Free online functional skills courses
These free online functional skills courses aim to provide an introduction to Functional Skills English and Functional Skills Maths at Levels 1 and 2, while giving you the opportunity to earn Open University digital badges.
The courses have been produced as part of the Department for Education’s Flexible Learning Fund, and were written by Bedford College Group in partnership with Middlesbrough College, West Herts College and The Open University.
Please note that to gain a functional skills qualification you will need to do an accredited course (see FAQs below).
How to access the free online functional skills courses
You can access the courses using the links here:
Free maths coursesÂ
If you’re aged 19 and over and don’t have maths GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) you can access free numeracy courses through the Multiply programme.Â
North Yorkshire Adult Learning & Skills Service and York Learning provide free, bitesize online courses through the Multiply programme. Click on the course title and enter the course code to sign up:-
- Developing Confidence with Numeracy Skills: course code 8HP36Q
- Developing Numeracy Skills:Â course code ST9BFL
FAQs
Can I gain a functional skills qualification through these courses?
No. To gain a functional skills qualification you will need to do an accredited course.
Where can I do an accredited functional skills course?Â
To do a course you can enrol with your local College, Adult Education Service or training provider. You can also find functional skills courses hereÂ
Can I do an accredited functional skills course online?
Yes, there are also accredited online courses. Your local College, Adult Education Service or independent training provider may offer these. Â
Can I take a functional skills exam online?
Most course providers require you to attend a centre to sit the exam, but you may be able to take the exam online.
How long does it take to gain a functional skills qualification?
This depends very much on your starting point, however functional skills courses are offered on the basis of 55 guided learning hours. You may be able to complete a functional skills course within 12 weeks or less, or you may take up to a year.
Are functional skills courses free?
Functional skills courses are free of charge for people who have not previously achieved a Level 2 qualification in maths and/or English. Free online functional skills courses may also be available, although you may need to meet eligibility criteria, such as postcode or employment status. There are also online functional skills courses available that are not free of charge.
How do I find an accredited functional skills course?
Your local FE College, Adult Education Service or independent training provider should be able to help. You can also search for functional skills courses on the National Careers Service website. You can also find accredited courses, including free online functional skills courses, in our Training Directory.
