The three components (Pearson Edexcel)
| Component | How it is assessed | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Externally set and marked test: multiple choice, short and medium open responses | 1 hour 15 minutes | 35 |
| Writing | Externally set and marked test: two writing tasks; about 42% of marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar | 1 hour | 36 |
| Speaking, listening and communicating | Set and assessed by your centre: a 4 to 5 minute presentation with questions, and a 15-minute group discussion | Up to about 40 minutes in total | Pass or fail |
What is tested
- Reading: finding information, knowing when you need detail, using headings and reference materials, inference, fact and opinion, bias, levels of formality, and comparing texts.
- Writing: formal letters, emails, reports, articles and similar formats, written for a stated audience and purpose, with accurate punctuation, grammar and spelling.
- Speaking, listening and communicating: presenting information and opinions, asking and answering detailed questions, and contributing constructively to a formal discussion.
- All awarding bodies follow the same Department for Education subject content, so City & Guilds, NCFE and Highfield test the same skills with slightly different timings and question styles.
- Try timed questions on our Functional Skills English Level 2 practice page.
How passing works
Functional Skills is graded pass or fail. You must pass all three components to get the qualification. The pass mark is set for each version of each paper, so there is no single fixed mark to aim for; aim for about 70% in practice so you have a margin.
If you fail one component, you only resit that component. Results for the components you passed carry forward, and Pearson allows component results to transfer if you finish with a different awarding body. Each resit uses a different version of the test.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free Functional Skills English Level 2 practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Rules on the day
- Dictionaries, including bilingual dictionaries, are allowed in the Reading test.
- No dictionaries, spellcheckers or grammar checkers are allowed in the Writing test.
- Tests can be on paper or onscreen, depending on your centre.
- In the speaking assessment you can use notes but not a prepared script.
- Access arrangements such as extra time are available if you normally use them; ask your centre well before the test.
Who takes it, and is it the same as a GCSE?
Functional Skills English Level 2 is a Level 2 qualification, the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4, but it is a different qualification with a different purpose: it tests practical, real-world English rather than literary analysis. It is widely used as the English requirement for apprenticeships and is accepted by many employers and further education courses. Some university courses and sixth forms ask specifically for GCSE, so check your next step's entry requirements.
For 16 to 19 year olds, the condition of funding rules matter: students with a GCSE grade 2 or below can meet the requirement with a Functional Skills Level 2 pass, while full-time students with a grade 3 must study GCSE. Our GCSE maths and English resits guide explains this in more detail.
A 6-week preparation plan
- Week 1: take a full practice Reading test and a Writing task under time. Note which question types cost you marks.
- Week 2: reading for information. Practise skimming, scanning and answering questions on policies, timetables and leaflets.
- Week 3: inference, fact and opinion, bias and comparing texts. Do two comparison questions.
- Week 4: writing formats. Write a formal letter, an email, a report and an article, each in 30 minutes, and check the layout conventions.
- Week 5: punctuation, grammar and spelling. Daily 10-minute drills on apostrophes, commas, homophones and your personal list of tricky words. Practise your presentation.
- Week 6: a second full timed Reading and Writing test, mark it, fix the top three weaknesses, then book your test.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for Functional Skills English Level 2?
There is no single fixed pass mark. It is set for each version of each paper, so aim for about 70% in practice.
How long are the Level 2 English tests?
With Pearson Edexcel, Reading is 1 hour 15 minutes and Writing is 1 hour. Speaking, listening and communicating is assessed separately by your centre.
Can I use a dictionary?
Yes in the Reading test, including a bilingual dictionary. No in the Writing test, and spellcheckers are not allowed.
Is Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent to a GCSE?
It is at the same level as GCSE grades 9 to 4 and is widely accepted for apprenticeships and many jobs, but it is a different qualification. Check whether your course or employer accepts it.
What happens if I fail one part?
You resit only the component you failed. Passed components carry forward, and the resit uses a different paper version.
When can I take the test?
Functional Skills tests are on demand, so your centre can book them throughout the year once you are ready.
Official sources
- Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English (2019)
- Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English Level 1 and 2 specification (PDF)
- DfE: Functional Skills subject content for English
Practice tests for these exams
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not official exam board guidance. Specifications and dates can change; confirm the details with your school or exam board.
