GCSE equivalent maths qualification
Online Functional Skills Maths Exams
Understand Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and Level 2, learn how the online exam works, and choose the right preparation route before booking your City & Guilds maths exam.
Functional Skills Maths
Level 1 and Level 2 Online Exam Information
Understand the exam, compare levels, prepare online and follow the right booking route.
Level 2
GCSE equivalent route for many learners.
Online exam
Computer-based exam with remote invigilation.
1h 45m
Level 2 exam duration
City & Guilds
Functional Skills route
Course option
Prepare online first
Awarding body
City & Guilds
Functional Skills Maths route
Qualification
Ofqual regulated
Recognised UK qualification
Exam style
Online exam
Computer-based and remotely invigilated
Duration
1 hour 45 minutes
Level 2 online exam time
Results
Usually within a week
May take up to 20 working days
GCSE equivalent
Level 2 route
Widely used as GCSE Grade 4/C equivalent
Choose the right route
Choose your Functional Skills Maths route
Whether you need a GCSE equivalent maths qualification or want to build confidence before the exam, compare the online exam, Level 1, Level 2 and course preparation options.
Functional Skills Maths Level 2
The most common route for learners who need a recognised GCSE equivalent maths qualification for university, apprenticeships, employment or career progression.
Learn about Level 2 →Functional Skills Maths Level 1
A practical starting point for learners who want to strengthen their maths skills before progressing to the Level 2 exam.
Learn about Level 1 →Online Maths Course
Study online with Functional Skills Maths preparation covering Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 topics before sitting your exam.
View course options →Who it helps
Who needs Functional Skills Maths Level 2?
Many learners choose Functional Skills Maths Level 2 because they need a recognised GCSE equivalent maths qualification for study, work, apprenticeships or career progression.
It is especially useful for adults and learners who need maths for a specific next step, such as university entry, healthcare courses, teacher training, employment or a new apprenticeship.
University applicants
Apprenticeships
Nursing & healthcare
Teacher training
Career progression
Adults returning to education
Exam or course
Which route do you need?
Some learners are ready to book the exam now. Others need to revise first with an online maths course before sitting the official exam.
Ready for the exam?
Book the online Functional Skills Maths exam
Choose this route if you already feel confident with Functional Skills Maths topics and want to book your online maths exam. Passing the exam is what gives you the qualification.
View online exam routeNeed preparation first?
Start with the online maths course
Choose this route if you want to build confidence first. The online course helps you revise Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 topics, but you still need to pass the official exam to receive the qualification.
View online maths courseOnline exam booking
Ready to book your online Functional Skills Maths exam?
Choose your online Functional Skills Maths exam route, compare Level 1, Level 2 and preparation options, then continue to the exam booking page when you are ready to reserve your place.
Book your online maths exam
Use the booking page to check available online exam options, review the exam information and continue with your Functional Skills Maths exam booking.
Book Your Online Exam NowSimple process
How the online maths exam route works
The online route is flexible, but candidates still need to prepare properly before exam day by checking the guidance, setup and exam requirements.
Choose your route
Book the online Functional Skills Maths exam directly, or prepare with the online maths course first if you need more confidence.
Prepare for the online exam
Check the Candidate Guide, system requirements, ID, room setup and the topics you need to revise before exam day.
Sit your exam online
Complete the computer-based exam with remote invigilation and wait for your result after marking.
Helpful information
Frequently asked questions
What is Functional Skills Maths?
Functional Skills Maths is a practical maths qualification focused on real-life numeracy skills used in work, study and everyday situations. It covers topics such as number, percentages, ratios, measures, shape, space, data handling and problem solving.
Can I take Functional Skills Maths Level 2 online?
Yes. Learners can take the Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam online from their own location, provided their computer, internet connection, ID and room setup meet the online exam requirements.
Is Functional Skills Maths Level 2 equivalent to GCSE Maths?
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 is widely used as a GCSE Maths equivalent route. It is commonly accepted by many universities, colleges, employers and apprenticeship providers as equivalent to GCSE Maths Grade 4/C.
Who usually needs Functional Skills Maths Level 2?
Many learners need Functional Skills Maths Level 2 for university entry, nursing, teaching, social work, apprenticeships, construction, policing, career progression or job applications where a recognised maths qualification is required.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 1 is below Level 2 and can be a useful stepping stone for learners who need to build confidence first. Level 2 is usually the level requested when a GCSE Maths equivalent qualification is needed.
Do I need to complete a course before booking the exam?
Not always. Some candidates book the exam directly if they already feel prepared. Others prefer to complete an online Functional Skills Maths course first to revise the topics, practise exam-style questions and build confidence.
How long does the online Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam take?
The online Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. It includes a non-calculator section and a calculator section.
Where can I book the online Functional Skills Maths exam?
This website explains the online Functional Skills Maths exam route, Level 1, Level 2 and preparation options. To book the exam, learners should follow the current booking information from the official online Functional Skills Maths exam booking page.
Start your next step
Need a GCSE equivalent maths qualification?
Explore the online Functional Skills Maths exam route, compare Level 1 and Level 2, and understand whether you should book the exam directly or prepare with an online course first.
Explore Online Maths Exam