There are a number of GCSE equivalent qualifications for maths and English in which people take to better  their status and get into university courses. The most relevant GCSE equivalent for you will depend upon what course you are choosing to do. The guidelines below will help you determine which qualification would be best for you.

 

These exams are most often taken by trainee teachers who are waiting to get access to a training course. The qualifications are widely accepted by nursing and midwifery courses as well as other courses. A Star Equivalency is the leading provider for these exams and they also offer personalised revision material that will help you get through the exam. The following are the subjects offered for the GCSE equivalency tests: 

 

Maths equivalency test

English equivalency test

Combined science equivalency test 

Biology equivalency test 

 

For those looking to gain entry into University courses and enhance their employment prospects, functional skills level 2 qualifications are most often the most relevant GCSE equivalent. Since the pandemic, Ofqual have produced exams which can be sat online and from the comfort of your home. The following enable you to revise and book functional skills. 

 

 

Other GCSE equivalents include: 

BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council)

BTEC level 1-2 is a GCSE equivalent that learners can take at college, with a focus on vocational subjects targeted at specific job sectors and industries with no GCSE equivalents in maths and English. 

 

 Cambridge Nationals

Cambridge Nationals are comparable to BTECs in that their focus is on vocational subjects. They aim to improve employment opportunities in the specific job sectors they are relevant to. There is no provision for maths and English.

 

NVQs (National Vocational Qualification)

An NVQ2 is a GCSE equivalent but again is a vocational qualification. They are valued by employers in the specific sectors they are relevant to. They can’t replace a GCSE or functional skills in maths and English and therefore they are supplementary qualifications and you will still require level 2’s.