DfE Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for Apprentices – What this means for providers
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Complete Tuition TeamIntroduction: Updates to Functional Skills Requirements
The government has introduced Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices, as outlined by the DfE. These updated rules mean that adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) no longer have to pass Functional Skills English and maths to complete their apprenticeship. While these qualifications remain required for apprentices aged 16–18, they are now optional for adults.
This change will have a significant effect on apprenticeship providers, as fewer learners will be required to sit Functional Skills exams. Consequently, maintaining in-house testing facilities may no longer be financially sustainable due to reduced exam participation.
Impact on Training Providers
Decrease in Exam Numbers
As a result of the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices, fewer adult learners will need to complete Functional Skills exams, leading to a decrease in exam registrations for training providers.
Higher Costs for In-House Testing
Operating in-house exams involves fixed costs, such as exam board fees, administrative staffing, and per-exam charges. With fewer learners taking exams, maintaining these internal services may become costly. A practical solution could be to switch to a pay-per-exam service like Pass Functional Skills (PFS).
Cost-Effective Solution: Pay-Per-Exam with PFS
The pay-per-exam model, like PFS, offers providers a way to reduce costs by eliminating:
- Annual exam board fees
- Salaries for dedicated administrative staff
- Overhead costs of managing in-house exams
This approach allows providers to only pay for exams when needed, ensuring compliance while managing costs effectively.
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 operations may no longer be financially viable.
By adopting a pay-per-exam model, providers can adjust to these changes, lower their costs, and simplify the Functional Skills assessment process.
Find Out More
Contact Pass Functional Skills at 020 4574 9155 to discover an affordable, fully managed Functional Skills exam solution. Alternatively, fill out the contact form below, and one of our specialists will get in touch to discuss how the Relaxed Functional Skills Rules for apprentices might impact your organization.
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