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 updated regulations, adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) are no longer required to pass Functional Skills English and maths to complete their apprenticeship. While these qualifications remain a requirement for apprentices aged 16–18, they are now optional for adults.
This change is likely to have a significant effect on apprenticeship providers, as fewer learners will be required to take Functional Skills exams. As a result, maintaining in-house testing facilities may no longer be financially sustainable due to reduced exam participation.
Impact on Training Providers
Decrease in Exam Registrations
With the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules now in place, fewer adult apprentices will be required to complete Functional Skills exams, leading to a decrease in exam registrations for training providers.
Increased Costs for In-House Testing
Running in-house exams comes with fixed costs, such as exam board fees, administrative staffing, and per-exam charges. With fewer learners taking exams, sustaining these internal services may no longer be cost-effective. A more practical solution could be to adopt a pay-per-exam model, such as Pass Functional Skills (PFS).
Cost-Effective Solution: Pay-Per-Exam with PFS
By shifting to a pay-per-exam model like PFS, providers can reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating:
- Annual exam board fees
- Salaries for administrative staff
- Overhead costs of managing in-house exams
This model ensures that providers only pay when an exam is required, helping to keep costs under control while maintaining compliance.
Conclusion: Adapting to Functional Skills Changes
The Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices mark a significant policy shift, removing a key requirement for apprenticeship completion. However, for training providers, maintaining in-house exam operations may no longer be financially feasible.
Switching to a pay-per-exam model will help providers adjust to these changes, reduce costs, and streamline the Functional Skills assessment process.
Find Out More
Contact Pass Functional Skills today at 020 4574 9155 to explore 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.
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