Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2
Functional Skills courses in English and maths build on your current knowledge and skills to boost your confidence and your career prospects.
Designed by experts our innovative interactive Functional Skills online courses will help you on your way to that career change, apprenticeship, university course, new job, or confidence boost that you are seeking.
Our online interactive Functional Skills courses follow TQUK specifications.
There are four courses available:
- Functional Skills English Level 2
- Functional Skills Maths Level 2
- Functional Skills English Level 1 and Level 2
- Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 2
Each level takes a recommended 55 hours or learning. You’ll be able to work at your own pace and have 1-2-1 tutor support for up to 12 months. Minimum age 13.
Assessment is on-demand.
Find out more about the courses.
Level 1 and Level 2
Functional Skills Courses
Functional Skills English Level 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.
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.
Functional Skills Maths Level 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.
Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 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.
Functional Skills or GCSEs — which qualification is right for me?
Take a look at the information below to help you make your choice.
Alternatively, speak to our expert Course Advice Team.
Functional Skills compared to GCSEs at a glance
Why should I choose?
- A practical route to developing maths and English skills, focused on developing and using these skills.
- A good choice if you plan a career in childcare or early years or to go on to an apprenticeship programme.
Level
- Level 1 (standalone qualification)
- Level 2 (standalone qualification)
Hours of study
- Approximately 55 hours per level
Assessment
- Assessments can be taken throughout the year.
- You will demonstrate your skills through a series of assessments in real-life scenarios.
- English has a speaking and listening assessment.
Grades
- Pass or fail.
- A pass at Level 2 can be seen as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.
Why should I choose?
- A more academic route, offering a wider breadth of content than Functional Skills qualifications and more suited if you plan to go on to Level 3 qualifications like A levels and on to university.
Level
- Level 2
Hours of study
- Approximately 120-150 per subject
Assessment
- GCSE Maths – three exams
- GCSE English Language – two exams and a spoken language endorsement.
- Exams are taken in June.
Grades
- Maths Foundation – Grade 1 to 5
- Maths Higher – Grade 4-9
- English – Grade 1-9
Why should I choose?
- A practical route to developing maths and English skills, focused on developing and using these skills.
- A good choice if you plan a career in childcare or early years or to go on to an apprenticeship programme.
Level
- Level 1 (standalone qualification)
- Level 2 (standalone qualification)
Hours of study
- Approximately 55 hours per level
Assessment
- Assessments can be taken throughout the year.
- You will demonstrate your skills through a series of assessments in real-life scenarios.
- English has a speaking and listening assessment.
Grades
- Pass or fail.
- A pass at Level 2 can be seen as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.
Why should I choose?
- A more academic route, offering a wider breadth of content than Functional Skills qualifications and more suited if you plan to go on to Level 3 qualifications like A levels and on to university.
Level
- Level 2
Hours of study
- Approximately 120-150 per subject
Assessment
- GCSE Maths – three exams
- GCSE English Language – two exams and a spoken language endorsement.
- Exams are taken in June.
Grades
- Maths Foundation – Grade 1 to 5
- Maths Higher – Grade 4-9
- English – Grade 1-9
Why should I choose?
- A practical route to developing maths and English skills, focused on developing and using these skills.
- A good choice if you plan a career in childcare or early years or to go on to an apprenticeship programme.
Level
- Level 1 (standalone qualification)
- Level 2 (standalone qualification)
Hours of study
- Approximately 55 hours per level
Assessment
- Assessments can be taken throughout the year.
- You will demonstrate your skills through a series of assessments in real-life scenarios.
- English has a speaking and listening assessment.
Grades
- Pass or fail.
- A pass at Level 2 can be seen as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.
Why should I choose?
- A more academic route, offering a wider breadth of content than Functional Skills qualifications and more suited if you plan to go on to Level 3 qualifications like A levels and on to university.
Level
- Level 2
Hours of study
- Approximately 120-150 per subject
Assessment
- GCSE Maths – three exams
- GCSE English Language – two exams and a spoken language endorsement.
- Exams are taken in June.
Grades
- Maths Foundation – Grade 1 to 5
- Maths Higher – Grade 4-9
- English – Grade 1-9
Your common questions and concerns answered about Functional Skills
Frequently asked questions
Functional Skills are nationally recognised UK qualifications assessing practical application of core skills in real-world contexts. They carry a Total Qualification Time of 60 hours with 55 Guided Learning Hours per subject. Assessments are available on demand throughout the year rather than fixed exam seasons
Functional Skills Level 2 is directly equivalent to a GCSE Grade 4/C standard pass, fulfilling entry criteria for most universities, apprenticeships, and employers. Level 1 compares to GCSE Grades 2–3 (D–E) to build foundational abilities. Unlike GCSEs, they test practical problem-solving rather than academic theory or set literature texts.
Functional Skills courses are designed for learners of all ages and backgrounds, whether you are an adult seeking career progression, a student retaking core subjects, or a young person being home-educated. Designed with accessible learning pathways, they offer flexible entry points without formal prerequisites so anyone can build confidence in essential English or Maths skills
The curriculum uses real-world scenarios that resonate equally with everyday experiences, making learning practical and engaging regardless of your age. The ease of developing a personalised online study schedule allows young students and busy adults alike to balance their studies around personal commitments.
Every learner receives guidance from a qualified teacher tutor on the learn@nec platform to match their individual pace and style. Tutors provide constructive feedback on assignments, helping every student make steady, confident progress toward their qualification.
Learners access digital study materials and self-assessment resources 24/7 via learn@nec. You complete structured assignments online and submit them for robust feedback from qualified teacher tutors. Tutors mark and return work enabling you to track your progress.
Exams are externally set by TQUK and taken via an online remote invigilation system. NEC provides complete guidance on applying for your external assessments when ready. Results are typically confirmed within six working days of paper submission
Resits can be scheduled quickly without waiting for annual exam windows. Learners can target revision exclusively on specific missed mark areas. When ready students can rebook to take the exam at a time convenient to them.
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.
STILL GOT QUESTIONS?
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether our Functional Skills courses are 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.
WHY CHOOSE NEC?
Experience you can trust
With a legacy spanning more than half a century, NEC has honed its craft in delivering exceptional online and distance learning experiences. Our extensive experience has equipped us with insights into the diverse needs of learners of all ages, allowing us to refine our approach to provide top-notch education that adapts to your individual pace and preferences.
