For higher education or apprenticeships, a minimum GCSE grade of 4/C is often necessary. However, many adults may not have passed their GCSEs, missed the resit opportunity, or misplaced their certificates. In such cases, opting to retake the GCSE or pursue a comparable credential, like a Level 2 functional skills exam, becomes crucial. Functional skills provide a year-round alternative to GCSEs, catering to the needs of individuals seeking a swift certification process, unlike GCSEs, which are only available twice a year. Furthermore, the curriculum for functional skills for adults is more condensed compared to standard GCSEs. At Sheffield Tutor Company, we recommend considering Pass Functional Skills’ functional skills for adults.
Functional Skills Benefits for Adults
Functional skills emerge as a viable replacement for GCSEs. For instance, Pass Functional Skills offers tests and courses in both English and mathematics, providing adult learners with a more streamlined approach. Notably, the efficiency of functional skills is remarkable; individuals can schedule, take, and receive exam results in as little as two weeks. Due to the expedited nature of the functional skills process, it presents a more appealing option for individuals balancing childcare or employment commitments.
Pass Functional Skills administers exams from Monday to Saturday at various times, with multiple exam slots available each day. This flexibility proves advantageous for individuals with busy schedules, enabling them to pursue education without significant disruptions.
Functional Skills Courses and Examinations
Mathematics
The mathematics course provided by Pass Functional Skills is comprehensive, covering all necessary material for the test. Featuring ample practice questions and revision videos, the course ensures thorough preparation. Additionally, mock tests incorporated into the course further aid students in readiness for the two-hour exam. The mathematics exam comprises a 90-minute calculator section and a 30-minute non-calculator section, both administered online under invigilation, allowing candidates to undertake the test at their convenience.
English
Pass Functional Skills’ English course assesses speaking, listening, and communication (SLC) along with reading, writing, and SLC through three distinct examinations. AI-powered practice exams offer practice for long-answer questions. The course includes exam-style questions and revision sections. The SLC exam is often held separately from the reading and writing tests, which are conducted consecutively over two hours. Passing all three tests virtually, invigilated from home, is necessary to obtain the functional skills qualification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, functional skills provide a flexible and efficient pathway for individuals pursuing higher education, serving as a robust substitute for traditional GCSE routes. For those navigating the challenges of adult life while seeking further education, Pass Functional Skills emerges as a convenient and prompt alternative with its accessible courses and assessments.