Introduction: Updates to Functional Skills Requirements

The government has introduced Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices, as announced by the DfE. These updated regulations mean that adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) are no longer required to pass Functional Skills English and maths to complete their apprenticeship. While these qualifications are still mandatory for apprentices aged 16–18, they are now optional for adults aged 19 and older.

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

Impact on Training Providers

Fewer Exam Registrations

With the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules reducing the number of adult apprentices required to complete Functional Skills exams, training providers are likely to see a decrease in exam registrations.

Increased Costs for In-House Testing

Running in-house exams comes with fixed costs, such as exam board fees, administrative staff salaries, and per-exam charges. With fewer learners participating in exams, the cost of maintaining internal testing operations may become too high. A more practical solution could be switching to a pay-per-exam service, such as Pass Functional Skills (PFS).

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

The pay-per-exam model, like PFS, allows providers to reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating:

  • Annual exam board fees
  • Administrative staff salaries
  • Overhead costs of managing in-house exams

This model ensures that providers only pay when an exam is needed, making it easier to stay compliant while keeping expenses low.

Conclusion: Adapting to Functional Skills Changes

The Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices represent a significant policy change, removing a key requirement for apprenticeship completion. However, for training providers, maintaining in-house exam services may no longer be financially feasible.

By adopting a pay-per-exam approach, providers can adjust to these changes, lower 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 might impact your organization.