Last updated: 20 Aug 2008

QCA has published the draft functional skills standards for English, mathematics and ICT, which will be used for the duration of the pilot.

What are they?

The functional skills standards define and differentiate the skill requirements for the functional skills qualifications currently being developed.

How are they presented?

The format and presentation of the standards differs slightly across English, ICT and mathematics. These differences are necessary for various reasons, including the disparate nature of these bodies of knowledge.

By accessing and engaging with a wealth of experience and expertise throughout the development of the standards, QCA has carefully tailored the standards document to their specific subject areas.

Who will use them?

While the standards are intended for qualification experts within awarding bodies, a wider audience can 'interpret' or 'map' them to predict what minimum requirements are likely to be at specific skill levels. For this reason, the standards are of interest to stakeholders beyond awarding bodies.

Functional skills guidance: amplication of the standards

QCA has produced 'Functional skills guidance: amplification of the standards' to provide guidance on the requirements of the functional skills standards. The guidance elaborates on the knowledge, skills and understanding required at each level (entry level to level 2) for each of the functional skills qualifications (English, ICT and mathematics).

More information

For further information on the purpose, design and development of the functional skills qualifications please refer to 'Functional skills: essential for life, learning and work', which can be downloaded from this page. This document was produced jointly by the DfES and QCA.