GCSE Equivalents

GCSE Equivalency Tests

There are a number of GCSE equivalent qualifications for maths and English that people take in order to gain entry into University as well as improving employability prospects. The most relevant GCSE equivalent qualification for you is dependent on the course you are applying to. The following guidelines should help you to determine which qualification is best for you. 

These are most commonly taken by prospective trainee teachers wanting to get access onto a training course. They are also widely accepted for nursing and midwifery courses as well as some other course routes. A Star Equivalency is the leading provider of these exams and also have dedicated course materials to help support your revision. The following are the subjects offered for the GCSE equivalency tests: 

1. Maths equivalency test
2. English equivalency test
3. Combined science equivalency test 
4. Biology equivalency test 

 

Functional Skills Level 2

For those looking to gain entry into University courses, or enhance their employment prospects, functional skills level 2 qualifications are usually the most relevant GCSE equivalent. Since the pandemic it is now possible to sit Ofqual regulated exams online at home. The following enable you to revise and book functional skills. 

1. Functional skills maths level 2 online exam 
2. Functional skills English level 2 online exam
3. Pass functional skills 
4. Functional skills level 2 maths and English
5. Functional skills maths level 2

 

BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council)

BTEC level 1-2 is a GCSE equivalent that learners can take at college, with a focus on vocational subjects targeted at specific job sectors and industries with no GCSE equivalents in maths and English. 

 

Cambridge Nationals

Cambridge Nationals are comparable to BTECs in that their focus is on vocational subjects aimed at improving employment opportunities in specific sectors. There is no provision for maths and English. 

 

NVQs (National Vocational Qualification)

An NVQ2 is a GCSE equivalent but again is a vocational qualification. They are valued by employers in the specific sectors they are relevant to. They can’t replace a GCSE or functional skills in maths and English and therefore they are supplementary qualifications and you will still require level 2’s.