Introduction: Updates to Functional Skills Requirements

The government has introduced Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices, as set forth by the DfE. Under these revised guidelines, adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) may no longer be required 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 those 19 and older.

This change will significantly affect apprenticeship providers, leading to fewer learners taking Functional Skills exams. As a result, maintaining in-house testing facilities may no longer be financially viable due to the reduced number of exam participants.

Impact on Training Providers

Decline in Exam Numbers

With the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules reducing the number of adult apprentices required to take Functional Skills exams, training providers are likely to see a decrease in exam registrations.

Increased Costs for In-House Testing

Running in-house exams involves fixed costs, including exam board fees, administrative staff wages, and per-exam charges. With fewer learners taking exams, keeping internal testing operations may become less cost-effective. A more practical option might be to switch to a pay-per-exam model, such as Pass Functional Skills (PFS).

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

Opting for a pay-per-exam model like PFS enables providers to reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating:

  • Annual exam board fees
  • Salaries for dedicated administrative staff
  • Overhead associated with running in-house exams

This model allows providers to pay only when an exam is needed, helping to maintain compliance while managing costs more effectively.

Conclusion: Adapting to Functional Skills Changes

The DfE’s Relaxed Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices mark a significant policy change, removing a major requirement for apprenticeship completion. However, for training providers, keeping in-house exam services may no longer be a financially sustainable option.

By adopting a pay-per-exam approach, providers can more easily adjust to these changes, cut costs, and optimize the Functional Skills assessment process.

Find Out More

Contact Pass Functional Skills at 020 4574 9155 to discover an affordable, fully managed Functional Skills exam solution. Alternatively, fill out the contact form below, and one of our specialists will get in touch to discuss how the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices may impact your organization.