Functional Skills qualifications are designed to help learners of all ages develop essential maths, English, and digital skills, equipping them with the practical knowledge required to learn, work, and live successfully. Particularly, Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths hold significant value as they are recognised by UK colleges and universities as equivalent to GCSE English and Maths. This recognition opens up further educational opportunities for learners, ensuring they meet the necessary entry requirements for a variety of courses and programmes.

There are generally no specific prior qualifications required, making Functional Skills accessible to a wide range of learners, including adults and those in apprenticeships.

Assessments for Functional Skills are designed to be practical and relevant to real-life situations, covering topics such as reading, writing, speaking, listening, and various mathematical operations.

The assessment process is flexible, with options for on-demand testing and the possibility of taking exams online or on paper. This flexibility makes it easier for learners to fit their studies around other commitments.