# Functional Skills Exams: On-Screen at Our Centre or Online at Home? **By English Maths Science Tuition & Examination Centre** · 2026-10-02 Functional Skills Maths and English exams can be sat two ways at English Maths Science Tuition & Examination Centre: on-screen at our Birmingham centre, or online at home under remote invigilation. Which one suits you best usually comes down to your equipment, your surroundings on exam day, and how comfortable you are being invigilated remotely rather than in person. ## What Are Functional Skills Maths and English Qualifications? Functional Skills Maths and English are Ofqual-regulated qualifications that test practical, real-world maths and English skills at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2. They're commonly used by adult learners, apprentices and private candidates who need a recognised English or maths qualification without resitting a full GCSE course. Level 2 Functional Skills is widely accepted by employers, colleges and apprenticeship providers as meeting the same English and maths entry requirement as a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above, though it's always worth checking this against the specific requirements of the course, employer or apprenticeship you're applying for, since acceptance criteria can vary. ## What's the Difference Between the On-Screen Exam at Our Centre and the Online Exam at Home? The on-screen exam at our centre is invigilated in person in Birmingham, while the online exam is invigilated remotely from your own home. Both are the same computer-based assessment testing identical qualification content — only the location and how identity checks and supervision are carried out differ. If you'd prefer a dedicated, distraction-free environment with an invigilator physically present, the centre option removes any need to worry about your home setup meeting exam-day requirements. If travelling to Birmingham isn't practical, or you'd rather sit your exam from home, the online option gives you that flexibility, provided your equipment and surroundings meet what's needed for remote invigilation. ## Which Exam Boards Offer Functional Skills Exams at Our Centre? We are an approved examination centre for Functional Skills Maths and English with AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR. If you're working from a specific awarding body's practice materials or a tutor's course that follows one board's specification, it's worth confirming this matches before you book, since the qualification content and question style can differ slightly between boards. ## Who Is the On-Screen Exam at Our Centre Best Suited To? The on-screen exam at our centre suits candidates without a quiet space or suitable equipment at home, or who simply prefer an invigilator physically present. It also removes any uncertainty about internet connection or webcam requirements, since everything you need is provided at the centre. ## Who Is the Online Exam at Home Best Suited To? The online exam at home suits candidates with a reliable computer, stable internet and a private room, who'd rather avoid travelling to Birmingham. Because requirements for remote invigilation — such as browser, webcam and identification checks — can be specific and may be updated by the awarding body, we'd always recommend confirming the exact technical requirements with our team before booking this option. ## How Are Functional Skills Exams Graded? Functional Skills exams are graded Pass or Not Yet Achieved, not on the numbered or letter scale used for GCSEs, since they're a separate qualification type. There's no overall numerical grade or percentage on your certificate — you either meet the standard for that level or you don't, and if not, you can be re-entered for another attempt. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What level of Functional Skills exam should I take? Most private candidates take Level 2 to meet an English or maths requirement, while Level 1 or Entry Level suits those building up their skills first. If you're unsure which level fits your circumstances, our team can talk this through with you before you book. ### Can I choose which exam board I sit my Functional Skills exam with? Yes — we offer Functional Skills Maths and English with AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR, so you can choose the board that matches your preparation materials or course. ### What's the difference between the on-screen exam at your centre and the online exam at home? Both are the same on-screen exam testing identical qualification content — only the location and invigilation differ, in person at our centre or remote at home. ### Do I need any special equipment for the online at-home exam? Yes — you'll need a suitable computer, stable internet, a webcam and a private, quiet space. Exact technical requirements can vary, so we recommend confirming these with our team before booking. ### Is a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification accepted instead of a GCSE? Often, yes — Level 2 Functional Skills is widely accepted by employers and colleges as meeting the same English and maths requirement as a GCSE grade 4 or above. It's still worth checking this against the specific requirements you're working towards. ### How do I book a Functional Skills exam as a private candidate? You can book either the on-screen exam at our centre or the online exam at home directly through our website, choosing your exam board and preferred format. If you're also booking other exams as a private candidate, our [guide to booking GCSE exams as a private candidate](/blogs/blog/how-to-book-gcse-exams-private-candidate) covers the wider private candidate process, including entry deadlines and identification requirements. ## Ready to Book? Ready to book your Functional Skills exam? Choose your format: [On-Screen at Our Centre](/products/functional-skills-exam-centre) [Online at Home](/products/functional-skills-online-exams-at-home) Have questions before you book? [Contact our team](/pages/contact) — we're happy to help you decide which format fits your circumstances. **Tags:** adult learners, exam booking, Functional Skills, private candidate --- > Source: [English Maths Science Tuition & All Subjects Exam Centre](https://www.englishandmaths.com/blogs/blog/functional-skills-exams-online-vs-in-centre)