Functional Skills Online Exams at Home for Private Candidates. Edexcel Online Functional Skills Exams are conducted in the Privacy of your own HOME.
Colleges and Universities will accept Functional Skills Online Examinations as being equivalent to GCSE.
Functional Skills Exams at Home are available any Day and Time of your choosing.
.9 Days pre booking required to book a Functional Skills at Home exam.
We are pleased to introduce a new way candidates can take their Edexcel Functional Skills Exam at Home. Using a Laptop – along with a smart phone – English and Maths Functional Skills Level 1 and 2 examinations can be booked for any day and at virtually any time.
These examinations rely on the candidate having a good internet connection and the special app which can be downloaded onto the candidate’s own smart phone. The examinations are invigilated through both the computer’s camera and the camera facility on the smart phone.
Once booked, the candidate is given comprehensive instructions of how to download the app and set up both their smart phone and laptop camera ready for the exam.
The candidate must take the exam in a quiet room with no other person present. The immediate surroundings will be ‘swept’ with candidate’s smart phone to show the remote invigilator that no unathorised material is present in the room.
The smart phone is then placed in the prescribed position and the exam accessed via the computer.
The Functional Skills examinations are identical to those taken in the centre. The exams will be processed and marked in the same way.
Please note: Candidate’s who wish to book Functional Skills at Home for English or Maths exams must give 9 days notice to book an exam.
Functional Skills Mathematics Level 1 & 2 aims to ensure that each individual is able to solve problems in real-life, functional contexts and develop skills in:
- Using numbers and the number system –whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages.
- Using common measures, shapes and space.
- Handling information and data.
Functional Skills Mathematics qualifications are designed to give learners the skills to operate confidently, effectively and independently in education, work and everyday life.
Functional Skills Level 2 have been created in response to employers’ perceptions that many learners are not achieving a sufficiently firm grounding in the basics.
Links below are for candidates to practice before sitting the test which replicates the look and feel of the functional skills maths onscreen testing program.
The Sample Test Player software must be installed on a Window computer or laptop for the links to work.
The practise tests can only be used on laptop or computer and cannot be used on mobile phone or tablet.
| Maths Specification | Content Covered Level 1 |
| Edexcel Maths Direct Page | Content Covered Level 2 |
| Sample Test Player Download | Working Grid Tutorial |
| Maths Sample Test Level 1 | Maths Sample Test Level 2 |
| Test Level 1 | Test Level 2 |
Speaking tests are conducted online via Zoom.
The date of the speaking test will be confirmed when you book for the English test.
The aims of Functional Skills qualifications are to develop
learner understanding and skills in:
Functional Skills Level 1
•Speaking, Listening and Communication – take full part in formal and informal discussions and exchanges that include unfamiliar subjects.
•Reading – read and understand a range of straightforward texts.
•Writing – write a range of texts to communicate information, ideas and opinions using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.
Functional Skills Level 2
•Speaking, Listening and Communication – make a range of contributions to discussions in a range of contexts, including those that are unfamiliar, and make effective presentations.
•Reading – select, read, understand and compare texts and use them to gather information, ideas, arguments and opinions.
•Writing – write a range of texts, including extended written documents communication information, ideas and opinions, effectively and persuasively.
Links below are for candidates to practice before sitting the test which replicates the look and feel of the functional skills English onscreen testing program. The Sample Test Player software must be installed on a Window 10 computer or laptop for the links to work. The practise tests can only be used on laptop or computer and cannot be used on mobile phone or tablet. Sample Test Player Download
| English Specification | Sample Test Player Download |
| Edexcel English Direct Page | Sample Test Links |
Which examination board do you use for Functional Skills tests?
The Functional Skills tests are administered by Pearson/Edexcel.
Which Functional Skills level is equivalent to GCSE?
Level 2 is generally accepted as equivalent to GCSE.
Are the Functional Skills tests paper based?
The Functional Skills tests are taken on a computer. There are practise tests available on our website so candidates can familiarise themselves with how the tests work.
How can I book a Functional Skills test?
Book your Functional Skills test by completing the Book Functional Skills section below.
A confirmation of your booking will be emailed to you.
Is there any age limits taking the functional skills tests?
There is no set age limit for taking Functional Skills tests.
What computer do I need to take Functional Skills English or Maths in my own home?
You must have a computer or a laptop which can use Google Chrome along with a smart phone.
What happens if I loose my internet connection during the examination?
Should the candidate’s internet fail during the examination the exam will be terminated. There will be no refund issued.
We recommend you connect to your internet router with a ethernet/network cable.
What do I need to pass the Functional Skills English Test?
Candidate must complete and pass all three components of the English exam. The Functional Skills English Test comprises of: Writing Test, Reading Test and a Speaking Test. The writing and reading tests can be taken on the same day. The Speaking Test is conducted a few days after online via Zoom.
Are there pass grades in Functional Skills?
Functional Skills Tests are either Pass or Fail. There are no grades awarded.
How long are the Functional Skills Tests?
Functional Skills English
The writing test lasts 60 minutes and
The reading test lasts 75 minutes.
We would advise candidates to allow 60-90 minutes for the speaking test.
Functional Skills Maths
The Functional Skills Maths Test lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.
What is the Functional Skills English Speaking Test?
The Functional Skills English Speaking Test is an important part of the Functional Skills English assessments. This is taken over Zoom along with other candidates who each prepare a short presentation of between 7-9 minutes in length. Candidates prepare a talk on any topic of their own choice and can use brief notes or bullet points. Following the presentation, questions will be posed by the other candidates. Although the Speaking Test does not contribute to a candidate’s overall mark, the candidate must achieve the minimum standard in order to complete the requirements for the award. The Functional Skills English Speaking Tests are generally available once a month on Sunday.
Do I receive a hard copy certificate?
Yes, these are usually sent out 10-14 days after you received your results. These are posted by recorded delivery. Please keep your certificate safe as there is a charge for replacements.
All three components of the English Functional skills must have a PASS to receive a Certificate.
Can I take Functional Skills English or Maths at home exams in any room of my house?
The room must be quiet with no other person present. There must be no interruptions during the exams and nobody must enter the room. There must be no unauthorised materials in the room and no other devices in the room other than the candidate’s smartphone which will be running the special app given by the exam board during the examination registration process.
I am unable to screen share on my MAC
Please follow the instruction in the link below to enable Screen Share on MAC devices
Can I use a calculator in the Functional Skills Mathematics test?
The Functional Skills mathematics has both non-calculator and calculator questions. There is an on-screen calculator which candidates can use in the calculator section of the tests.
How long does it take for results to be issued?
Results are usually available and emailed to candidates 10-14 days after the tests but in exceptional cases this could take up to 28 days.
What happens if I fail my Functional Skills Exam
Once you have received your results you can book another test. Instructions concerning re-takes will be emailed with the results.
Can I request a re-mark?
Remark is available for Onscreen Functional skills exams. The fee is £50 and must be requested within 28 days after receiving your results.
I have learning difficulties.
Candidates with learning difficulties can apply for 25% extra time. Candidates must supply either a recent psychologist report, an education health and care plan (EHC Plan) or a report from your Doctor listing your learning difficulties and must mention that extra time is required during educational examinations before booking the exam.
Please note this arrangement does not apply for GCSE and A Level.
What is the cancellation policy?
No refunds will be issued after the five day cancellation period.
email to cancel: [email protected]
Can I cancel or change the date of my Functional Skills English or Maths after I have booked it?
No, once the Functional Skills English or Maths at home exams are booked they cannot be cancelled.
Exam dates can be changed up to 12 days before the exam.