Functional Skills qualifications provide reliable evidence of a learner’s achievements against demanding content that is relevant to the workplace.

They provide assessment of learners’ underpinning knowledge as well as their ability to apply this in different contexts.

They also provide a foundation for progression into employment or further technical education and develop skills for everyday life. In some contexts, Functional Skills qualifications also play a part in the Government’s accountability systems.

The Qualifications have been designed to help young people and adults develop practical skills in English and mathematics.

The qualifications are often a central part of a learner’s programme of study. They form a key part of apprenticeships and are also often studied alongside other vocational learning programmes.