---
title: Functional Skills
description: Learn about working with TQUK for Functional Skills.
---
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29 October 2026
# Functional Skills
## This article introduces VQA’s Functional Skills qualifications, including components, levels, delivery formats, and assessment requirements.
You can offer VQA’s Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths to help learners build essential skills for work, study, and everyday life. These qualifications support progression into vocational programmes, apprenticeships, and training. VQA does not offer Digital Functional Skills qualifications.
The Department for Education (DfE) publishes the official [English subject-content](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/functional-skills-subject-content-english) and [mathematics subject-content](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/functional-skills-subject-content-mathematics) for Functional Skills qualifications. VQA uses DfE content to develop Functional Skills qualifications.
### Eligibility to deliver VQA's Functional Skills
You can offer VQA Functional Skills qualifications once approved by VQA. If you are awaiting approval, VQA will support you through the process. Full approval details are available [here](https://www.vqa.org/recognised-centre?utm_campaign=%5BCORE%5D%20Functional%20Skills%20Launch&utm_source=functional%20skills%20maths%20factsheet&utm_medium=factsheet&utm_content=maths%20factsheet%20centre%20approval).
### Functional Skills English and maths components
#### **English**
You must teach the following three components:
- Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC)
- Reading
- Writing
#### **Maths**
You must cover the following three areas:
- Number and the Number System
- Common Measures, Shape, and Space
- Information and Data
### Available levels and qualification specifications
You can offer Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths across five levels: Entry Levels 1–3, Level 1 and Level 2.
Access VQA's Qualifications specifications [here](https://www.tquk.org/functional-skills-resources?hsLang=en-gb)
You must assess each learner’s starting point to identify the appropriate level, using diagnostic tools where helpful.
### Functional Skills delivery and funding options
You can deliver Functional Skills qualifications as standalone sessions or as part of vocational programmes. Delivery must be one of the following:
- Face to face.
- In classroom settings.
- Through blended learning.
Each qualification includes 55 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
You can find out about funding by using the [Find a Learning Aim Service](https://submit-learner-data.service.gov.uk/find-a-learning-aim/). Learners aged 16–19, all age apprentices, and adults 19+ without a prior GCSE grade A\*–C (or grade 4) in English or Maths may receive full funding.
### How to deliver and administer assessments
These requirements apply to Entry Level (English: reading and writing; maths: all content areas):
- Use assessment that VQA sets, and **you** mark them.
- Deliver one maths assessment made up of two parts.
- Deliver two English assessments.
- Follow IQA and EQA procedures.
These requirements apply to Level 1 and Level 2 (English reading and writing; maths all content areas)
- Use the assessments that VQA sets, and **VQA** marks them.
- Deliver one maths assessment made up of two parts.
- Deliver two English assessments.
For both Entry Level and Level 1 and 2 learners can:
- access practice papers
- resit assessments as many times as they need, with no minimum waiting period between attempts\*
- choose paper-based or online assessments, including optional remote invigilation provided by VQA
- pass all components unless VQA grants an exemption to achieve the qualification.
\*as long as there are new exams available.
You must schedule paper-based assessments at least 10 working days in advance.
### Delivering SLC assessments (all levels)
- Conduct SLC assessments in centre or via remote assessment.
- Assess the learner on their SLC assessment task and provide feedback.
- Use the materials VQA provides or adapt/create your own, if they meet VQA's required standards.
### Resources and accessibility support
You can access support materials such as sample assessments, practice papers, delivery guidance and system documentation on the [VQA website](https://www.vqa.org/functional-skills-resources).
You can find information about reasonable adjustments and special considerations [here](https://share.hsforms.com/1VqgjTJXYT1SCYG13P0Kc5A50itw).
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