DfE Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for Apprentices
DfE Relaxes Functional Skills Requirements for Apprentices – What It Means for Providers
Key Changes to Functional Skills Rules
The government is introducing relaxed Functional Skills rules for apprentices, as outlined by the DfE. This means that adult apprentices (19+) may no longer be required to pass Functional Skills English and maths to complete their apprenticeship. However, these qualifications will remain mandatory for 16–18-year-olds.
This update will have a significant impact on apprenticeship providers, as fewer learners will need to take Functional Skills exams. As a result, running in-house testing may become financially unviable.
What This Means for Training Providers
Reduced Functional Skills Exam Numbers
With fewer adult apprentices needing to complete Functional Skills qualifications, providers will see a decline in exam volumes.
Rising Costs for In-House Testing
Managing exams internally comes with several costs, including:
- Exam board fees
- Administrative staff expenses
- Per-exam charges
With a reduced number of learners taking these exams, maintaining an in-house exam system may no longer be cost-effective. A more practical alternative is a pay-per-exam service like Pass Functional Skills (PFS).
A Cost-Effective Alternative: Pay-Per-Exam with PFS
Switching to a pay-per-exam model like PFS helps providers eliminate unnecessary costs, such as:
- Annual exam board fees
- The need for dedicated administrative staff
- In-house exam management expenses
Instead, providers only pay when a learner requires an exam, ensuring compliance while significantly reducing operational costs.
A Smarter Way to Manage Functional Skills
The DfE’s relaxed Functional Skills rules for apprentices mark a major shift, removing a key obstacle to apprenticeship completion. However, for training providers, the financial burden of running in-house exams may no longer be sustainable.
By adopting a pay-per-exam model, providers can adapt to these changes, reduce costs, and streamline their Functional Skills delivery.
Find Out More
To learn how Pass Functional Skills can help you manage these changes with a cost-effective, fully managed exam solution, call 020 4574 9155. One of our provider specialists will be in touch to discuss how these changes may impact your organisation.
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