The functional skills level 2 is the most popular alternative to a GCSE maths and English qualification as it is equivalent to a grade C or level 4. The level 2 English and maths qualifications enable learners to progress with their studies, life, and careers by helping them to gain entry into University as well as improving employment prospects. Find the best functional skills level 2 support materials on this page.
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What is Functional Skills Level 2?
Functional skills level 2 is a GCSE equivalent that University courses and employers accept as a grade C or level 4. All learners looking to gain access to a further education course must have a level 2 maths and English qualification that is recognised through its formal regulation. At Pass Functional Skills we only offer Ofqual regulated qualifications to ensure that these are accepted everywhere along with free functional skills maths and English level 2 online courses.
Functional skills level 2 courses tend to be much shorter than a full 2 year GCSE course, with some learners completing their studies within a matter of days. You can also take the functional skills exams all year round from your home with online invigilation and at any time including evenings and weekends. This makes the level 2 exams accessible to every learner regardless of location or work commitments. At Pass Functional Skills, we ensure we offer level 2 exams that meet the needs of our learners, which means making them affordable and easy to organise.
Level 2 Revision Materials
From pre-assessments to video tutorials and worksheets, the dedicated functional skills level 2 revision pages have everything you need to help you prepare for your exam. Whether you are in college, school or an adult learner, the revision materials are made accessible for everyone.
Maths Level 2 Revision Materials English Level 2 Revision Materials Take Maths L2 Pre-assessment Take English L2 Pre-assessment
Functional Skills Level 2 Exams
You can book the Ofqual regulated exams through Pass Functional Skills and take the entire qualification from home. The exams are conducted with online invigilation and can be taken through 3 major exam boards, City & Guilds, NCFE and Open Awards.
Get into Uni, Nursing, Policing, Apprenticeships & More with this Qualification
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Online Exam - Open Awards, City & Guilds, NCFE
Free Resit if you Purchase the Online Course
Functional Skills Level 2 Online Courses
If you want to self-study with a fully interactive course that stores your scores and tracks your progress then the following functional skills courses cover everything that comes up in the exam with video tutorials, practice questions, exam questions and mock exams. The recommended study time for a level 2 functional skills course is around 50 hours.
Video tutorials, practice questions and mock exams
Pre-assessment to determine areas to work on
Track your scores and progress
L2 maths and English covered for all exam boards
Significantly improves pass rates
Revision Products
To help learners with their preparation for their exams, we have lots of free functional skills resources as well as course materials. See the list below to help you start your revision.
What is in the Functional Skills Level 2 Exams?
Functional Skills English Level 2
The functional skills English qualification contains the following exams:
Reading: – This exam is usually 1 hour long and requires you to read a number of different styles of texts and then answer short questions on them, showing that you can analyse texts, comprehend the intended meaning and identify language features used.
Writing:This exam is usually 1 hour long and requires you to demonstrate your writing abilities in a context that is given in the paper. This may involve writing a piece of persuasive text, a complaint letter or some other type of writing.
Speaking listening and communication: This exam lasts around 1 and half hours and involves preparing a short presentation to share with other learners. You will present for a few minutes, listen to other presentations then have a discussion. You are not marked on the quality of the content of your presentation, simply on your ability to communicate the content and then how you respond and interact with other learners.
Functional Skills Maths Level 2
The level 2 maths exam is 2 hours long and is made up of a non-calculator and calculator section, with the calculator section being worth more marks. You can view the full list of functional skills maths level 2 topics here. These topics are grouped together in three key areas covered in the functional skills maths level 2 online exam. These are:
Using numbers: This section covers the basics of whole numbers, decimals, negative numbers, fractions, and percentages, as well as learning how to convert between them and perform calculations involving them.
Understanding measure, shape, and space: This section covers a larger ranger of topics, from simple 2D and 3D shapes, along with a surface area to using maps and interpreting scale drawings. This section will challenge your problem-solving ability, with these topics wrapped up in everyday scenarios for you to solve.
Handling data: This section covers the display and interpretation of data in many different formats. The fundamentals of the mean, mode, median, and range will be tested extensively as well as some basic probability graphs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is level 2 maths and English?
Level 2 maths and English, often called functional skills maths level 2 and English are GCSE equivalent qualifications taken by people who need to get into Uni, apply for a job, or complete and apprenticeship.
What are functional skills?
Functional skills are a series of qualifications in maths, English and digital skills. Each of these subjects have 5 levels which are as follows:
- Entry level 1
- Entry level 2
- Entry level 3
- Functional skills level 1
- Functional skills level 2
What are level 2 functional skills equivalent to?
Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English is equivalent to a GCSE level 4 or grade C. Functional Skills level 2 qualifications are accepted by employers and universities as GCSE equivalents.
You can read more about functional skills level 2 equivalents here.
You can read more about GCSE equivalents here.
What is the functional skills level 2 pass mark?
This varies from exam to exam and from exam board to exam board, but generally the pass mark for the level 2 maths exam is around 55% and English reading and writing is similar. For the speaking and listening component of English, it is more about demonstrating the key skills rather than achieving a certain percentage. As the level 2 exams are a simple pass or fail, you don’t have to achieve really high marks to achieve the qualification.
Is functional skills easier than GCSE?
Rather than being easier, functional skills are seen as more accessible than the GCSE as the questions are more applicable to real life situations. The other advantages are there is less content to cover and you can sit the exams all year round with fast track results.
Do Universities accept level 2 functional skills?
Yes the majority of Universities accept the level 2 as a GCSE equivalent that enables you to gain entry to courses such as nursing, midwifery and many more.
How long does it take to get exam results?
With Pass Functional Skills you will get your exam results within as little as 1 week of sitting the exam. Please note that results can take up to a maximum of 10 working days.
What is included in level 2 maths and English?
In level 2 maths, you cover core topics such as fractions, decimals and percentages with very little algebra. In English you have to cover reading, writing and speaking in 3 separate exams. Things you will be tested in include spelling, punctuation, grammar and comprehension.
Our Locations
We have a presence in multiple cities across England. All with the aim to ensure that you have the best support possible when taking your Functional Skills Level 2 exams.
FAQs
What is a pass score for functional skills level 2 maths? ›
The functional skills maths level 2 pass mark is usually around 50% to 55%. Yes, you can sign up to the free version of our level 2 courses, and get access to free resources, past papers and the pre-assessments for both maths and English.
What is a pass in functional skills level 2 English? ›Functional Skills English Level 2 is equivalent to a pass at GCSE (grade 4 or grade C). It, or an equivalent qualification, is required to pass onto many higher level qualifications such as those offered at colleges or universities, and it is also required for a number of professions.
Is it easy to pass functional skills English Level 2? ›Is Functional Skills English Level 2 easier than GCSE English? Whilst the Functional Skills English is equivalent to a pass in GCSE English, it is also easier to achieve. The course is not as in-depth as GCSE English and exams run more frequently.
What is functional skills level 2 maths and English equivalent to? ›What are level 2 functional skills equivalent to? Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English is equivalent to a GCSE level 4 or grade C. Functional Skills level 2 qualifications are accepted by employers and universities as GCSE equivalents.
What is a pass percentage for functional skills? ›| Assessment | First attempt pass rate | Overall pass rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Writing | 76% | 72% |
| Level 2 Writing | 82% | 78% |
| Level 1 ICT | 70% | 58% |
| Level 2 ICT | 73% | 62% |
Functional skills assessments are graded either pass or fail, unlike GCSEs.
What grade is a pass in functional skills? ›Functional Skills ICT
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.
GCSEs are now graded 9-1, with 9 the highest grade. Vocational qualifications are graded pass, merit, distinction at level one, then level 2 pass (roughly equivalent to GCSE grade 4) then climbing to Level 2 distinction (roughly GCSE level 7) before the top grade of Level 2 Distinction star (L2D*).
Is functional skills level 2 maths? ›Functional Skills Maths Level 2 is an alternative qualification to a GCSE Maths pass grade. The course uses real-life examples to help you learn maths. If you find learning maths easier with practical...
Is functional skills maths easy to pass? ›Functional Skills aren't necessarily easier. You'll still need to put in the hard work and revision. But, they can be better suited to students who have failed maths and English. The trouble with GCSE is that oftentimes, exam questions are not put into any context.
How to pass functional skills level 2? ›
Before starting, read carefully all the source documents and questions you have been given. Do not skim read as you may skip or misread any question and your answers will be incorrect. After you have read the source document and question, quickly jot down a plan for what you are going to write.
Is functional maths Level 2 Easy? ›Functional skills for maths is categorised into two levels – Levels 1 and 2. Being an entry-level course, Level 1 covers the basic concepts, and level 2 is intermediate and advanced. Hence, learning Level 1 is easier than Level 2. So, if you are a beginner, Functional Skills Maths Level 1 will be an easy start.
What grade is level 2 maths and English? ›Course Overview
Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE grade 9-4 (A*-C). They're an alternative option for people who learn better with practical, real-life examples. Level 2 Maths and English qualifications will help you apply for jobs, access higher education, start an apprenticeship or go to university.
Functional Skills Levels
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.
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.
How many times can you retake functional skills? ›How many times can learners resit their assessments? Learners can resit the tests as many times as required.
What is the pass mark for Pearson Level 2 maths? ›Typically, the pass mark for Edexcel (Pearson) functional skills maths level 2 past papers is between 50% and 60%, which is between 32 and 38 marks.
Do you get a certificate for passing functional skills? ›Our Edexcel Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills English qualifications are broken down into 3 units which can be completed at different times throughout your course. You'll receive a Pass (P) or Unclassified (U) for each unit and then, when you've passed all three units, you'll receive a certificate.
What happens if you don't pass math and English? ›For Maths and English, resitting is compulsory if you haven't achieved a pass (grade 4). You'll need to continue studying these subjects until you either pass or turn 18.
Is F grade pass or fail? ›The 'F' grade denotes poor performance and indicates failing a course. A student has an option to take the course with F grade either in study mode or examination mode when offered next. A student with F grade is also eligible to take Make-up Examination (see rule for Make-up examination: point no. 13).
What level is a pass in maths? ›
The Government has said that grade 4 is a 'standard pass'. Grade 5 is a 'strong pass' and equivalent to a high C and low B on the old grading system.
What grade at A level is a pass? ›A pass in an AS subject is indicated by one of the five grades A, B, C, D or E, of which grade A is the highest and grade E the lowest.
Is a 2 considered passing? ›Generally speaking, a 2 is not a good AP score, as it is not considered a passing score by the College Board. If you get a 2 on your AP exam, it might be better not to submit that score to the colleges you're applying to.
What is a Level 2 equivalent to in college? ›A level 2 qualification is similar to having GCSE grade equivalents at grade A*–C or 4-9. And also: NVQ level 2. GNVQ Intermediate.
Is a Grade 2 pass good? ›...
Open University Grading.
| Score Boundaries | Course Grade |
|---|---|
| 85 – 100 | Distinction Grade |
| 70 – 84 | Grade 2 Pass |
| 55 – 69 | Grade 3 Pass |
| 40 – 54 | Grade 4 Pass |
Yes, you can fail Maths and still pass Matric. You can fail one subject and pass your Matric. However, you are advised to only pass your Matric with good marks. You need good results to further your education at a university.
How hard is it to pass a level maths? ›A-Level questions in Maths are particularly hard, because you'll often just get the question or equation, with no paragraph to explain any context. This means it's just you and the knowledge you've (hopefully!) absorbed up against an exam question – there are no clues or hints like at GCSE.
What is the hardest math course in school? ›What is the Hardest Math Class in High School? In most cases, you'll find that AP Calculus BC or IB Math HL is the most difficult math course your school offers. Note that AP Calculus BC covers the material in AP Calculus AB but also continues the curriculum, addressing more challenging and advanced concepts.
What grade is level 2 maths? ›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.
What is the pass mark for Level 2 maths Open Awards? ›Levels 1 and 2
Each Maths assessment is designed to enable a minimally competent learner to achieve a pass mark of 36 out of 60.
Do universities accept functional skills level 2? ›
Functional Skills Maths and English qualifications at Level 2 demonstrate your ability and competence in Numeracy and Literacy and are considered equivalent to a GCSE C or above. The qualifications are now accepted by the majority of universities for a variety of courses.
How long does it take to do Functional Skills English Level 2? ›Unlike GCSEs, Functional Skills courses can be completed in a matter of weeks. With the average Functional Skills course requiring 55 guided hours of study, just 2 hours of study a day would see you potentially qualifying within 4 weeks.
What is the pass mark for Open Awards functional skills maths Level 2? ›Levels 1 and 2
Each Maths assessment is designed to enable a minimally competent learner to achieve a pass mark of 36 out of 60.
The pass rate for A-level maths, for example, is just 96% which means that it is a harder subject to pass than religious studies, which boasts a 99% pass rate.