DfE Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for Apprentices – What This Means for Providers

Key Changes to Functional Skills Requirements

The Department for Education (DfE) has Relaxed Functional Skills Rules to Functional Skills requirements for apprentices. Under this revised policy, adult apprentices (19+) will no longer be required to pass Functional Skills English and maths to complete their apprenticeship, making these qualifications optional. However, apprentices aged 16–18 must still work towards obtaining these skills.

These changes will impact apprenticeship providers by reducing the number of learners taking Functional Skills exams. With lower demand, maintaining in-house testing facilities may no longer be financially viable.

Implications for Training Providers

Decline in Exam Participation

With fewer adult apprentices needing Functional Skills exams, training providers can expect a drop in the number of learners sitting these assessments.

Cost Challenges of In-House Testing

Operating an internal exam system involves significant costs, including exam board fees, administrative expenses, and per-exam charges. A decline in the number of learners sitting exams may make in-house testing inefficient and unsustainable. An alternative solution is to transition to a pay-per-exam service like Pass Functional Skills (PFS).

A More Cost-Effective Approach: Pay-Per-Exam Services

Switching to a pay-per-exam model reduces overhead costs by eliminating the need for:

• Annual fees to exam boards

• Dedicated administrative staff

• Internal exam management

This approach ensures compliance while allowing providers to pay only for the exams their learners require, ultimately reducing financial strain.

Adjusting to the Updated Functional Skills Policy

The Relaxed Functional Skills Rules removes Functional Skills as a mandatory requirement for adult apprentices, streamlining the apprenticeship completion process. However, for training providers, sustaining in-house exam operations may no longer be cost-effective.

By adopting a pay-per-exam system, providers can adapt to these changes efficiently, lower operational expenses, and simplify their Functional Skills provision.

Learn More

For a fully managed and cost-effective Functional Skills exam solution, contact Pass Functional Skills at 020 4574 9155 or fill out the contact form below. Our specialists will reach out to discuss how these Relaxed Functional Skills Rules affect your organisation.