What Level of BKSB Exam Do I Need Before Taking Functional Skills English?
If you are planning to study Functional Skills English, you’ve probably come across the term BKSB exam. Many colleges, training providers, and apprenticeship programmes use BKSB assessments to check your starting point.
But a big question learners ask is:
What level of the BKSB exam do I need before taking Functional Skills English?
This guide will explain everything in simple English so you feel confident before starting your learning journey.
What Is the BKSB Exam?
The BKSB exam (Basic Key Skills Builder) is not an official qualification like a GCSE or Functional Skills test. Instead, it is a skills assessment tool used across the UK.
It helps teachers and training providers:
- Check your current level in English and maths
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses
- Place you on the correct Functional Skills level
Important: The BKSB exam is not something you “pass or fail”. It’s a way of finding your level and giving you a learning plan.
Levels in the BKSB Exam
The BKSB assessments are designed to match the Functional Skills levels.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| BKSB Level | Equivalent Functional Skills Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level 1 | Entry Level 1 English | Very basic skills – reading short words, simple writing |
| Entry Level 2 | Entry Level 2 English | Slightly higher – writing short sentences, simple reading |
| Entry Level 3 | Entry Level 3 English | Basic communication – emails, short notes, basic grammar |
| Level 1 | Functional Skills English Level 1 | Everyday English – reading articles, writing formal letters |
| Level 2 | Functional Skills English Level 2 | Equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 (C) – advanced reading and writing |
So, What Level of the BKSB Exam Do You Need?
The level you need depends on which Functional Skills English qualification you want to take:
If you want to study Functional Skills English Entry Level 3
- You usually need to score around BKSB Entry 2 or Entry 3 in your initial assessment.
- This shows you can handle basic reading and writing.
If you want to study Functional Skills English Level 1
- You normally need to show a BKSB Entry 3 or Level 1 score.
- This proves you can write short texts, understand emails, and use grammar correctly.
If you want to study Functional Skills English Level 2
- You’ll need to reach at least the BKSB Level 1 or Level 2 in your assessment.
- This is the highest Functional Skills level and is equal to a GCSE pass.
- It requires good grammar, spelling, and writing longer reports or letters.
Tip: Your provider may still let you start at a higher level even if your BKSB score is slightly lower, but you might need extra support.
Why Do Providers Use BKSB Before Functional Skills English?
Training providers, colleges, and employers use BKSB exams because:
- It finds your starting level – so you don’t get placed on a course that is too easy or too hard.
- It builds a learning plan – BKSB gives you practice tasks based on your weak areas.
- It tracks progress – you can take progress checks to see how much you’ve improved.
This saves time, reduces stress, and makes sure you’re ready for your Functional Skills English exam.
👀 Example Scenario
Let’s imagine two learners:
- Sarah: She took a BKSB test and scored Entry Level 3. Her college placed her on Functional Skills English Level 1 to help her improve reading and formal writing before moving to Level 2.
- James: He scored BKSB Level 1. His training provider decided he could go straight to Functional Skills English Level 2, as he showed strong grammar and reading skills.
This shows that your BKSB score guides the provider to place you at the right level for success.
How to Prepare for the BKSB Exam
Even though it isn’t a “pass or fail” exam, preparing can help you feel more confident.
Here are some tips:
- Practice Reading – newspapers, online articles, or books
- Write Short Notes – emails, diary entries, or simple letters
- Revise Spelling & Grammar – focus on common mistakes like apostrophes and capital letters
- Try Free Practice Tests – many websites offer sample BKSB-style questions
The more you practise, the easier the BKSB initial and diagnostic assessments will feel.
How BKSB Links to Your Future Goals
Many learners worry about the BKSB exam, but remember:
- If you’re aiming for a GCSE equivalent qualification, you need Functional Skills English Level 2.
- The BKSB exam helps you get there step by step.
This is especially important if you’re:
- Applying for apprenticeships
- Progressing in your career
- Going into higher education
Employers and universities recognise Functional Skills Level 2 English as equal to a GCSE pass. The BKSB exam is simply the roadmap to get you there.
Final Answer: What Level of BKSB Exam Do You Need?
Here’s the short answer:
- For Functional Skills English Entry Level 3 → BKSB Entry 2 or 3
- For Functional Skills English Level 1 → BKSB Entry 3 or Level 1
- For Functional Skills English Level 2 → BKSB Level 1 or Level 2
Your BKSB result will guide your teacher or training provider to place you on the right level of Functional Skills English so you can succeed.
Key Takeaway
Don’t panic about the BKSB exam. It’s not a test to fail – it’s a tool to help you succeed in Functional Skills English.
Think of it like this:
- BKSB = your map
- Functional Skills English = your destination
With the right preparation, you’ll move through the levels and achieve your Functional Skills English qualification.
