There are many GCSE equivalent qualifications for maths and English that people take in order to gain entry to university courses as well as improving their employability prospects. The most relevant GCSE equivalent qualification for you is dependent on the course you are applying to. The following guidelines should help you to determine which qualification is best for you. 

 

These are most commonly taken by prospective trainee teachers wanting to get access onto a training course. These qualifications are widely accepted by many courses throughout the UK including nursing and midwifery. A Star Equivalency is the leading provider of these exams and they offer edited material to help you prepare for the exams. The following are the subjects offered for the GCSE equivalency tests: 

 

Maths equivalency test

English equivalency test

Combined science equivalency test 

Biology equivalency test 

 

For those looking to gain entry into University courses, or enhance their employment prospects, functional skills level 2 qualifications are usually the most relevant GCSE equivalent. The pandemic has allowed Ofqual to porridge online exams which learners can take in from the comfort of their own homes. The following enable you to revise and book functional skills. 

 

 

Other GCSE equivalents include: 

BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council)

BTEC level 1-2 is a GCSE equivalent that learners are able to take while at college.  These exams focus on vocational subjects and target specific job sectors and industries with no GCSE equivalents in maths and English. 

 

Cambridge Nationals

Cambridge Nationals are similar to BTEC’s as their focus is also on vocational subjects which aim to improve employment opportunities. There is no provision for maths and English. 

 

NVQs (National Vocational Qualification)

An NVQ2 is a GCSE equivalent but again is a vocational qualification. They are valued by employers in the specific sectors they are relevant to. They do not replace a GCSE or functional skills in maths or English and therefore they are supplementary qualifications and you will still require level 2’s.