Compétences fonctionnelles skills have been around for a while now and are becoming increasingly popular because they offer the opportunity for those who would have not been able to enrol onto a course due to work or family commitments, to upskill themselves.

They allow learners to gain a qualification that will help them in their daily life, giving them the confidence and the skills they need to succeed. They also give people the opportunity to continue with their learning, whether that’s progressing into a diploma or foundation learning programme, or even going on to an Apprenticeship.

The qualifications are designed for those who need to develop their English and Maths skills in the context of their daily lives. Entry level 1-3 is equivalent to GCSE grades D-G (2017 grade 1-4) and Level 1 is comparable to a GCSE (grades 9-4). Learners can take a Functional Skills course through a variety of pathways, including sitting the exam without support, self-guided asynchronous, guided e-learning or tutor-led live courses.

Mastering the Basics: Understanding Functional Skills

The assessments are based on real-life situations and problem solving. They include a range of tasks, from simple word searches and number calculations to reading and understanding signs, e.g. identifying the men’s and women’s toilets in a public building. The assessment also covers everyday positional vocabulary, such as left and right, in front and behind. To help you prepare for your Functional Skills Assessment, we have put together a list of essential tips and our free planning form.