Build the maths & Englishemployers ask for
Free Functional Skills, GCSE, ESOL and digital skills practice, with exam-style questions, timed mocks and a clear explanation for every answer. Functional Skills Level 2 is widely accepted as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4.
Looking for Key Stage 3 or A-level? School & A-level practice
Find your level in 5 minutes
12 questions across Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 tell you where your maths or English is now, then you practise at that level with an explanation for every answer. Free, no sign-up.
Take the free level check →Functional Skills, GCSE & more
Entry Level (Entry 1–3)
Build core confidence with numbers, reading and writing before Level 1.
Level 1
Everyday maths and English at the same level as GCSE grades 3–1, and the step before Level 2.
Level 2
The level most employers, colleges and level 3+ apprenticeships ask for: at the same level as GCSE grades 9–4.
GCSE
Sitting (or resitting) GCSE maths, English or science, or taking an equivalency test for teacher training or nursing entry.
ESOL
English for speakers of other languages: everyday reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Digital skills
Functional Skills Digital runs at Entry Level 3 and Level 1 only. The second course is free practice beyond Level 1; it is not a Functional Skills qualification.
Key Stage 3 and A-level practice (7 courses) now has its own page: School & A-level →
What to expect on the day
Mostly on-screen
Maths and English are usually taken on a computer at a registered centre or college, often on demand rather than only in the summer.
One national standard
Awarded by Pearson Edexcel, City & Guilds, NCFE, Open Awards and others — all to the same reformed (2019) standards.
Applied, not abstract
You apply maths and English to real situations — budgeting, measurements, work emails, instructions — so our practice mirrors that style.
Where Functional Skills takes you
- Apprenticeships — apprentices aged 16–18 must achieve English and maths (funded up to Level 2) to complete. Since February 2025, employers decide whether apprentices aged 19+ need them.
- A faster GCSE alternative — sit on demand and get a Level 2 without waiting for summer exams.
- Access to Higher Education & university — many colleges and Access to HE courses accept Functional Skills Level 2; universities vary, so check each course's entry requirements.
- Careers — nursing, teaching assistants, the uniformed services and many employers ask for Level 2.
Functional Skills: your questions answered
Is Functional Skills the same as a GCSE?
Not identical, but Functional Skills Level 2 in maths or English is at the same level as GCSE grades 9–4 and is widely accepted in place of a GCSE grade 4 (a "C") by employers, colleges and apprenticeships. Universities vary, so check each course's entry requirements. It is applied and practical rather than theory-heavy, and you can often sit it on demand through the year rather than waiting for the summer.
Which level do I need?
It depends on what it is for. The Department for Education lists Level 1 as the accepted maths and English qualification for level 2 apprenticeships and Level 2 for level 3 and higher apprenticeships, and many employers ask for Level 2. Level 1 is a stepping stone towards it, and Entry Levels 1–3 build the foundations first. If you are unsure, start at Level 1 — if it feels comfortable, move up to Level 2.
Do apprentices still have to pass maths and English?
Apprentices aged 16–18 must achieve English and maths (funded up to Level 2) to complete their apprenticeship. Since February 2025, employers decide whether apprentices aged 19 or over when they start need a Level 2 English and maths qualification to pass. Check with your employer or training provider.
Who runs the Functional Skills exams?
Functional Skills qualifications are awarded by bodies such as Pearson Edexcel, City & Guilds, NCFE and Open Awards, all to the same national standards (reformed in 2019). Maths and English are usually taken on a computer, often on demand, through a registered centre or college.
Is PassNova practice really free?
Yes — every practice question and timed practice test for Functional Skills, GCSE, ESOL and digital skills is free, with no sign-up needed to start. A free account is optional: it saves your progress and gives you a week-by-week study plan.
What does Premium add for Functional Skills?
Premium is optional. For Functional Skills it adds your writing marked against the official criteria (Functional Skills English Level 1 and 2; your first piece is marked free with a free account), separate timed exam-style papers with their own questions, the Nova AI tutor and a readiness score that tells you when you are ready to book. It costs £4.99 a month or £39.99 a year, with a 7-day free trial.
Can adults take Functional Skills?
Absolutely — Functional Skills is hugely popular with adult learners returning to study, often funded for free in England for those without a Level 2. It is a flexible route to the maths and English many careers, apprenticeships and courses require.