There are a number of GCSE equivalent qualifications for English and maths that people take in order to get onto university courses and enhance their employability prospects. The most relevant GCSE equivalent qualification for you entirely depends on what course you are doing or plan to do. The following guidelines should help you to determine which qualification is best for you. 

 

These exams are most often taken by trainee teachers who are looking to gain entry onto an initial training course. These qualifications are also widely accepted for nursing and midwifery courses as well as multiple courses across the country. A Star Equivalency is the leading provider of these exams and also have dedicated course materials to help support your revision. 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 better their chances of getting employed, functional skills level 2 qualifications are usually the best alternative to a GCSE. Due to the pandemic, Ofqual have created online exams which can be done from home. 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 can take at college, with a focus on vocational subjects targeted at specific job sectors and industries with no GCSE equivalents in maths and English. 

 

Cambridge Nationals

Cambridge Nationals are comparable to BTECs in that their focus is on vocational subjects aimed at improving employment opportunities in specific sectors. 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 can’t replace a GCSE or functional skills in maths and English and therefore they are supplementary qualifications and you will still require level 2’s.