NCFE Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Qualification in English
Master practical English, speaking, listening, reading and writing, the final entry-level step before Level 1 Functional Skills.
Duration: 55 guided learning hours, 61 total qualification time; booked assessments
- Level
- Entry Level 3
- Qualification number
- 603/5052/0
- Awarding organisation
- NCFE
- Regulated status
- On the RQF, regulated by Ofqual
- Guided learning hours
- 55 hours
- Total qualification time
- 61 hours
- Delivery
- 100% online
- Study pattern
- 55 guided learning hours, 61 total qualification time; booked assessments
This qualification is awarded by NCFE and regulated by OfqualCourse overview
This Entry Level 3 qualification develops confident, practical English across three components: speaking, listening and communicating, reading, and writing. Learners practise communicating clearly in discussions and giving and following information, reading and understanding the main points and detail of straightforward texts, and producing structured, accurate written work such as short messages, narratives and forms in everyday contexts.
It is aimed at learners ready to consolidate their everyday English and develop transferable skills for independent functioning in daily life and work. There are no formal entry requirements, making it accessible to adult learners and those completing their entry-level progression.
As the highest entry-level qualification, success here provides an Ofqual-regulated credential and a strong foundation to progress to Level 1 Functional Skills English.
What you will study
The units below, their unit reference numbers and their guided learning hours are taken directly from the NCFE qualification specification.
| Unit | Title | Unit reference | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |
Speaking, listening and communicating
(mandatory)
1 learning outcome
|
Not stated | Not stated |
| 02 |
Reading
(mandatory)
1 learning outcome
|
Not stated | Not stated |
| 03 |
Writing
(mandatory)
1 learning outcome
|
Not stated | Not stated |
Entry requirements
- There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
- No minimum age is set for registration; it is also suitable for pre-16 learners.
- An initial assessment is recommended to confirm the appropriate starting level.
The course guide
Everything on this page as one document you can keep, print, or send to whoever is deciding with you.
- All 3 units, with the hours behind each one
- How you are assessed, and who checks the marking
- How paying works, and what is due when
- Entry requirements and where the qualification leads
Generated from this qualification's record, so the units and hours in it are the ones on this page. The fee is here on the page rather than in the guide, so a saved copy cannot quote you an old one.
How you are assessed
Functional Skills use assessments set and marked by NCFE. They are taken online under remote invigilation, which we arrange with you rather than something you book yourself, and you take them when your tutor agrees you are ready. You will be asked to confirm your identity before the assessment starts, and we check your device and connection with you beforehand so that nothing goes wrong on the day.
For what happens after you submit: who marks it, who checks the marking, how long feedback takes and what to do if you disagree with a decision, see how assessment works.
If you need an adjustment to how you are assessed, for a disability or any other reason, ask us before you begin. We arrange adjustments under our Reasonable Adjustments policy, and you can request one online.
How we assess and quality assure is set out in DAIS-POL-016 Assessment and Internal Quality Assurance.
How you study, and what you need
You study online through our virtual learning environment, which is where the teaching material, your assessment submissions, your feedback and your progress all live. You work at your own pace, with tutor support throughout. Everyone completes a short online induction before starting an assessed unit.
| Device | Laptop or desktop computer |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 or later |
| Browser | Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, latest version |
| Internet speed | 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload |
| Webcam | Required for live sessions and identity verification |
| Microphone | Required for live sessions |
These are the minimum requirements published in DAIS-POL-024 Online Learning and Digital Delivery.
Support, and how quickly we reply
These are the response times we commit to in policy, not an aspiration.
| What | How | Response |
|---|---|---|
| General questions | Message your tutor in the VLE | Within 2 working days |
| Assessment feedback | Returned in the VLE or e-portfolio | Within 10 working days of submission |
| Technical problems | Technical support email | Within 1 working day |
| Urgent welfare concerns | Email to the Designated Safeguarding Lead | Within 1 working day |
Published in DAIS-POL-024 and DAIS-POL-009 Learner Support.
Registration and your certificate
We register you with NCFE before you begin any assessed unit, and we collect your Unique Learner Number as part of that. When your assessment decisions are finalised and quality assured, we claim your certificate through the NCFE portal and you are notified digitally. The certificate comes from NCFE, not from us.
Set out in DAIS-POL-008 Learner Registration and Certification.
Other names for this qualification
The regulated title is NCFE Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Qualification in English, qualification number 603/5052/0. People also look for it as:
- Entry Level 3 English
- English Entry Level 3
- NCFE Entry Level 3 English
- Functional Skills English Entry Level 3
- Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English
- 603/5052/0
- NCFE 603/5052/0
- English course online
- English qualification UK
- English distance learning
If you arrived searching one of those, you are in the right place: they all describe this one qualification.
Common questions
Who awards NCFE Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Qualification in English, and how do I get my certificate?
NCFE Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Qualification in English is awarded by NCFE, an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation, and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification number is 603/5052/0. The Data and AI School of London is an NCFE approved centre. We register you with NCFE before you start any assessed unit and collect your Unique Learner Number. Once your work is assessed and quality assured we claim your certificate through the NCFE portal, and it is issued by NCFE rather than by us.
How long does NCFE Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Qualification in English take?
This qualification carries 55 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 61 hours. It is studied online at your own pace, so how long it takes in calendar time depends on how much you can commit each week.
What do I need before I can start?
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. We assess every applicant individually and will tell you if a different level would suit you better.
Can I study this entirely online?
Yes. Teaching, materials and assessment are all delivered through our Moodle-based virtual learning environment, so you can study from anywhere in the UK. You need a laptop or desktop computer, a current version of Chrome or Firefox, and a broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Tutor support is available throughout, and we answer questions within 2 working days and return assessment feedback within 10 working days of submission.
Can I enrol now?
Not yet. We hold NCFE approval to deliver this qualification and enrolment has not opened. Register your interest and we will contact you when it does. We do not publish a fee until enrolment opens.
Not sure this is the right qualification?
Ask before you apply. We will say honestly if a different level would suit you better.