Introduction: Updates to Functional Skills Requirements

The government has introduced Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices, as outlined by the DfE. These updates mean that adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) no longer need to pass Functional Skills English and maths to complete their apprenticeship. While these qualifications remain mandatory for apprentices aged 16–18, they are now optional for adults.

This change will have a significant impact on apprenticeship providers, with fewer learners taking Functional Skills exams. As a result, keeping in-house testing facilities may no longer be financially feasible due to the reduced number of exam participants.

Impact on Training Providers

Decline in Exam Participation

With the introduction of the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices, fewer adult learners will need to complete Functional Skills exams, leading to a decline in exam registrations for training providers.

Higher Costs for In-House Testing

Managing in-house exams involves fixed costs, such as exam board fees, administrative staffing, and per-exam charges. With fewer learners taking exams, maintaining these services may no longer be cost-effective. A practical solution could be to transition to a pay-per-exam model, such as Pass Functional Skills (PFS).

Cost-Effective Solution: Pay-Per-Exam with PFS

By adopting a pay-per-exam model like PFS, providers can reduce costs by eliminating:

• Annual exam board fees
• Salaries for administrative staff
• Overhead costs of managing in-house exams

This system allows providers to only pay for exams when needed, ensuring compliance while minimizing costs.

Conclusion: Adapting to Functional Skills Changes

The Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices mark a significant shift in policy, removing a key requirement for apprenticeship completion. However, for training providers, maintaining in-house exam operations may no longer be financially viable.

Switching to a pay-per-exam approach can help providers adjust to these changes, reduce costs, and streamline the Functional Skills assessment process.

Find Out More

Contact Pass Functional Skills today at 020 4574 9155 to learn more about a cost-effective, fully managed Functional Skills exam solution. Alternatively, fill out the contact form below, and one of our specialists will reach out to discuss how the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices might impact your organization.