Become an affiliate partner and earn attractive commission.

X
Lead Academy Offer

Functional Skills

What is Pearson Functional Skills?

mini-logo

Lead Academy

9 Mins Read

I was nervous while writing the first email at my office. As I had never done it professionally, I wondered what would happen if I made any mistakes. I decided to come out of this fear and started talking to my friends and colleagues. Then I realised I wasn’t alone there; they also suffered from this.

So, one of my friends suggested developing Pearson’s Functional Skills. Pearson’s Functional Skills are one of the most impactful ways to build a strong foundation for further learning, academic growth, and career development.

But ‘What is Pearson Edexcel for Functional Skills?’ or ‘How does it work?’. Many questions might come to your mind before starting your Functional Skills development. No worries! You don’t have to roam here and there to find the answers. You can learn everything about Pearson Edexcel Pearson Functional Skills. Let’s dive in!

Illustration for Pearson FS Qualification

What are Pearson Functional Skills?

Pearson Functional Skills refers to qualifications in English, Math, and ICT offered by Pearson Edexcel. It is a UK-based awarding organisation. These skills help learners develop the essential practical skills required for education, work, and regular life. The Functional Skills focuses on real-life applications instead of memorising theories and practices.

These skills are perfect for students, job seekers, and apprentices because they play an important role in career growth and higher education. Pearson Edexcel awarded certification is accepted by employers and institutions. However, these qualifications enhance literacy in language, numeracy, and digital aspects.

From children to adults, everyone can start their learning journey of Functional Skills for their fundamental growth. There are no age limits for developing these skills.

Why are Functional Skills Important? 

Functional Skills Pearson includes essential knowledge that helps people to learn, work, and contribute to society more efficiently. These skills increase the understanding of language literacy, numeracy, and real-world tasks like handling daily tasks, service transactions, and business operations.

Moreover, developing Functional Skills benefits both your professional and personal life. By enrolling in Pearson Functional Skills, you can learn problem-solving, creativity, and communication. Functional Skills are important for academic and career growth. Also, it can help you to build a strong networking community.

Employers in different sectors value Functional Skills because these are the most necessary qualifications they require to perform office work efficiently. From communication and handling the account to problem-solving and creativity, Functional Skills will boost employees’ productivity in all sectors.

Subject in Pearson Functional Skills

The most common subjects in Pearson Functional Skills are English, Maths, and ICT. Here are the subjects of Functional Skills with explanations-

Pearson Functional Skills Maths

Pearson Functional Skills qualifications in Mathematics at Entry Levels 1 to 3 are designed to help students improve their mathematical understanding and skills.

This subject gives learners the opportunity to:

  • Show a solid understanding of the basic concepts and basics of mathematical problem-solving that are appropriate for the level, as well as the skill to use mathematical knowledge to solve problems in situations that are familiar to you.
  • Achieve the skills needed for Levels 1 and 2 of study.
  • Make preparations for future careers.

Pearson Functional Skills English

The Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills qualifications in English at entry Levels 1, 2, and 3 are designed to help students improve their language knowledge and skills.

This subject gives learners a chance to:

  • Show that they can read, write, speak, listen, and communicate in English correctly.
  • Use this information and these skills in situations they are familiar with.

Some of the essential Pearson Edexcel functional skills past papers for English include the following:

Pearson Functional Skills ICT

Functional skills qualifications in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) provide students with the knowledge and skills to perform with confidence, efficiency, and independence in the classroom, the workplace, and daily life. They are created in response to employers’ beliefs that many students are not gaining a solid foundation in the basics.

Here are some of the Pearson Functional Skills ICT past papers:

Illustration of Pearson Edexcel qualifications

Level in Pearson Functional Skills

There are five levels of Functional Skills available for Maths, English, and ICT. Each level follows a different learning level curriculum according to the learner’s qualification. Here are the Functional Skills levels and learning outcomes of all levels-

Maths

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Mathematics Entry Level 1-3

The content area for entry-level 1-3 is using numbers and the number system – whole numbers, fractions and decimals, using common measures, shape and space, and handling information and data.

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Mathematics Level 1

You will gain an understanding of the following subjects through the Level 1 course: numbers, measures, and handling data.

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Mathematics Level 2

The level 2 qualification’s objective is to demonstrate excellent maths skills and the ability to apply mathematical thinking to solve problems successfully in the workplace and other real-world situations.

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Mathematics Level 3

An approved maths qualification at Level 3 is supported by the government. Entry Level 3 Functional Skills maths can help you set the stage for a higher level of study.

English

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skill English Entry Level 1-3

The content area for entry-level 1-3 includes speaking, listening, and communicating texts, reading texts and writing texts.

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English Level 1

At level 1, the students will be able to communicate effectively through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English Level 2

To reach level 2, students must be able to talk, listen, communicate, read, and write accurately and confidently.

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English Level 3

Learners should be informed of the three parts of Functional Skills English Entry Level 3 during their course, which include speaking, listening, and reading.

ICT

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills ICT Entry Level 1-3

The content area for entry-level 1-3 includes using ICT, finding and selecting information, developing, presenting, and communicating information.

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills ICT Level 1

For students who want to gain necessary, transferrable ICT skills so they may perform confidently, effectively, and independently in everyday life, Level 1 is the perfect qualification. The total number of marks available is 10.

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills ICT Level 2

A level 2 qualification is essential since it shows you have practical, valuable computer skills. The total number of marks available is 20.

  • Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills ICT Level 3

The learners will get advanced computer and IT knowledge by taking the level 3 qualifications. The total number of marks available is 40.

How to Pass Pearson Functional Skills?

According to Pearson, there is a specific percentage for passing different functional skills. An overview of passing functional skills exams is given in the following tables.

English Reading

Level Total Marks Pass Percentage
Entry 1 16 75%
Entry 2 20 73%
Entry 3 24 75%
Level 1 30 65%
Level 2 30 65%

English Writing

Level Total Marks Pass Percentage
Entry 1 30 75%
Entry 2 35 73%
Entry 3 36 73%
Level 1 36 63%
Level 2 36 63%

Mathematics

Level Total Marks Pass Percentage
Entry 1 20 75%
Entry 2 28 75%
Entry 3 36 70%
Level 1 56 63%
Level 2 64 59%

ICT

Level Total Marks Pass Percentage
Entry 1 30 75%
Entry 2 35 75%
Entry 3 40 75%
Level 1 60 80%
Level 2 80 70% to 80%

 

Illustration of innovation

How to Check Pearson Functional Skills Results?

You can check it yourself online by following some quick and easy steps. Here are the steps-

  • Go to the Edexcel Online and enter your username and password. If you have no account, then request your exam center to create an account for you.
  • After logging in, click on the ‘Examination Results’ or ‘Results’ section from the dashboard.
  • Tap on the specific exam option that you took. You will get the results with your grade and score.
  • You can download and print your results for further use.

If you can’t access your results online, you should contact the exam center for support. They will help you by sending your results through email or an internet portal. You can contact Pearson Edexcel directly, they can send the results via email. But it might take a few days.

Conclusion

Functional skills qualifications offer reliable evidence of a learner’s achievements that help them to implement their knowledge in real-life situations. Learning these skills can create a visible difference in daily life. From improving daily problem handling and increasing productivity to making the path to higher education, Functional Skills can build a strong foundation for you.

Learners gain the confidence to implement these skills in personal and professional life with ease. Hopefully, this article has given you a detailed perspective on what Pearson Functional Skills is, how to pass the exams, the subjects, and levels. Good luck with your journey to Functional Skills!

FAQ

Do Universities Accept Functional Skills Level 1?

It varies with different universities. Not all universities accept Functional Skills level 1. Most universities ask for Functional Skills Level 2 or higher in English and Maths. But some universities may offer foundation courses that accept FS level 1. Check the entry requirements of universities before applying.

Can I Book the Functional Skills Exam Online at Home?

Yes, you can book the Functional Skills exam online at home via approved exam centers. Some exam providers offer remote invigilation through webcam and screen monitoring. Make sure you have a stable internet connection, a quiet environment, and a verification ID. You can book your exam through Lead Academy for better support.

Are Functional Skills harder than GCSE?

Functional Skills and GCSE assess different skills. However, Functional Skills tests the practical applications of English, Math, and ICT. On the other hand, GCSE covers a wider academic curriculum that includes in-depth theory and exams. GCSE is comparatively harder than Functional Skills.

What is Pearson Functional Skills Equivalent to?

Pearson Functional Skills qualifications are equivalent to GCSEs in the UK. FS Level 1 is similar to a GCSE grade 1-3 (D-G). On the other hand, FS Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4-9 (A*-C). Functional Skills provide the practical knowledge and skills in English, Maths, and ICT for work and daily life.

Can you get a job with Functional Skills?

Yes. You can get a job with the Functional Skills qualification. Moreover, these qualifications are accepted by employers for entry-level roles in different industries. Many organisations recognise it as an equivalent to GCSEs for essential skills like English and Maths.

What to Read Next:

Categories:

Functional Skills

Like This Article?

Share it on social.