Functional Skills courses are designed to be flexible, so the time it takes to complete them depends on your current level, how often you study, and how quickly you feel ready to take the exam.
Most learners begin with a short diagnostic test to identify their strengths and areas to improve. If you’re already close to Level 2, you can move straight into focused revision and book your online exam as soon as you feel prepared.
With regular study, many learners complete their course within just a few weeks.
A typical fast-track route involves studying 5–10 hours per week for 2–6 weeks before taking the assessment. If you’re starting from a lower level, you may need 6–12 weeks or more to work through all the topics steadily.
Please note, English courses sometimes take a little longer than Maths because they include separate Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening components.
The whole process is designed to be quick and convenient.
Exams are available online all year round, and you can choose a date and time that fits your schedule, often with very little waiting time. Results for on-screen exams are released promptly, and if you need to retake any part, you can rebook easily and focus only on the areas you need to improve.