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Functional Skills are practical skills in English, maths and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that allow you to work confidently, effectively and independently in life. They are new qualifications which started in 2007 and will gradually be replacing the Key Skills in these subjects.

Functional Skills qualifications can be taken at Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2.

How will Functional Skills fit with The Diploma?

Functional Skills will be an essential part of all the new Diploma qualifications. Before you can finish you Diploma, you have to get a certain level of Functional Skills qualification:

• Level 1 in English, maths and ICT if you take a Foundation Diploma
• Level 2 in English, maths and ICT if you take a Higher, Progression or Advanced Diploma.

You'll need to take Functional Skills tests even if you've got GCSEs in English, maths and ICT. (From 2012, Functional Skills will be part of GCSEs in these subjects anyway.)

What if I'm not taking The Diploma?

Eventually all learners will be expected to do Functional Skills, even as part of A levels, Apprenticeships or another qualification. For now, Functional Skills are still being piloted, which means that most learners will still take Key Skills instead..