TQUK Pioneers On-Demand Functional Skills Testing for Vocational-based Assessment

In a groundbreaking move for technical education, Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) has launched a new exams platform to provide remote online Functional Skills Maths and English tests. This innovative solution, developed in partnership with Excelsoft, addresses longstanding challenges faced by apprenticeship learners and training providers alike.

Established in 2013, TQUK has rapidly become a leader in vocational education services, and was acquired by exam board AQA in 2022. Driven by a commitment to influencing educational reforms and providing world-class service, TQUK recognised a critical gap in the apprenticeship journey: the accessibility of Functional Skills qualifications test windows.

The Challenge

Functional Skills qualifications in maths and English are essential components of many vocational courses in the UK, yet they often present significant hurdles for learners. Recent reforms have made these qualifications more academically focused, particularly in Maths, which can be daunting for apprentices who excel in practical, workplace-based learning.

Moreover, apprentices often struggle to complete their off-the-job training hours, as government regulations prevent them from counting exams towards this quota. With many training providers unable to offer out-of-hours testing, TQUK identified a pressing need for a more flexible assessment solution.

The Solution

Working alongside Excelsoft, TQUK developed an assessment platform that offers true ‘anytime, anywhere’ testing. This innovative approach allows learners to schedule and take their Functional Skills tests at a time and place that suits them, significantly reducing the stress associated with traditional testing environments.

The new system includes:

• On-demand scheduling without lengthy lead times
• Secure online invigilation to maintain assessment integrity
• Optimisation for low-bandwidth environments, ensuring accessibility for all learners

Technical Delivery

Despite a tight six-month timeline, TQUK and Excelsoft successfully brought this solution to market. The project involved creating new item types for maths assessments and developing an alternative workflow for the online invigilation platform and marking platform. The teams’ collaborative effort and shared commitment to quality ensured the project’s success, even in the face of challenges such as poor internet access among some learners.

Impact and Future Outlook

This pioneering approach to Functional Skills assessment represents a significant step forward in making apprenticeships more accessible and learner-friendly. By providing a flexible, on-demand testing solution, TQUK is helping to create a culture of opportunity in technical education and supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.

As this innovative system continues to roll out, it has the potential to transform the apprenticeship landscape, making Functional Skills qualifications less of a barrier and more of a stepping stone to career success.

To learn more about this groundbreaking project and its implications for the future of technical education, join our upcoming webinar on 25th July at 16:15 BST. Industry experts will delve deeper into the development process, early results, and future plans for this revolutionary assessment approach.