Subject-specific details

The qualification regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland published the Functional Skills qualifications criteria in November 2009. The specific criteria for the individual Functional Skills in English, Mathematics and ICT were published at the same time. 

Advice on permitted access arrangements for specific components is given below.

Permitted access arrangements for English (reading) are as follows:

Reading within Functional Skills English is defined as the independent decoding and understanding of written language and text in a purposeful context. ‘Text’ is defined as materials that include the use of words that are written, printed, on-screen or presented using braille.

A computer reader may be used in the reading component of Functional Skills English where its use reflects the candidate’s normal way of reading. A computer reader is an acceptable arrangement, since it still allows the candidate to independently meet the requirements of the reading standards. 

A reader cannot be used to demonstrate the requirements of the reading standards as this does not meet the requirement for independence. As a last resort, an exemption from the reading component can be requested for a disabled candidate who cannot use assistive technology.

Sign language (i.e. BSL, SSE) is permissible in the speaking, listening and communication component, provided this is made accessible to all participants in the discussion. It is recognised that BSL is a language in its own right and not a form of English.

BSL is, however, permitted as an alternative to English for the assessment of speaking, listening and communication where BSL is the candidate’s normal way of communicating in the contexts described by the standards. No other languages are permitted as alternatives to English.

Similarly, access to augmentative speech equipment is permissible where it reflects the candidate’s normal way of working.

As a last resort, candidates who are disabled under the terms of the Equality Act 2010 and have no accessible means of communication may request an exemption from the speaking, listening and communication component.

Permitted access arrangements for English (writing) are as follows:

For Functional Skills ICT qualifications candidates can have access to all forms of equipment, software and practical assistance that reflect their normal way of working within the centre. However, such adjustments must not affect the reliability or validity of assessment outcomes or give the candidate an assessment advantage over other candidates undertaking the same or similar assessments.

Functional Skills Mathematics candidates can have access to all forms of equipment, software and practical assistance, such as a reader or a scribe that reflect their normal way of working within the centre. However, such adjustments must not affect the reliability or validity of assessment outcomes or give the candidate an assessment advantage over other candidates undertaking the same or similar assessments.