If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve hit one of those frustrating “gatekeeper” moments:
a job application that says GCSE Maths grade 4/C (or equivalent)
a university/college course that needs Level 2 Maths
an apprenticeship that won’t progress without Maths and English
And now you’re thinking: “I don’t need to love maths… I just need to pass.”
The good news? The Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam is designed to test practical, real‑world maths—not school-style theory for the sake of it. With the right plan (and a calm exam-day checklist), it’s absolutely achievable.
If you want to book your exam with a trusted centre, Intech Centre offers both in‑centre and online options:
Functional Skills Maths & English exams hub: https://www.intechcentre.com/fs-exams/
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam in London (Islington): https://www.intechcentre.com/courses/functional-skills-maths-level-2-exam/
Online Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam (remote): https://www.intechcentre.com/courses/online-functional-skills-maths-level-2-exam-2/
Quick facts (so you know what you’re dealing with)
Here’s what most learners want to know upfront:
Exam length: 1 hour 45 minutes
Exam style: computer-based
Two sections: non-calculator + calculator
Online option: remotely invigilated (you’re monitored during the exam)
Indicative pass mark: around 31/60 (it can vary by paper)
Intech Centre options: take the exam in London or online, and you can book exam-only if you don’t need a course
Who is Functional Skills Maths Level 2 for?
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 is a popular route for adults who:
need a recognised Level 2 Maths qualification for work or study
want an alternative to a full GCSE resit route
want maths that feels useful (money, time, measurements, data)
want a qualification that helps remove barriers quickly
If your requirement says “GCSE Maths or equivalent” or “Level 2 Maths required”, this is often the qualification people choose. If it says “GCSE Maths only”, always check with the organisation first.
Online vs in-centre: which Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam should you choose?
This is one of the biggest decision points—so here’s a simple, honest way to choose.
Choose the online Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam if you want:
weekday availability (useful if your weekends are packed)
to sit the exam from your own space
to avoid travel across London
faster scheduling flexibility (depending on slots)
Online booking page (with full details):
https://www.intechcentre.com/courses/online-functional-skills-maths-level-2-exam-2/
Choose the Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam in London if you prefer:
if you are based in London
cheaper Functional Skills exam option, £110 only
a formal exam environment (some people focus better)
not worrying about your home setup (wifi, camera, room rules)
an exam centre experience that feels “traditional”
London booking page:
https://www.intechcentre.com/courses/functional-skills-maths-level-2-exam/
Quick “decision shortcut”
If you’re confident with tech and can create a quiet exam space → online can be ideal.
If you’re based in London or distractions at home → in-centre is often calmer.
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam format (what happens in the exam)
One reason learners do well in this exam is that the structure is straightforward once you’ve seen it.
Online exam structure (City & Guilds)
The online exam is split into two sections:
Non‑Calculator Section
about 25 minutes
worth about 25% of the marks
Calculator Section
about 1 hour 20 minutes
worth about 75% of the marks
Your final result is based on your total score across both sections.
If you’re taking the online exam, you’ll also want to pay attention to the exam-day process and timings sent to you (so there are no surprises). Full details are on the booking page:
https://www.intechcentre.com/courses/online-functional-skills-maths-level-2-exam-2/
What topics come up in Functional Skills Maths Level 2?
Most questions are practical and word-based. You’re not being tested on “random maths”—you’re being tested on problem-solving.
Here’s a useful topic checklist (the kind that actually helps revision).
Number skills (the “must have” topics)
fractions, decimals and percentages
percentage change (increase/decrease, discounts)
ratio and proportion
averages
rounding and estimation (very underrated for checking answers)
Measures (common in real exam questions)
time calculations (timetables, durations, working out finish times)
money and budgeting (best buys, invoices, totals)
metric units (mm/cm/m, g/kg, ml/l)
perimeter, area and volume (especially rectangles and compound shapes)
scale and simple conversions
Data handling (often easy marks if you practise)
reading charts and graphs
interpreting tables
calculating and explaining what the data shows
probability-style thinking can appear, but usually in a practical way
The fastest way to improve your score (without “revising everything”)
Here’s the truth: most adult learners don’t fail because they “can’t do maths.”
They lose marks because of avoidable issues like:
rushing a word problem and missing what it asked
using the right method but making a small slip (units, rounding, times)
not showing working (even a little working can save you)
panicking in the non-calculator section
A simple approach that works
Use this 3-step method for almost every word problem:
Underline the goal
What is it asking for: total cost, time, percentage, difference, best value?Circle the numbers + units
If the units don’t match, you’ve found the trick.Estimate first, calculate second
A quick estimate tells you if your answer is wildly off.
This keeps you calm, and it protects you from silly mistakes.
A realistic 14‑day revision plan (for busy adults)
You don’t need 5 hours a day. You need consistency and the right practice.
Days 1–3: Diagnose and build confidence
Do a short practice set to identify weak areas
List your “top 5” topics to fix
Revise: fractions/decimals/percentages + ratio basics
Days 4–7: High-frequency exam topics
Measures: time + unit conversions
Area/perimeter + basic volume
Best buys and multi-step money questions
Do 1 timed mini-set each day (15–20 minutes)
Days 8–11: Data + mixed practice
Graphs, tables, averages
Mixed-topic questions (this is where the exam really lives)
Write down repeat mistakes and fix them the next day
Days 12–14: Exam simulation
Do at least one timed practice split into:
non-calculator block
calculator block
Practise “calm finishing”:
3 minutes check for units
3 minutes check for reasonableness
3 minutes check you answered what was asked
For practice support, Intech Centre has Functional Skills Level 2 exam samples (with helpful guidance and videos):
https://www.intechcentre.com/courses/functional-skills-level-2-exam-samples/
OR purchase our online Functional Skills Maths course which is designed to identify your level so you can start at your level. It covers all the modules and levels.
Exam-day checklist (online and in-centre)
This is the part people forget—and it matters more than you think.
If you’re sitting the exam online
Have your ID ready and make sure your booking details match it
Use a reliable computer/laptop and stable internet
Sit in a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted
Clear your desk (only allowed items should be present)
Log in early and follow the instructions from your booking emails
Online exam details and booking:
https://www.intechcentre.com/courses/online-functional-skills-maths-level-2-exam-2/
If you’re sitting the exam in-centre (London)
Bring valid photo ID
Arrive early so you’re not starting stressed
Eat something light beforehand (concentration matters!)
If you’re nervous, remember: the first 5 minutes are always the hardest, then you settle
London exam booking: www.intechcentre.co.uk
How long do results take?
Results timing can vary depending on the awarding organisation’s marking windows, but many learners receive results relatively quickly. Officially, it can take longer during busy periods, so it’s smart not to leave your booking until the last possible moment if you have a deadline.
(You’ll see the most accurate current guidance on the booking pages.)
FAQs
How long is the Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam?
It’s typically 1 hour 45 minutes in total.
Is there a calculator in Functional Skills Maths Level 2?
Yes—there is a calculator section (and a shorter non-calculator section). The calculator section is worth the majority of marks.
What is the pass mark for Functional Skills Maths Level 2?
There is an indicative pass mark often quoted around 31/60, but it can vary depending on the paper. Focus on maximising marks rather than chasing a “magic number.”
Can I take Functional Skills Maths Level 2 online from outside London?
Yes—if you choose the online Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam, you can sit it remotely (as long as your setup meets the requirements).
https://www.intechcentre.com/courses/online-functional-skills-maths-level-2-exam-2/
Can I book the exam only (without a course)?
Yes. If you’re confident and just need the qualification, an exam-only option is available.
What if I need extra time or support?
If you need reasonable adjustments, it’s best to arrange this before booking or as early as possible. The exam centre can advise you on what’s available and what evidence may be required.
Final thought: passing is a plan, not a talent
Most people who pass Functional Skills Maths Level 2 aren’t “naturally good at maths.” They simply:
practise the right question styles
learn how to slow down on word problems
and walk into the exam knowing what to expect
If you want a clear route to getting it done, start here and choose your exam option:
Functional Skills Maths & English exams (all options): https://www.intechcentre.com/fs-exams/
Maths Level 2 exam in London: https://www.intechcentre.com/courses/functional-skills-maths-level-2-exam/
Online Maths Level 2 exam: https://ww.intechcentre.com/courses/online-functional-skills-maths-level-2-exam-2/
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