Functional Skills English Level 1, online with the exams included

Yes. The TQUK Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1 is an Ofqual-regulated TQUK qualification. The qualification number is 610/2626/8. It is on the Ofqual register. Training Qualifications UK sets and marks the reading and writing papers, and Lift College is a TQUK recognised centre.

Three components, all passed at Level 1: reading for 60 minutes, writing for 60 minutes, and speaking, listening and communicating for 20 to 30 minutes. This Ofqual-regulated TQUK qualification is set and marked by TQUK. The speaking assessment is run by Lift College and quality assured by TQUK.

Most learners take 8 to 16 weeks at 6 to 12 hours a week with a named UK tutor, then sit when the tutor confirms they are ready. This Ofqual-regulated TQUK qualification has no fixed exam date. Reading and writing can be remote or at a centre.

Yes, at the same level. Pearson Edexcel, City & Guilds, NCFE, Open Awards and TQUK all assess the same Department for Education content, so a Level 1 pass carries the same weight whichever body issues it. Lift College learners take the TQUK assessments.

Most learners go on to Functional Skills English Level 2, the level many apprenticeships, nursing and teaching routes and employers ask for. TQUK also lists GCSE English Language and further study at a suitable level as progression routes.

Functional Skills English Level 1 is a Level 1 qualification, the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G). Many employers, college courses and Level 2 apprenticeships commonly ask for Level 1 English at entry. It does not meet a requirement for GCSE English grade 4 or Level 2 English; for that, take Functional Skills English Level 2. Check the one you are applying for.

One price covers the full course: a named UK tutor, marking in 5 to 7 working days, AI Study Support, and entry and one sitting of each of the three TQUK assessments. A resit fee applies only if you need another attempt.

The default is a free 7-day trial with your first payment on day 8. If you would rather pay today, skip the trial and save up to 17%, with your price fixed for life. Your 14-day money-back guarantee still applies: change your mind for any reason within 14 days and we refund the full payment.

You need to be 16 or over. No formal entry requirements. TQUK sets no minimum age; the course is designed for learners 16 and over. Your tutor checks you are ready before your assessments are booked.

Yes. Pay today and save up to 17% for life: £39.99 a month or £359.99 a year (after a 7-day free trial: £44.99 a month or £458.99 a year). The 7-day free trial and 14-day money back apply either way.

Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) issues the certificate. Lift College is a TQUK recognised centre.

Functional Skills English Level 1 is a practical English qualification at Level 1, the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G) on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels. At Lift College it is the TQUK qualification 610/2626/8, with three components you must all pass: reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes) and speaking, listening and communicating (20 to 30 minutes). Most learners take 8 to 16 weeks, from £39.99 a month when you pay today, with one sitting of each assessment included, or try it free for 7 days first.

Functional Skills English Level 1 is at Level 1 on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels, the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G). It is not a GCSE, and it is not a Level 2 qualification, so it does not meet a request for a GCSE grade 4 or for Level 2 English. It is the step before Functional Skills English Level 2, and many employers, college courses and apprenticeships ask for Level 1 English at entry; check the one you are applying for.

It is at the same level as GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G), but it is not a GCSE. Where an employer, college or apprenticeship asks for a GCSE grade 4 (C) or a Level 2 in English, you need Level 2, either GCSE English Language at grade 4 or Functional Skills English Level 2. Level 1 is the usual step towards that. For a fuller answer, see what Functional Skills Level 1 is equivalent to.

Three assessments, and you must pass all three: a 60 minute reading paper, a 60 minute writing paper, and a 20 to 30 minute speaking, listening and communicating assessment. Reading is 15 questions for 20 marks on two texts of 650 to 850 words in all; it tests finding the main points and details, comparing texts, telling fact from opinion and using headings and layout to find information, and you can use a dictionary. Writing asks for two pieces of at least 150 words each, for two different types of document and audience, marked on how clearly you communicate and on spelling, punctuation and grammar, with no spelling or grammar aids. Speaking, listening and communicating is two activities in which you ask relevant questions, give and support your opinions and take part in a discussion. Reading and writing are set and marked by TQUK.

Yes. Speaking, listening and communicating is one of the three components, and you must pass it for the certificate. It takes 20 to 30 minutes and is two activities in which you ask relevant questions, respond to detailed questions and support your opinions with evidence. Lift College runs and assesses it online, and it is quality assured by TQUK. British Sign Language can be used where it is your normal way of communicating.

In the reading paper, yes: TQUK allows a dictionary, and spelling, punctuation and grammar are not marked in reading. In the writing paper, no: you cannot use a dictionary, spell check or any other spelling, punctuation or grammar aid.

Most learners take 8 to 16 weeks at 6 to 12 hours a week, then sit the three assessments when their tutor confirms they are ready. Results come in about six working days. If you take English and maths together on the combined Level 1 course, allow 4 to 8 months for both.

Yes. You study online with a named UK tutor and there is no placement. Reading and writing are on screen, with remote invigilation from home or at a TQUK approved centre, and speaking, listening and communicating is run online by Lift College and quality assured by TQUK. You must pass all three components, and results come in about six working days.

You can if you qualify for funding: adults aged 19 or over in England who have not got a GCSE grade 4 or C in English are legally entitled to fully funded English courses up to Level 2 at colleges and training providers that offer them, and some of those offer Functional Skills. Lift College's online course is paid, from £39.99 a month when you pay today, and every plan starts with a 7-day free trial, with nothing charged until day 8. The entitlement covers study up to Level 2, so it includes Level 1: check whether you qualify in Functional Skills Level 2 funding and eligibility.

Yes, mostly as official sample and practice assessments, because live papers are not released the way GCSE papers are. NCFE publishes Level 1 reading and writing samples with mark schemes, VTCT Skills publishes Level 1 reading and writing practice exams, and City & Guilds publishes Level 1 reading and writing example exams. All follow the same Department for Education content, so they are useful whichever awarding body you sit with. On the Lift College course your tutor marks your practice writing and sets a timed mock before your assessments are booked. See our list of Functional Skills English Level 1 practice papers.

Take Level 2 if a job, apprenticeship, university or college course asks for Level 2 English or a GCSE grade 4, and you can already write a well organised piece of 250 words or more and compare longer texts. Take Level 1 if you are not yet at that standard, or if the route you are applying for asks for Level 1. At Level 1 the reading paper uses two shorter texts and the writing tasks ask for at least 150 words each; at Level 2 there are three longer texts and at least 250 words a task. An adviser can tell you which level suits you after a free skills check.

Yes. There is no rule that you must pass Level 1 first, and you can enrol on Functional Skills English Level 2 directly. Lift College recommends Level 1 standard before you start Level 2, so if your reading or writing needs building up, Level 1 is the step that gets you there.

Functional Skills English Level 1 with Lift College is £39.99 a month when you pay today, with entry and one sitting of each of the three TQUK assessments included, or £0 today on the 7-day free trial and then £44.99 a month. Most learners take 8 to 16 weeks, so about £80 to £160 in all if you cancel once you have your result. Checked on their own websites on 1 November 2026: Open Study College and Pass Functional Skills charge £355 to £429 for the course, paid in full or in instalments. With Lift College you can start for £0 today.

Yes. You can start Functional Skills English Level 1 with Lift College today on the 7-day free trial: you pay £0 today, start the course with your named UK tutor, and nothing is charged until day 8. Prefer to pay today? Skip the trial and save up to 17%, with your price fixed for life. The 14-day money back guarantee applies either way.

A Level 1 English qualification is at the same level as GCSE English grades 3 to 1 (D to G) on GOV.UK's list of qualification levels. Functional Skills English Level 1 is the one most often asked for at entry to jobs, Level 2 apprenticeships and college courses. Lift College teaches the TQUK Functional Skills English Level 1 (610/2626/8) online, with the assessments included.