Functional Skills

What is Functional Skills?

Functional Skills (3748) is a new type of qualification launching in England in September 2010 which recognises and develops the essential literacy, numeracy and ICT skills necessary to 'function' in work, learning and life. Functional Skills replaces the current three key skills (Communication, Application of Number and ICT) and forms part of all 14-16 learning pathways. 

Entry 2 and Entry 3 Functional Maths Announcement

City & Guilds are awaiting confirmation of accreditation from Ofqual for our Functional Skills Maths Entry Level 2 and Entry Level 3 qualifications. We are advised of a backlog in the review process. We are, however, confident of a positive outcome and apologise for the delay this will cause. As soon as we receive confirmation of accreditation we will upload assessments for use.  Please check www.cityandguilds.com/functionalskills for the latest information.

We are working closely with Ofqual to secure confirmation of accreditation and anticipate that this will come during September 2010. Until then, please register candidates with City & Guilds for Functional Skills Mathematics and start your teaching and learning programmes as usual.

Read the latest announcement about Key Skills being extended

To discover more information about Functional Skills, you'll find the following pages useful:

• What support is available?
• How is Functional Skills assessed?
• Have a look at the sample assessments
• How to become a Functional Skills Centre
• Latest Functional Skills News (updated monthly)
• Functional Skills FAQs
• Have a look at our Functional Skills presentation (ppt 664kb)
• Discover the differences between key skills and functional skills (pdf 287kb)
• Find out test dates for level 1 and 2 fixed date assessments (pdf 58kb)

Great reasons to choose City & Guilds...

1. 11 monthly paper based test series from October 2010
   
   
2. Paper based assessments for all 3 skills, at all levels
   
   
3. On demand, internally marked entry level assessments
   
   
4. On demand, on screen assessments (in addition to paper based) at English Levels 1 and 2 from September 2010. ICT and Maths to follow. Please see our sample assessments on SmartScreen.
   
   
5. GOLA - our trusted and robust online testing system - last year over 900,000 online tests were taken
   
   
6. We can handle large number of candidates - over 100,000 currently sit examiner marked paper based assessments each year
   
   
7. Revised late entry policy - 10 working days for paper based assessment and same day for onscreen assessment
   
   
8. Reduced turn around time of results - maximum of 20 days for onscreen, 32 days for paper based
   
   
9. Robust feedback on candidate's performance to assist future learning and enable a greater chance of future success
   
   
10. Separate Reading and Writing and Speaking, Listening and Communication assessments to enable flexibility for learners with different abilities
    
    
11. Sample assessments now providing you with the ability to print and review your candidate's answers
    
    
12. Learning and support materials available at www.smartscreen.co.uk
    
    
13. Access to expert support and tutor forums via www.smartscreen.co.uk.  For further guidance on how to use the forums, please use the SmartScreen demo.
    
    
14. Workshops held in our network of local offices.

Any questions? Need some help?

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any assistance, using the following methods:

• Book an appointment with a specialist by contacting your regional office
• Ask an expert any questions, and receive a quick response
• Find out how easy it is to become a centre
• Or if you have a specific question about Functional Skills, then contact us