped when it comes to problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical and interpretative skills, and learn the importance of maths in society, employment and study.
Pre-GCSE Introduction to Maths
If you are keen to brush up your numeracy skills, this online course is a flexible route to confidence with maths and a new level of mathematical ability.
Functional Skills English Levels 1 and 2
Fill gaps in your qualifications and open doors to a wide range of job areas. Our Functional Skills courses are designed to give you the skills you need to succeed.
English Language GCSE
Develop your confidence and competence in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English. This internationally-recognised GCSE qualification, is vital for further studies and your future career.
Help when you need it
Additional support for under 18s
We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.
Affordable study
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
MONTHLY INSTALMENTS
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £395 (excl. registration fee) |
| Deposit | £39.50 |
| Amount of credit | £335.50 |
| Monthly payment | £29.63 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £395 (excl. registration fee) |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Got a question?
Talk to one of our course advisors
Unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
