The exam at a glance
| Awarding body | Non-calculator section | Calculator section | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearson Edexcel | 25 minutes, 16 marks | 1 hour 30 minutes, 48 marks | 1 hour 55 minutes, 64 marks |
| City & Guilds (4748) | 25 minutes, 15 marks | 1 hour 20 minutes, 45 marks | 1 hour 45 minutes, 60 marks |
| NCFE, Highfield and others | About a quarter of the marks | About three quarters of the marks | Check your awarding body's specification |
What's tested
Since the reformed qualifications began in September 2019, every awarding body follows the same Department for Education subject content, in three areas: using numbers and the number system; using common measures, shape and space; and handling information and data.
In practice that means whole numbers, negatives, fractions, decimals and percentages; ratio, proportion and formulae; money, time, measures and speed; area, perimeter and volume; statistics and charts; and probability. You can practise each area with our Functional Skills Maths Level 2 questions.
Most marks come from problem solving in realistic contexts, such as planning a budget, ordering materials for a room or comparing deals, rather than from bare calculations. Expect to make and justify decisions.
Pass mark and results
- The result is simply pass or fail. There are no grades such as merit or distinction.
- The pass mark is set for each version of the paper, because different versions can differ slightly in difficulty. Do not rely on a percentage quoted online; aim for about 70% on practice papers to give yourself a margin.
- Your marks from both sections are added together, so a weaker non-calculator section can be balanced by a strong calculator section.
- How long results take depends on the awarding body and on whether you sat a paper or on-screen exam. Ask your centre for its timescale.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free Functional Skills Maths L2 practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Is it equivalent to GCSE grade 4?
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 is a Level 2 qualification, the same level as GCSE grades 4 to 9, but it is a different qualification with different content. It is not a GCSE grade.
For apprenticeships in England, the Department for Education accepts an Ofqual-regulated Functional Skills Level 2 maths pass as meeting the maths requirement in place of GCSE grade 4. Certificates that are not Ofqual-regulated (for example under the Quality Licence Scheme) are not accepted.
Many employers, colleges and some universities also accept it in place of GCSE Maths grade 4, but this varies. Universities and teacher training courses in particular may insist on GCSE, so always check the entry requirements of the course or job before you book.
Booking and sitting the exam
- Book through a college, training provider or approved test centre. If you are on an apprenticeship or a funded college course, the cost is often covered.
- Exams are on demand, so you can usually choose a date that suits you, subject to the centre's notice period.
- Depending on the centre, you can sit a paper exam or an on-screen exam, and some centres offer remotely invigilated online exams from home.
- Bring a calculator for the calculator section, plus a pen, pencil, ruler and eraser. Check whether your awarding body allows a protractor.
A 6-week preparation plan
- Week 1: take a full practice paper under timed conditions, mark it and list the topics where you lost marks.
- Week 2: number and calculation without a calculator: order of operations, negatives, written multiplication and division, rounding.
- Week 3: fractions, decimals and percentages, plus ratio, proportion and formulae.
- Week 4: measures, money, time and speed; area, perimeter and volume.
- Week 5: statistics, charts and probability, then a second full timed practice paper.
- Week 6: redo every question you got wrong, practise the non-calculator section in 25 minutes, and rest the day before the exam.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for Functional Skills Maths Level 2?
There is no single fixed pass mark. Awarding bodies set it for each version of the paper, so it can vary slightly. Aiming for about 70% in practice gives you a safe margin.
Is Functional Skills Maths Level 2 equivalent to a GCSE?
It is at the same level as GCSE grades 4 to 9 and is accepted in place of GCSE Maths grade 4 for apprenticeships and by many employers and colleges. Some universities and courses still require GCSE, so check first.
How long is the Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam?
It depends on the awarding body. Pearson Edexcel's exam is 1 hour 55 minutes (25 minutes non-calculator and 1 hour 30 minutes calculator); City & Guilds' is 1 hour 45 minutes.
Can I use a calculator?
Only in the calculator section. The non-calculator section, about a quarter of the marks, must be done without one.
Can I take Functional Skills Maths Level 2 online?
Yes. Several awarding bodies offer on-screen exams, and some centres run remotely invigilated exams you can sit from home. Make sure the qualification is Ofqual-regulated.
Can I resit if I fail?
Yes. Because the exam is on demand, you can book a resit through your centre once you have had time to practise. Fees for resits vary by centre.
Official sources
- Pearson Functional Skills Level 1 and 2 exams guidance
- City & Guilds 4748 Level 1 and 2 Mathematics qualification handbook
- DfE: English and maths requirements in apprenticeships guidance (gov.uk)
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.
