The government has introduced Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices, as detailed by the DfE. Under these updated rules, adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) are no longer required to pass Functional Skills English and maths to complete their apprenticeship. These qualifications are still mandatory for apprentices aged 16–18, but they are now optional for those aged 19 and above.
This change will have a considerable impact on apprenticeship providers, with fewer learners taking Functional Skills exams. Consequently, maintaining in-house testing facilities may no longer be financially sustainable due to the reduced number of exam participants.
Impact on Training Providers
Reduced Exam Participation
With the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules reducing the number of adult apprentices who need to complete Functional Skills exams, training providers can expect a decrease in exam registrations.
Increased Costs for In-House Testing
Running in-house exams incurs fixed costs, such as exam board fees, administrative staff salaries, and per-exam charges. With fewer learners taking exams, maintaining these internal services may become too costly. Switching to a pay-per-exam model, like Pass Functional Skills (PFS), could offer a more affordable alternative.
Cost-Effective Solution: Pay-Per-Exam with PFS
A pay-per-exam model like PFS enables providers to reduce costs by eliminating:
- Annual exam board fees
- Salaries for administrative staff
- Overhead costs of managing in-house exams
This approach ensures providers only pay for exams when required, helping them stay compliant while keeping costs under control.
Conclusion: Adapting to Functional Skills Changes
The DfE’s Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices represent a significant shift in policy, removing a major requirement for apprenticeship completion. However, for training providers, sustaining in-house exam services may no longer be financially viable.
By adopting a pay-per-exam model, providers can adapt to these changes, lower their costs, and streamline the Functional Skills assessment process.
Find Out More
Contact Pass Functional Skills at 020 4574 9155 to explore a cost-effective, 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.