English Functional Skills Onscreen Exam - At Our Centre

Pearson/Edexcel Onscreen Functional Skills exams can be booked at any time throughout the year.

Functional Skills Exams are available every Wednesdays 1pm and Saturdays 11 am.

Results are emailed to candidates 10-14 working days after the test but can take up to 28 days.

Functional Skills certificates are posted up to two weeks after the results have been issued.

GCSE Equivalent Qualification accepted by colleges, universities and training providers.

Pearson/Edexcel Functional Skills English On Screen Examinations.

Our Functional Skills English Course is for those who require coaching to prepare for the Level 2 Functional Skills English Exam.

4 x 1 hours lessons.
You will receive four online lessons each session is one hour long and is conducted on a 1-2-1 basis ensuring that you receive personal and intensive tuition.

Your qualified teacher will guide you through the requirements of both the reading and writing components of the examination and give valuable and practical advice about the speaking test

Sessions can be arranged at a day and time to suit you best and as they are conducted over Zoom there’s no need to worry about travelling to sessions.

Functional Skills English Reading Level 2

Functional Skills English Writing Level 2

Q. Which examination board do you use for Functional Skills tests?
A. The Functional Skills tests are administered by Pearson / Edexcel.

Q. Do I book the reading, writing and speaking tests separately?
A. No. The English qualification covers all three components in a single booking. You choose one slot for the reading and writing tests, which are taken at our centre on the same day. The speaking test is conducted online over Zoom a few days afterwards and its date is arranged with you — there is nothing further for you to book.

Q. Why do I need to watch the sample video before booking?
A. The booking form asks you to confirm that you have watched the Functional Skills Sample Video in the tab on the product page. It is worth watching properly rather than simply ticking the box: it shows you the examination software, so that you arrive already familiar with how the onscreen test works instead of learning it under timed conditions.

Q. Which days can I book, and how much notice do I need to give?
A. Tests at our centre run in two slots: Wednesday at 1 pm and Saturday at 11 am. You choose the date from the calendar on the booking form, which opens only those two weekdays and shows only the dates actually available — a number are closed for bank holidays and over the festive period. For an onscreen test, a Wednesday can be booked up to the Tuesday before and a Saturday up to the Thursday before, so a Saturday cannot be booked on the Friday. A paper-based test requires 21 days' notice.

Q. What do I need to pass the Functional Skills English Test?
A. Candidate must complete and pass all three components of the English exam. The Functional Skills English Test comprises of: Writing Test, Reading Test and a Speaking Test. The writing and reading tests can be taken on the same day. The Speaking Test is conducted a few days after online via Zoom.

Q. Which Functional Skills level is equivalent to GCSE?
A. Level 2 is generally accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4.

Q. Are there pass grades in Functional Skills?
A. Functional Skills Tests are either Pass or Fail. There are no grades awarded.

Q. How long does it take for results to be issued?
A. Results are usually available and emailed to candidates 10-14 days after the tests but in exceptional cases this could take up to 28 days.

Q. Where are the functional skills tests held?
A. The Functional Skills tests are held at our centre in Birmingham.

Q. How long are functional skills test
A. Functional Skills English - The writing test lasts 60 minutes and
The reading test lasts 75 minutes. We would advise candidates to allow 60-90 minutes for the speaking test which are conducted via Zoom.

Q. What happens if I fail my Functional Skills Exam
A. Once you have received your results you can book another test. Instructions concerning re-takes will be emailed with the results.

Q. Are the Functional Skills tests paper based?
A. The Functional Skills tests are taken on either a computer or exam paper which ever is selected during the booking stage. There are practise tests available on our website so candidates can familiarise themselves with how the tests work on a computer.

Q. What is the Functional Skills English Speaking Test?
A. The Functional Skills English Speaking Test is an important part of the Functional Skills English assessments. This is taken over Zoom along with other candidates who each prepare a short presentation of between 7-9 minutes in length. Candidates prepare a talk on any topic of their own choice and can use brief notes or bullet points. Following the presentation, questions will be posed by the other candidates. Although the Speaking Test does not contribute to a candidate’s overall mark, the candidate must achieve the minimum standard in order to complete the requirements for the award. The Functional Skills English Speaking Tests are generally available once a month on Sunday.

Q. Can I request a re-mark?
A. Yes. Pearson call this a Review of Marking. It must be requested within 14 working days of your result being issued — that is Pearson's deadline and it cannot be extended once it has passed, so please contact us as soon as you have your result. We submit the application on your behalf. Our fee is £50. Pearson take up to 20 days to complete the review.

Q. How can I book a Functional Skills test?
A. Book your Functional Skills test by completing the Book Functional Skills section below.
A confirmation of your booking will be emailed to you.

Q. Do I receive a hard copy certificate?
A. Yes, these are usually sent out 10-14 days after you received your results. These are posted by recorded delivery. Please keep your certificate safe as there is a charge for replacements.
All three components of the English Functional skills must have a PASS to receive a Certificate.

Q. I have learning difficulties.
A. Candidates with learning difficulties, a disability or a medical condition can apply for access arrangements such as 25% extra time. Before booking the exam, please email us your evidence: a recent report from an educational psychologist or specialist assessor, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan), or for a medical condition, a letter from a hospital consultant or other medical specialist. The evidence must describe your difficulties and state that extra time is needed in exams. We will check it and confirm before you book. Approval is subject to JCQ and Pearson regulations and cannot be guaranteed. For GCSE, IGCSE and A Level the process is different, so please email us before booking.

Q. Is there any age limits taking the functional skills tests?
A There is no set age limit for taking Functional Skills tests.

Q. How many times can resit on-screen Functional skills test?
A. Learners can resit the tests as many times as required. Resits can be booked after the results have been released.

Q. What is the cancellation policy?
A. Please visit our cancelation policy.

email to cancel: cancelexamfs@examcentrebirmingham.com