DfE Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for Apprentices
DfE Eases Functional Skills Requirements for Apprentices – What This Means for Providers
Key Changes to Functional Skills Rules
The government is set to introduce Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for Apprentices set out by the DfE, meaning adult apprentices (19+) may no longer need to pass Functional Skills English and maths to complete their apprenticeship. These qualifications will now be optional, although 16–18-year-olds will still be required to work towards them.
This change will have a major impact on apprenticeship providers, reducing the number of learners needing to sit Functional Skills exams. As a result, running in-house testing may become financially unfeasible.
What This Means for Training Providers
Fewer Functional Skills Exams
With fewer adult apprentices requiring Functional Skills qualifications due to the relaxed functional skills rules, providers will see a decline in exam volumes.
Higher Fixed Costs for In-House Testing
Running exams internally comes with ongoing expenses, including exam board fees, administrative costs, and per-exam charges. With a reduced number of learners sitting these exams, maintaining an in-house system may no longer be cost-effective. A more viable alternative is a pay-per-exam service like Pass Functional Skills (PFS).
Cost-Effective Alternative: Pay-Per-Exam with PFS
Switching to a pay-per-exam model like PFS helps providers cut costs by removing:
- Annual exam board fees
- Dedicated administrative staff expenses
- The need to manage in-house testing
Instead, providers only pay when a learner requires an exam, ensuring compliance while reducing unnecessary costs.
A Smarter Approach to Functional Skills
The DfE relaxed Functional Skills rules for apprentices represent a significant shift, removing a major barrier to apprenticeship completion. However, for training providers, continuing to run in-house exams may no longer be financially sustainable.
By adopting a pay-per-exam model, providers can adapt to these changes, lower costs, and streamline their Functional Skills exam process.
Find Out More
To explore a cost-effective, fully managed Functional Skills exam solution, contact Pass Functional Skills today on 020 4574 9155. One of our provider specialists will discuss how these changes may affect your organisation.
QTS Literacy Tutor Team
We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.