There are many GCSE equivalent exams for maths and English that people take in order to gain entry onto a university course or to better their chances of getting employed. The most relevant GCSE equivalent qualification for you depends on what course you are doing or plan to do after earning the qualification. The following guidelines will help you determine what qualification is the best one for you to take.  

 

These exams are mostly taken by our prospective trainee teachers who are looking to gain entry onto an initial training course. These qualifications will help you get into many courses across the country including nursing and midwifery. A Star Equivalency is the leading provider of these exams and they also offer quality revision material to help you prepare for your exam.      

Maths equivalency test

English equivalency test

Combined science equivalency test 

Biology equivalency test 

 

For those looking to gain entry into University courses or improve their CV, functional skills level 2 exams are usually the most relevant alternative to take. Due to the pandemic, Ofqual have created online exams which can be sat from your home.The following enable you to revise and book functional skills. 

 

 

Other GCSE equivalents include: 

BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council)

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

 

Cambridge Nationals

Cambridge Nationals are comparable to BTEC’s 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.