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

Summary of Functional Skills Requirement Changes

The Department for Education (DfE) has Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices. Under the 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 will still need to work towards achieving these skills.

This shift will impact apprenticeship providers, as fewer learners will require Functional Skills exams. Consequently, maintaining in-house exam services may become financially impractical.

Effects on Training Providers

Reduced Demand for Exams

With the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules requirements for adult apprentices, training providers will likely experience a decrease in exam participation.

Financial Implications of In-House Testing

Operating an internal exam system incurs fixed costs such as exam board fees, administrative expenses, and per-exam charges. A decline in learners taking these exams may render in-house testing inefficient. A viable alternative is transitioning to a pay-per-exam service like Pass Functional Skills (PFS).

Cost-Effective Solution: Pay-Per-Exam Services

Shifting to a pay-per-exam model helps providers cut overhead costs by eliminating the need for:

• Annual exam board fees

• Dedicated administrative staff

• Internal exam management

  
  

This approach ensures compliance while allowing providers to pay only for the exams their learners require, improving cost efficiency.

Adapting to the Updated Functional Skills Policy

By removing the Functional Skills requirement for adult apprentices, this policy change simplifies apprenticeship completion. However, for training providers, sustaining in-house exam operations may no longer be a practical option.

Switching to a pay-per-exam model allows providers to navigate these changes effectively, reduce costs, and streamline their Functional Skills processes.

Learn More

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