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Becoming a nursing associate is a popular next step for healthcare assistants who want more responsibility and a clear route into nursing. If you do not have GCSEs, you can still meet nursing associate entry requirements by achieving Functional Skills Level 2 maths and English with Exam Centre, using flexible online and London‑based exams supported by targeted revision resources.
What a nursing associate actually does
Nursing associates work alongside registered nurses to provide direct patient care. You might monitor observations, help with wound care, support personal care, assist with discharge planning and act as a key link between patients, families and the wider team. The role sits between healthcare assistant and registered nurse, with more clinical responsibility and a broader skills mix.
Because nursing associates are registered professionals, the job involves much more than hands‑on care. You are expected to read care plans, understand clinical information, follow detailed protocols and write clear, accurate notes. Strong skills in maths and English are essential, which is why every nursing associate apprenticeship or degree sets minimum standards for literacy and numeracy.
Maths and English requirements for nursing associate training
Most nursing associate routes list the following as basic entry requirements:
Level 2 maths – usually GCSE maths at grade 4/C or an equivalent qualification
Level 2 English – usually GCSE English at grade 4/C or an equivalent qualification
Functional Skills Level 2 maths and English are widely recognised across the UK as equivalent in level to GCSE grade 4/C and are accepted by many universities, colleges and apprenticeship providers as proof of Level 2 literacy and numeracy. For anyone who did not achieve GCSEs at school, this provides a practical way to meet the Level 2 maths and English for nursing associate programmes without repeating full GCSE courses.
Functional Skills Level 2 vs GCSEs for nursing associate applicants
Functional Skills Level 2 focuses on the skills adults actually use at work. In maths, you work with percentages, ratio, charts and multi‑step problems. In English, you develop reading skills for information texts and practise writing for real purposes, such as reports, emails and short reflections.
For nursing associate applicants, the style of assessment is a good fit. You are tested on whether you can apply maths and English in realistic scenarios, not on how well you remember school‑based theory. Once you hold Functional Skills Level 2 maths and English, you can normally apply for nursing associate apprenticeships and degrees in the same way as applicants with GCSE grade 4/C.
How Exam Centre helps you meet nursing associate entry requirements
Flexible Functional Skills exams for busy healthcare staff
Many applicants are already working shifts in health or social care. Exam Centre makes it easier to gain nursing associate Functional Skills Level 2 around a demanding schedule by offering:
An online Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam and online Functional Skills English Level 2 exam that you can sit from home on regular weekday slots
In‑person Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exams in London and Functional Skills English Level 2 exams in London at the Islington exam centre on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Because exam sessions run frequently, you can plan your Level 2 maths and English around recruitment windows for nursing associate entry routes.
Online courses that support clinical study
To help you build the right skills, Exam Centre provides:
A structured Functional Skills Maths online course covering numeracy topics you will use in nursing associate practice, such as interpreting graphs, working with proportions and understanding data
A comprehensive Functional Skills English online course that builds confidence with reading information texts and writing clearly for assignments, reflections and portfolio work
Optional one‑to‑one tuition if you want extra help with dosage‑style questions, longer written answers or reading complex information quickly
You study at your own pace, then use practice questions and mock papers to decide when you are ready to book your Functional Skills Level 2 exams.
Extra revision and partner support
You can strengthen your preparation further by using trusted partner resources alongside Exam Centre courses:
To explore more exam options and support, you can also browse Intech Centre’s Functional Skills exam pages at https://www.intechcentre.com/.
For free video practice with City & Guilds style past papers, there is a dedicated maths playlist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lni4XeohFxM&list=PLLaZ3IAYACfpHkbWfQ0izqPmSk-D0cQ7f.
For Functional Skills English, you can use the English playlist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iceDcJGWJ_I&list=PLLaZ3IAYACfq5nrXsMsl-EPXmcjUxqAcM.
If you want to see how a typical online maths assessment looks on screen, there is a “how to navigate the exam” video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hKKbW96W-Y&list=PLLaZ3IAYACfqe6-lHyc80MmzWmoyqxPYz&index=2.
These are optional extras that can sit on top of your main preparation with Exam Centre.
Qualifications that admissions teams recognise
When you pass, your certificates clearly show that you have achieved Functional Skills Level 2 maths and English. For apprenticeship coordinators and university admissions teams, this is a straightforward way to confirm that you meet the nursing associate entry requirements for Level 2 maths and English, even if your original GCSE grades were not what you hoped for.
A realistic pathway from healthcare assistant to nursing associate
Many nursing associates begin their journey in roles like healthcare assistant or support worker. A typical pathway might look like this:
Build care experience in a hospital, care home or community service so you are confident working with patients.
Complete Level 2 maths and English by using Exam Centre’s Functional Skills Maths online course and Functional Skills English online course and then sitting online or London‑based Functional Skills Level 2 exams.
Apply for a nursing associate apprenticeship or degree, using your Functional Skills certificates to meet the literacy and numeracy criteria.
Qualify and progress, choosing whether to remain as a nursing associate or step into a registered nurse programme later on.
Putting Level 2 maths and English in place early means your qualifications will not hold you back when the right nursing associate opportunity appears.
Ready to meet nursing associate entry requirements?
If you are serious about becoming a nursing associate without GCSEs, the best next step is to book your Functional Skills Level 2 maths and English.
You can:
Book exams or course packages directly through the Exam Centre booking portal:
https://booking.examcentre.co.uk/Call Exam Centre on 020 7288 9020 to talk through the best combination of online exams and revision courses for your nursing associate plans
Message or WhatsApp 07565 152465 if you prefer to ask quick questions on your phone before you book
The team can help you choose between online and centre‑based exams, decide whether you need a course first, and map out a realistic timeline to get your Functional Skills Level 2 in place.
Nursing associate and Functional Skills Level 2 – FAQs
Do I need Functional Skills Level 2 maths and English to become a nursing associate?
Most nursing associate programmes expect you to have Level 2 maths and English before you start. If you do not have GCSEs, passing a Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam in London and a Functional Skills English Level 2 exam in London, or sitting the equivalent online exams, is a widely accepted way to meet the nursing associate entry requirements.
Are Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications accepted for nursing associate apprenticeships?
Many NHS trusts and training providers accept Functional Skills Level 2 maths and English from recognised awarding bodies as equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C. Completing a nursing associate Functional Skills Level 2 pathway with Exam Centre usually satisfies the literacy and numeracy part of the apprenticeship criteria, alongside any additional academic requirements.
How long does it take to get Level 2 maths and English for a nursing associate application?
With focused study, many adults complete both subjects in a few months. The Functional Skills Maths online course and Functional Skills English online course help you target exactly what you need, and frequent online Functional Skills Level 2 exams mean you can book assessments as soon as you feel ready.
Can I meet nursing associate entry requirements if I failed GCSE maths or English?
Yes. Functional Skills Level 2 gives you a second chance to show you are working at the right level without retaking full GCSE courses. Once you have passed both Functional Skills subjects with Exam Centre, you normally meet the Level 2 maths and English requirement for nursing associate apprenticeships and degrees.
Is Functional Skills maths strong enough for nursing associate training?
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 focuses on practical numeracy, including ratios, percentages and interpreting graphs. By completing the Functional Skills Maths online course and passing your online Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam, you show admissions teams that your numeracy is strong enough for the calculations used in nursing associate study.
How does Functional Skills English Level 2 support nursing associate study?
Nursing associate courses involve reading placement information, policies and academic texts, as well as writing reflections and assignments. The Functional Skills English online course helps you develop these reading and writing skills, and your Functional Skills English Level 2 exam in London or online exam proves you have reached the required standard.
Can I work as a healthcare assistant while studying Functional Skills for nursing associate applications?
You can. Many candidates complete Functional Skills Level 2 while working in care. Because Exam Centre’s courses are online and self‑paced, you can fit lessons around shifts and then book online Functional Skills Level 2 exams or London test‑centre dates on your days off.
What happens if I do not pass a Functional Skills exam first time?
If an exam does not go as planned, Exam Centre will help you review your feedback, revisit key topics using the Functional Skills Maths online course or Functional Skills English online course, and then rebook another Functional Skills Level 2 exam once you feel ready.
Should I choose online or London-based Functional Skills exams for nursing associate applications?
It depends how you perform best. If you like a familiar environment and want to avoid travel, the online Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam and online Functional Skills English Level 2 exam are ideal. If you focus better in an exam room, the Islington Functional Skills Level 2 exams in London may suit you more.
How do I start working towards nursing associate Functional Skills Level 2 with Exam Centre?
The easiest way is to visit the booking portal at https://booking.examcentre.co.uk/ and choose the Functional Skills Level 2 maths and English options that match your needs. If you are unsure which package to pick, you can call Exam Centre on 020 7288 9020 or send a WhatsApp message to 07565 152465, and the team will help you plan the best route to meet your nursing associate entry requirements.
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