Functional Skills alignment to the JCQ instructions for conducting Functional Skills assessments (English and Math) 

In October 2023, we announced that we’ve aligned our Functional Skills external assessment regulations to the JCQ instructions for conducting Functional Skills assessments (English and Maths). We did this to ensure consistency across assessment regulations with all awarding organisations offering Functional Skills external assessments. Please note that this only covers English and maths external assessments; ICT and Digital Functional Skills should use the Regulation for the Conduct of External Assessment document.

To support with this alignment, we’ve produced a Functional Skills supplementary booking document (English and maths) which outlines the NCFE-specific requirements and flexibilities that are not covered within the JCQ instructions for conducting Functional Skills assessments (English and maths). 

What are the main changes?

The main change from our previous regulations is highlighted within the supplementary booking document and provides more flexibility to customers. We previously offered customers 24 hours flexibility before or after the assessment for it to be completed, but we’ve increased this from the time that the centre receives the assessment paper up until 3 working days after the planned assessment date. We’ve made this change to provide learners with a greater opportunity to sit their paper-based assessments without the need to rebook assessments. Please note that the flexibility only relates to bookings for a single learner or for the entire cohort, not for one or more learners within a larger booking.

Where can I find more information?

The Functional Skills supplementary booking document (English and maths) can be found on our assessment regulations webpage. Please remember that it’s the responsibility of your Head of Centre to ensure that all colleagues comply with the policies and procedures in both documents.