Overview
It is a Government requirement to have Level 2 English and Maths qualifications to do an apprenticeship in the UK. You can find more information about these requirements and the types of acceptable evidence at gov.uk. If you do not hold sufficient qualifications to meet the requirements, Multiverse will support you to pass your Functional Skills exams during your apprenticeship.
At Multiverse, all Functional Skills exams are held and awarded by the NCFE exam board.
Important: In preparation for your exam, please review the Reasons for Disqualification list here.
Unsure of anything listed here? Please reach out to us as soon as possible, our support team is on hand to ensure you’re confident going into your exam.
What are Functional Skills exams?
For English, there are three exams:
1. Reading (1 hour)
2. Writing (1 hour)
3. Speaking & Listening (1.5-2 hours)
For Maths, there is one exam with two sections.
- Calculator (1.5 hours)
- Non-calculator (30 minutes)
With the exception of Speaking & Listening which is held over Zoom, Maths, Reading & Writing are remotely invigilated using the Google Proctar extension.
The Functional Skills exams take place between 42 days and 6 months on the programme.
Wondering how this works? You will be contacted after 42 days on a programme where you will be supported to book your Functional Skills exams and individual learning pathways. Apprentices will need to have completed their Level 2 Functional Skills Exams (including resits) by 6 months on the programme.
Resit process
If you fail your Functional Skills exams don't worry, a failed exam is not the end of the road! If you fail an exam, a subject specialist tutor will get in touch with you to offer support tailored to your individual needs. The next steps will consider:
Areas of development found in the exam
Time before your necessary deadlines (6 months on programme, apprenticeship assessments, etc.)
Resit date (within 6-8 weeks of failed result)
Upcoming tutor support options
Exam set up
We understand that taking exams can be quite daunting, especially when it's a remote setup. On the bright side, remote exams offer flexibility, but we also acknowledge that it can bring some added concerns about the whole setup process. But hey, don't fret! We're here to support you every step of the way.
Below, we've put together some helpful guidance to ensure you're fully prepared and set up for success with your exam. We are not able to support technology issues on the day of your exam; success is dependent on apprentice preparation, which is why you need to:
Read through the NCFE Learner Guide to Remote Invigilation carefully - do not leave this until the day of the exam. You are responsible for ensuring your technology passes the system checks as well as breaches of the exam violation list (p.7).
Watch the video guide to support you in setting up for your exam
Install the required software as outlined in the system requirements table below. If your company does not 'allowlist' any of these programmes, you will need to use a personal laptop. If you do not have one, then you will need to borrow one from a family, friend, or colleague.
Check your laptop and recording device meet the technical requirements outlined in the table below. Use the troubleshooting guide for support.
If you have any issues with any of the following during the system check, please see below links for troubleshooting:
System | Requirements |
Operating System (Microsoft) | Windows 8 or higher |
Operating System (Apple) | MAC OS X (latest and previous releases) |
Web browser Download and install Google Chrome | You need to Install the latest version of Google Chrome |
Google Proctar Screen Sharing Extension Download and install Google Proctar Extension.
| The Proctor Exam browser extension restricts the apprentice’s ability to access other applications or websites during the exam. The browser extension also includes features such as screen recording, audio recording, and keystroke monitoring to monitor the apprentice’s behaviour during the exam to ensure fairness.
|
Internet connection | Please connect via Wi-Fi connection or ethernet cable. Tethering via a mobile phone is not supported. Test your speed here. |
Download/Upload speed Check your speed here | Minimum 1Mbit/s upload speed - recommended upload speed is 1.5Mbit/s - Minimum 10Mbit/s download speed. |
Web Camera | You will need a working webcam to record the assessment. Maximum resolution of 1280 x 720. Camera must be enabled within Google Chrome and on the device settings. The assessment will ask permission for access during the system check. |
Microphone
| You will need a working microphone to pick up any audio during the recording. Camera must be enabled within google chrome and on the device settings. The assessment will ask permission for access during the system check. |
Screen Resolution
| 1280 x 768 pixels: Screens should be scaled to 100% for administration and test delivery. You may be required to zoom out to see navigational buttons. |
Smart Phone/Tablet
| Android 5.1 or higher / iOS (Apple) 10.0 or higher, Video resolution must be minimum 800 x 600 px. Ensure you can connect to Wi-Fi. Note: Huawei P30, Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) and Google Pixel series of phones are currently not supported due to issues with blurring within the ProctorExam app.
|
Desktop/Laptop | You will need a desktop computer or laptop to sit the assessment. Note: Chromebooks cannot be used and you cannot sit the assessment on a phone/tablet. |
Information and guidance on how to set up for an exam is shared with apprentices via our exam board, the NCFE. The remote invigilation guidance is updated regularly.
Apprentices can prepare for this by reviewing the following resources:
Apprentices require the following to sit a remote exam:
Laptop/desktop with webcam and microphone (Chromebooks or tablets cannot be used).
Secure WiFi connection (minimum 10Mbps). You can check your connection here.
Smartphone or tablet (Apple iOS 8.0/Android 4.1 or higher).
Suitable test environment (quiet room with no distractions).
A valid form of ID.
Check that your computer system is suitable
48 hours before your exam date you’ll receive 2 emails from Surpass. The email address this will come from is [email protected] . Please double-check the spam folder for this email.
Click on the email named Please check that your computer is ready for your online proctored exam.
Complete your systems check.
PLEASE NOTE: some work emails/laptops can reject the exam software due to high protection. If you think this could be an issue and would like these emails to be sent to your personal email address please let us know at least 5 days before your exam.
Additional resources required for Exams
Pen and Paper
We advise you to take a pen and blank paper into all exams. It is ok to take notes and it is encouraged! At the end of the exam, you need to destroy (rip up) all notes while your camera is still recording and before you close the exam.
Photo Identification
You must present your photo identification in all exams.
Calculator (Maths Exam Only)
We strongly recommend practicing with the calculator you plan to use on the day so you are familiar and confident with the tool.
You must have a calculator to complete Paper B: Calculator (90 mins).
You cannot use your phone or your computer as a calculator.
You cannot use a calculator during Paper A: Non-Calculator (30 mins). Ensure you do not interact with this during the first section, and when instructed to move to Paper B you may switch it on.
If you would like to practise the software ahead of time follow the links below:
Dictionary (Reading exam only)
You can use a dictionary in the Reading Exam only. The use of a dictionary in any other exam would be cause for disqualification.
Starting the exam
Note: You can sit the exam at any time on the day - the link will be valid for 24 hours.
Before you start your exam:
Remove all wristwatches/smartwatches and headphones
Have your photo identification ready
At least five minutes before your preferred start time, begin setting up for your exam to allow sufficient time to complete all of the necessary checks.
Open the second email received named Here is the link for your exam
Click the button Launch Your Exam Now. This will take you through system, ID, and environment checks.
Locating your exam link
If the exam links haven’t been received, you must first check junk/spam folders and ensure your IT department is not blocking emails from [email protected]. If still not received, you can reach out to our support team to resolve this via the chat widget on the right-hand side of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Speaking and Listening Exam?
One of the three English exams. Two weeks before the exam you will be emailed the Exam Guidance (see sample) which contains the topic that you will discuss. In the exam, you will present an eight-minute presentation, listen to others, ask questions, and take part in a discussion.
How do I book the exams?
After 42 days on a programme, you will be invited via email with instructions explaining how to book your exam. This email will come from ‘[email protected]’, and will have ‘Functional Skills’ in the title. If you cannot find this email, please reach out to the support team via the chatbot on the right-hand side of this page and type ‘functional skills exam’ to start the workflow.
What should I do if I can no longer make my exam date?
We understand that things come up that mean you may not be able to make your original exam date. To reschedule your exam, please find the confirmation email which would have come from ‘[email protected]’, scroll down and reschedule here. If you experience any issues with this, please contact us via the widget on the right-hand side of this page for assistance.
I am on a Break-In-Learning (BIL), can I sit a Functional Skills Exam?
You will need to return to the programme before booking and sitting your Functional Skills exams. It is okay to review Functional Skills resources while on BIL, but you cannot engage with learning support or exams as it will be a compliance breach.
When will I receive my results?
Please allow 6-10 working days from when the exam was completed for results to be issued via email for Reading, Writing & Maths. This may be longer if we require additional information from you for the exam board to release your results, but this will be communicated to you 5 working days after you complete the exam.
For Speaking & Listening, please allow 6 working days.