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English Functional Skills Onscreen Exam - At Home.

English Functional Skills Onscreen Exam - At Home.

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New Functional Skills Exam At Home

We are pleased to introduce a new way candidates can take their Edexcel Functional Skills Exam at Home. Using a computer – along with a smart phone – English and Maths Functional Skills Level 1 and 2 examinations can be booked for any day and at virtually any time.

These examinations rely on the candidate having a good internet connection and the special app which can be downloaded onto the candidate’s own smart phone. The examinations are invigilated through both the computer’s camera and the camera facility on the smart phone.

Once booked, the candidate is given comprehensive instructions of how to download the app and set up both their smart phone and computer camera ready for the exam.

The candidate must take the exam in a quiet room with no other person present. The immediate surroundings will be ‘swept’ with candidate’s smart phone to show the remote invigilator that no unauthorised material is present in the room.

The smart phone is then placed in the prescribed position and the exam accessed via the computer.

The Functional Skills examinations are identical to those taken in the centre. The exams will be processed and marked in the same way.

Please note: Candidate’s who wish to book Functional Skills at Home for English exams must give 9 days notice to book an exam.

Exam Information

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

    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.

    One reading exam – 75 minutes.
    (Require 23 from 35 marks for a Pass)

    One writing exam – 60 minutes.
    (Require 23 from 36 marks for a Pass)

    One speaking test – 60 up to minutes.
    (Result: Pass or Fail)

    Speaking tests are conducted online via Zoom.

    The aims of Functional Skills English Level 1 and Functional Skills English Level 2 qualifications are to develop learner understanding and skills in:

    Functional Skills English Level 1
    Functional Skills Speaking, Listening and Communication – take full part in formal and informal discussions and exchanges that include unfamiliar subjects.
    Functional Skills Reading – read and understand a range of straightforward texts.
    Functional Skills Writing – write a range of texts to communicate information, ideas and opinions using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.

    Functional Skills English Level 2
    Speaking, Listening and Communication – make a range of contributions to discussions in a range of contexts, including those that are unfamiliar, and make effective presentations.
    Functional Skills Reading – select, read, understand and compare texts and use them to gather information, ideas, arguments and opinions.
    Functional Skills Writing – write a range of texts, including extended written documents communication information, ideas and opinions, effectively and persuasively.

    Functional Skills English Level 1 and Functional Skills English Level 2  qualifications are designed to give learners the skills to operate confidently, effectively and independently in education, work and everyday life. Functional Skills English Level 2 have been created in response to employers’ perceptions that many learners are not achieving a sufficiently firm grounding in the basics.

    Tutor Information

    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.

    Practice Functional Skills

    English

    Links below are for candidates to practice before sitting the test which replicates the look and feel of the functional skills English onscreen testing program.

    The Sample Test Player software must be installed on a Window 10 computer or laptop for the links to work.

    The practise tests can only be used on laptop or computer and cannot be used on mobile phone or tablet. 

    Sample Test Player Download

    English Specification
    Edexcel English Direct Page Content Covered Level 2

    Sample English Reading Test
    Level 1 Reading Sample Level 2 Reading Sample

    Sample English Writing Test
    Level 1 Writing Sample
    Level 2 Writing Sample

    Functional Skills Setup Videos

     

    Functional Skills Exam Videos

    FAQ

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

    Q. Can I use a calculator in the Functional Skills Mathematics test?
    A. The Functional Skills mathematics has both non-calculator and calculator questions. There is an on-screen calculator which candidates can use in the calculator section of the tests.

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

    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 test are taken at the candidate's home.

    Q. How long are functional skills test
    A. 
    Functional Skills Maths - The Functional Skills Maths Test lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.

    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 a computer. There are practise tests available on our website so candidates can familiarise themselves with how the tests work.

    Q. Can I request a re-mark?
    A. Remark is available for Onscreen Functional skills exams. The fee is £50 and must be requested within 28 days after receiving your results.
     

    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 can apply for 25% extra time.  Candidates must supply either a recent psychologist report, an Education Health and Care plan (EHC Plan) or a report from your Doctor  listing your learning difficulties and must mention that extra time is required during educational examinations before booking the exam. Please note this arrangement does not apply for GCSE and A Level.

    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. 
    To cancel a functional skills test and to receive a full refund we must be informed by email six days prior to the test.  No refunds will be issued after the six day cancellation period.

    email to cancel: cancelexamfs@examcentrebirmingham.com

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