Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2 are Ofqual regulated English and maths qualifications. Level 2 is the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4, commonly accepted by apprenticeship funding rules, the NHS, employers and colleges; Level 1 is the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 and is the step before it. Lift College offers six online courses, all awarded by TQUK: Functional Skills Maths Level 2 (610/2624/4), English Level 2 (610/2625/6), Maths Level 1 (610/2623/2) and English Level 1 (610/2626/8), with English and maths together at each level.
Functional Skills Level 2 is a practical English or maths qualification at Level 2, the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4 on GOV.UK's list. Employers, colleges and apprenticeship funding rules commonly accept it where Level 2 English or maths is asked for; some universities ask for GCSE, so check. Lift College teaches Maths Level 2 and English Level 2 online with TQUK, typically in 8 to 16 weeks, from £44.99 a month with exam entry and one sitting included and a 7-day free trial.
Which level do I need?
Level 2 is the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4. Level 1 is the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1.
Level 2
You need Level 2 if an employer, apprenticeship, university or college asks for Level 2 English or maths, or GCSE grade 4 or C.
Level 1
Start at Level 1 if you have not yet reached GCSE grade 3 standard, or a job, Level 2 apprenticeship or college course asks for Level 1. Level 1 is also the step before Level 2.
Not sure? Start the free trial and your tutor's skills check confirms the right level.
6 courses · every one starts with 7 days free
Choose your Functional Skills course
Each course includes exam entry and one sitting of each assessment. Choose one to see the course and the free trial.
Which Functional Skills Level 2 online course do you need? Choose Functional Skills Maths Level 2 online if an employer, apprenticeship or college asks for Level 2 maths or GCSE grade 4 equivalent in maths, Functional Skills English Level 2 online if the requirement is English, or Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 online if you need both. All three are Ofqual regulated TQUK qualifications with a named UK tutor and the on-screen exam included, from £44.99 a month for one subject or £69.99 a month for both.
Marked practice back in 5 to 7 working days
7-day free trial: £0 today, cancel any time, 14-day money back
The TQUK certificate when you complete the qualification
Quick answer: what is Functional Skills Level 2?
Functional Skills Level 2 is a practical English or maths qualification at Level 2, the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4 on GOV.UK's list. Employers, colleges and apprenticeship funding rules commonly accept it where Level 2 English or maths is asked for; some universities ask for GCSE, so check. Lift College teaches Maths Level 2 and English Level 2 online with TQUK, typically in 8 to 16 weeks, from £44.99 a month with exam entry and one sitting included and a 7-day free trial.
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS GUIDE
Browse every Functional Skills qualification: fast, online GCSE alternatives.
Each single-subject course is 55 guided learning hours with typical study of 8 to 16 weeks (the combined course is 110 hours over a typical 4 to 8 months), and the on-screen exam is included: it is booked for you when your named UK tutor confirms you are ready, and sat at home under remote invigilation or at a TQUK-approved centre. Prices start at £39.99 a month when you pay today, or £59.99 a month for both subjects, save up to 17% for life, or £44.99 or £69.99 a month after a 7-day free trial, with every fee included and a resit fee only if you need another attempt. You must be 16 or over; there are no other entry requirements. Start with a 7-day free trial, nothing charged until day 8, no contract, cancel any time, no credit check, and a 14-day money-back guarantee on every payment.
Choose your course
Course
Qualification number
Guided learning hours
Typical study time
Monthly price
Annual price
Level 2: the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4
Functional Skills Maths Level 2
TQUK 610/2624/4
55 (60 TQT)
8 to 16 weeks
£39.99 a month when you pay today, or £44.99 after the trial
£359.99 a year when you pay today, or £458.99 after the trial
Functional Skills English Level 2
TQUK 610/2625/6
55 (60 TQT)
8 to 16 weeks
£39.99 a month when you pay today, or £44.99 after the trial
£359.99 a year when you pay today, or £458.99 after the trial
Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2
TQUK 610/2625/6 and 610/2624/4 (two qualifications)
110 (120 TQT)
4 to 8 months
£59.99 a month when you pay today, or £69.99 after the trial
£539.99 a year when you pay today, or £713.99 after the trial
Level 1: the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1
Functional Skills Maths Level 1
TQUK 610/2623/2
55 (60 TQT)
8 to 16 weeks
£39.99 a month when you pay today, or £44.99 after the trial
£359.99 a year when you pay today, or £458.99 after the trial
Functional Skills English Level 1
TQUK 610/2626/8
55 (60 TQT)
8 to 16 weeks
£39.99 a month when you pay today, or £44.99 after the trial
£359.99 a year when you pay today, or £458.99 after the trial
Functional Skills English and Maths Level 1
TQUK 610/2626/8 and 610/2623/2 (two qualifications)
110 (120 TQT)
4 to 8 months
£59.99 a month when you pay today, or £69.99 after the trial
£539.99 a year when you pay today, or £713.99 after the trial
Every course is the full course with all fees included: named UK tutor, marking in 5 to 7 working days, AI Study Support, exam entry and one sitting per qualification. Annual billing saves 15%. Choosing "Pay today" without the trial saves up to 17% for life.
Functional Skills exists precisely because not every adult wants, or needs, to sit a full GCSE course again. If you left school without a grade 4 or above in English or maths, Functional Skills Level 2 gives employers, colleges and apprenticeship providers the same assurance about your core skills, assessed through a more direct, practical test rather than a two year syllabus.
Because Level 2 assessments are shorter and can be booked flexibly, many learners move from enrolment to a finished qualification in 8 to 16 weeks of consistent study per subject, compared with a full academic year for GCSE.
Tick both literacy and numeracy boxes for nursing, teaching, the police, university, in one bundle, at one price.
Start with a 7-day free trial. It is £0 today, you can cancel any time, and nothing is charged until day 8.
2
Study with your tutor
Work through the qualification online with your tutor, at your own pace.
3
Sit the on-screen exam
Sit your assessments, booked for you, with entry and one sitting included in the price.
4
Get your certificate
Pass the exam and you receive your TQUK certificate.
Awarding bodies and exam centres
Awarding bodies in Functional Skills
Training Qualifications UK (TQUK): every Lift College Functional Skills course, Level 1 and Level 2
Wondering whether TQUK, Edexcel, City & Guilds or NCFE makes a difference? Read our Functional Skills awarding bodies comparison.
Compare
Functional Skills Level 2 vs GCSE
Check your GCSE grade equivalence
Factor
Functional Skills Level 2
GCSE (grade 4 to 9)
Recognition
Same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4 (GOV.UK), commonly accepted by employers and colleges
The benchmark qualification, required by some universities and teacher training routes
Exam format
Maths: one exam in two sections. English: three components (reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communicating). Remote invigilation is available with some awarding bodies, including TQUK at Lift College
Multiple written papers sat at an exam centre in May or June
Resits
Can usually be rebooked within weeks of a fail
May and June series, plus a November series for GCSE Maths and English Language
Typical cost
£44.99 a month at Lift College (English and maths together £69.99), typically £150 to £300 per subject elsewhere
£44.99 a month per subject at Lift College on Study, with exam entry only on +Exams; typically £300 to £700 elsewhere plus separate exam fees
Typical timeline
8 to 16 weeks of study
9 to 24 months of study
Where it leads
Where Functional Skills qualifications can take you
Level
Typical roles
Salary range (GBP)
Functional Skills Level 1
Pre-employment training, supported employment, preparation for Level 2 study
Advanced apprentice in accounting, engineering, health and social care, digital marketing
£22,000 to £30,000 ↗
Functional Skills Level 2 → Admin / customer service roles
Office administrator, customer service advisor, receptionist, data entry clerk
£18,000 to £28,000
Functional Skills Level 2 → Care worker / support worker
Healthcare assistant, support worker, care assistant, domiciliary care worker
£22,000 to £27,000 ↗
Functional Skills Level 2 → Access to HE Diploma (Level 3)
Gateway to nursing, social work, teaching, business, psychology degree programmes
Degree required for professional registration
Functional Skills Level 2 → GCSE or A Level progression
GCSE Maths and English, then A Levels; university entry via UCAS for any degree subject
Degree graduate median salary £34,000+ ↗
Functional Skills Level 2 progression routes and UK salary ranges
Salary ranges reflect UK entry level roles that commonly accept Functional Skills Level 2 as the required English and maths standard.
Role
Qualification route
UK salary range
Office Administrator or Customer Service Advisor
Functional Skills Level 2, entry level admin and service roles
£18,000 to £28,000 (gov.uk labour market value of qualifications report)
Healthcare Assistant or Support Worker
Functional Skills Level 2, entry to care roles
£22,000 to £27,000 (Social Care People salary guide)
Advanced Apprentice, accounting or engineering
Functional Skills Level 2, then Level 3 apprenticeship
£22,000 to £30,000 (DfE apprentice experiences research 2024)
Cost, funding and entry
How long does Functional Skills Level 2 take?
Each subject is 55 guided learning hours and most Lift College learners finish in 8 to 16 weeks. The combined course is 110 guided learning hours with typical study of 4 to 8 months.
Cost, funding and entry requirements for Functional Skills Level 2
Functional Skills at Lift College costs £44.99 a month for a single subject, or £69.99 a month for English and maths together, on a cancel-anytime subscription with a 7-day free trial. Other providers typically charge £150 to £300 per subject up front.
Lift College offers a monthly subscription with no fixed contract, so you only pay while actively studying.
Funding
Apprentices are usually funded through their apprenticeship if Functional Skills is a condition of completion, so check with your employer or training provider before paying independently. Adults aged 19 or over in England who have not achieved GCSE English or maths at grade 4 (C) or above are also legally entitled to fully funded Functional Skills English and maths from Entry level to Level 2, or GCSE English and maths, through the Adult Skills Fund at a college or provider that holds the funding.
who qualifies for free Functional Skills Level 2
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for Functional Skills Level 2. Most providers recommend starting at Level 1 first if you have not previously reached GCSE grade 2 or 3 standard, but adults with reasonable existing English or maths ability can usually enrol directly at Level 2.
Learner reviews
What our learners say
Six of our latest reviews, as posted on Trustpilot.
I have enrolled on this on line course and the support/response to queries that I have received to date have been timely and effective. The college also provides a learning plan to comlete the course and mock exams, together with helpful reminders of allocated study days (you self select them and they send you a reminder to keep you on track). The modules are clear and easy to understand and a broken down into sections including question and answer sections and model answers and where applicable worked out calculations. There is a need to take notes from the online materials as there are no PDF work books to download. The assigments are completed in a text box and marked accordingly and saved into your records. Once you get used to using the learning portal (which is not too difficult) it is a fairly straightforward learning process. It is worth paying the money for this course and the level of support provided by the college.
I have been studying with Lift College for the past month, and so far, my experience has been positive. The team provides excellent support, and assignments are marked with helpful feedback, usually within three working days. This quick turnaround is particularly valuable as it helps me manage my studies alongside my workplace commitments.
I recently started the CMI Level 5 course through Lift College. I was attracted to this provider due to the clean and modern design of their website. I asked the support staff a few questions before enrolling, and their responses were fast and informative.
When I started the course, I was impressed by how well organised the material was and how the lessons were structured. I have taken many online courses before, including postgraduate courses from UK universities. What I expected was a few videos made using a webcam, plus several dozen PDF files that had to be read. However, the materials provided by Lift College are of excellent quality, well designed, and purpose-made.
As a teacher myself with 20 years' experience, I recognised clear and deliberate efforts to help students learn more effectively. Lift College isn't just giving you a load of reading material and letting you get on with it. They have designed prompts, revision boxes, spot quizzes, and other features to ensure that learning is actively facilitated.
Excellent customer service and the enrolment process was very smooth. Started my course three weeks ago and I’m loving it.
G
George B.Lift College learner · 6 Nov 2026
“
5 out of 5 · Verified
Lift College is very flexible
Lift College is very flexible, allowing me to study GCSE Biology while working full time. The course is straightforward and include helpful tips for passing the exams.
L
LalaineGCSE Biology · 2 Nov 2026
“
5 out of 5
I have just enrolled with Lift College
I have just enrolled with Lift College today on a free trial. So far so good, I have accessed my course (GCSE Maths) on my platform and everything looks great. Also met my tutor who is very friendly and helpful too. Will update the reviews when I am further down the line.
Is Functional Skills level 2 the same as a GCSE grade C?
Functional Skills Level 2 and GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) are both Level 2 qualifications on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels, and both are regulated by Ofqual. Employers, colleges and apprenticeship funding rules commonly accept Functional Skills Level 2 where a Level 2 in English or maths is asked for, but some universities and courses ask for GCSE by name, so check.
Can I sit a Functional Skills exam at home online?
Yes. Lift College Functional Skills are awarded by TQUK, and you can sit the on-screen exam from home with remote invigilation, or at a TQUK-approved centre. You need a computer with a webcam and a quiet room.
How quickly can I pass Functional Skills level 2?
Most learners take 8 to 16 weeks per subject, studying 6 to 12 hours a week with a named UK tutor. Each Level 2 qualification has 55 guided learning hours, and you sit the on-screen exam when your tutor confirms you are ready. If you do not pass, you can resit (a resit fee applies).
Do I need Functional Skills for an apprenticeship in the UK?
Apprentices aged 16 to 18 without English and maths at GCSE grade 4 (or equivalent) usually need to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 to complete. Under the 2026 to 2027 apprenticeship funding rules, English and maths are optional for apprentices aged 19 and over, who do not have to achieve them to complete, but many employers still ask for them.
Is Functional Skills level 2 accepted for university entry?
Functional Skills level 2 can satisfy the English and maths entry requirement for many UK university courses when combined with a suitable Level 3 qualification such as an Access to HE Diploma. However, a small number of degree programmes, including some teacher training courses, may specify GCSE grade 4/C explicitly. Always check the admissions requirements of your target university directly.
Are Functional Skills qualifications recognised in Scotland and Wales?
Functional Skills are an England-only qualification quality-assured by Ofqual. The equivalent in Scotland is Core Skills, and in Wales it is Essential Skills. If you live or work in Scotland or Wales, check which qualification your employer or training provider accepts, as Functional Skills may not meet devolved national frameworks for funded programmes.
What is Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent to?
Functional Skills Level 2 is not a GCSE, but it is at the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4 in English or maths. It sits at Level 2 on the gov.uk list of qualification levels, alongside GCSE grades 4 to 9, and is Ofqual-regulated (TQUK at Lift College). Employers, colleges and apprenticeship funding rules commonly accept it where Level 2 English or maths is asked for, and some universities ask for GCSE by name; see our full guide to the exceptions. Read the full comparison: is Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent to GCSE?
Is Functional Skills Level 2 easier than GCSE?
It is shorter and more practical rather than easier. Level 2 is the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4, assessed through one 120 minute maths exam in two sections or three English components set in everyday contexts, booked when your tutor confirms you are ready, and graded pass or fail. Most Lift College learners are ready in 8 to 16 weeks. Resits can be booked as soon as you are ready.
Where can I do Functional Skills online?
You can study Functional Skills Maths and English Level 2 entirely online with Lift College. Enrolment is open all year, and you sit your exam from home with remote invigilation or at a TQUK-approved centre when your tutor confirms you are ready. Everything is self-paced with a named UK tutor and marked practice papers.
How much does Functional Skills Level 2 cost?
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 or English Level 2 costs £39.99 a month at Lift College when you pay today, or £59.99 a month for English and maths together, save up to 17% for life; or try it free for 7 days, then £44.99 or £69.99 a month. Every plan includes tutor support, marked practice papers, exam entry and one exam sitting. Resits carry a fee.
What are Functional Skills qualifications?
Functional Skills are practical English and maths qualifications regulated by Ofqual, available from Entry Level up to Level 2. They focus on applying reading, writing and number skills to real workplace and everyday situations rather than exam style theory. Level 2 is at the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4, which is why employers, colleges and apprenticeship providers commonly accept it as an alternative to GCSE English and maths; some universities ask for GCSE by name.
Which awarding body awards Functional Skills qualifications?
Every Functional Skills qualification follows the same subject content set by the Department for Education and is regulated by Ofqual, so the certificate carries the same value whichever awarding organisation issues it. Lift College Functional Skills courses are awarded by TQUK (Training Qualifications UK): Functional Skills Maths Level 2 is 610/2624/4, English Level 2 is 610/2625/6, Maths Level 1 is 610/2623/2 and English Level 1 is 610/2626/8.
Is Functional Skills Level 2 cheaper than GCSE English or Maths?
Usually, yes. At Lift College Functional Skills Maths or English Level 2 is £39.99 a month when you pay today, or £59.99 a month for both, with exam entry and one sitting included, and most learners finish in 8 to 16 weeks. GCSE with exams is £69.99 a month on +Exams when you pay today, and GCSEs are examined in set series rather than on demand. See our full cost comparison at /resources/cheapest-way-to-get-gcse-maths-and-english.
Is Functional Skills Level 2 the same as a GCSE grade 4?
Functional Skills Level 2 and GCSE grades 9 to 4 are both Level 2 qualifications on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels. It is not a GCSE, but employers, colleges and apprenticeship funding rules commonly accept Functional Skills Level 2 where a Level 2 in English or maths is asked for. Some universities and courses ask for GCSE specifically, so check the entry requirements.
Can I do Functional Skills Level 2 English and maths at the same time?
Yes. English and maths are assessed and certificated separately, so you can study and sit exams for both subjects in parallel if you need both for an apprenticeship or job application. Many learners complete one subject first to build confidence before starting the second. Lift College's Functional Skills Level 2 English and maths course covers both with one named UK tutor and two TQUK certificates.
Will Functional Skills Level 2 get me into university?
Functional Skills Level 2 can satisfy the English and maths entry requirement for many university courses when combined with a Level 3 qualification such as an Access to HE Diploma. A small number of courses, including some teacher training routes, ask specifically for GCSE grade 4, so always check with the university admissions team directly.
How is Functional Skills Level 2 assessed?
Maths is one exam in two sections, sat in one sitting: at Lift College, with TQUK, Section A is 30 minutes non calculator and Section B is 90 minutes with a basic calculator. English has three components: reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes), and speaking, listening and communicating (20 to 30 minutes). Each is pass or fail, and TQUK offers remote invigilation so you can sit the onscreen papers from home.
What is the difference between Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 1 is the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G) and builds the core English and maths used in everyday life and work. Level 2 is the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4 and is the standard most apprenticeships, employers and colleges ask for. Many learners start at Level 1 and then progress to Level 2. Lift College teaches both online with TQUK. Level 2: Maths Level 2, English Level 2 and English and Maths Level 2. Level 1: Maths Level 1, English Level 1 and English and Maths Level 1.
Which Functional Skills courses can I do online?
Lift College runs six Functional Skills courses fully online: Maths, English, and English and maths together, each at Level 2 and at Level 1. Each is awarded by TQUK and includes a named UK tutor, marked practice papers, exam entry and one exam sitting, and you sit the exam from home with remote invigilation or at a TQUK-approved centre. Each subject is 55 guided learning hours and each combined course is 110. You can enrol any time of year and start with a 7-day free trial.
Is Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent to GCSE grade 4?
It is at the same level, but it is not a GCSE. It is an Ofqual regulated Level 2 qualification listed alongside GCSE grade 4 in the apprenticeship funding rules and named by NHS Health Careers for nursing associate entry. A small number of courses, and initial teacher training providers, may ask for GCSE or an equivalency test.
Is the exam included in the price?
Yes. Exam entry and one sitting per qualification are included in the £44.99 a month, £458.99 a year, £69.99 a month or £713.99 a year prices. A resit fee applies for further attempts.
Can I sit the exam at home?
Yes. The TQUK exam is on screen and can be sat at home under remote invigilation with a computer, webcam and quiet room, or at a TQUK-approved centre. Lift College books it when your tutor confirms you are ready.
How long does Functional Skills Level 2 take?
Each subject is 55 guided learning hours and most Lift College learners finish in 8 to 16 weeks. The combined course is 110 guided learning hours with typical study of 4 to 8 months.
Who can enrol?
Anyone aged 16 or over. There are no formal entry requirements, no credit check and no contract.
What is Functional Skills Level 2?
Functional Skills Level 2 is a practical qualification in English or maths at Level 2, the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4 on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels. Employers, colleges and apprenticeship funding rules commonly accept it where a Level 2 in English or maths is asked for, and some universities and courses ask for GCSE by name, so check. Lift College teaches Functional Skills Maths and English Level 2 online with TQUK, typically in 8 to 16 weeks per subject, from £44.99 a month with exam entry and one sitting included and a 7-day free trial.
Explore Functional Skills further
Everything about Functional Skills, page by page
Every question about Functional Skills has its own page: entry, costs, careers, awarding bodies, learner stories and more.
