DfE Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for Apprentices – What this means for providers

Introduction: Updates to Functional Skills Requirements

The government has introduced Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices, as outlined by the DfE. Under these new rules, adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) no longer have to pass Functional Skills English and maths to complete their apprenticeship. While these qualifications remain compulsory for apprentices aged 16–18, they are now optional for adults.

This change will have a significant impact on apprenticeship providers, with fewer learners required to take Functional Skills exams. As a result, maintaining in-house testing facilities may no longer be financially sustainable due to a decrease in exam participants.

Impact on Training Providers

Decrease in Exam Registrations

With the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules now in effect, fewer adult learners will need to sit Functional Skills exams, which will likely lead to a reduction in exam registrations for training providers.

Increased Costs for In-House Testing

Operating in-house exams involves fixed costs, such as exam board fees, administrative staff salaries, and per-exam charges. With fewer learners taking exams, sustaining these internal services may no longer be cost-effective. A possible solution is to adopt a pay-per-exam model like Pass Functional Skills (PFS).

Cost-Effective Solution: Pay-Per-Exam with PFS

Switching to a pay-per-exam model like PFS helps providers reduce costs by eliminating:

• Annual exam board fees
• Salaries for administrative staff
• Overhead costs of managing in-house exams

This approach ensures that providers only pay when an exam is required, helping manage costs efficiently while maintaining compliance.

Conclusion: Adapting to Functional Skills Changes

The Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices represent a significant shift in policy, removing a major requirement for apprenticeship completion. However, for training providers, maintaining in-house exam operations may no longer be financially viable.

By transitioning to a pay-per-exam model, providers can adapt to these changes, reduce costs, and simplify the Functional Skills assessment process.

Find Out More

Contact Pass Functional Skills today at 020 4574 9155 to learn more about an affordable, fully managed Functional Skills exam solution. Alternatively, fill out the contact form below, and one of our specialists will reach out to discuss how the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices may affect your organization.

Written by

A Star Equivalency Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.