What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to help learners develop the essential mathematical skills needed in everyday situations. The qualification is suitable for individuals who are beginning their mathematical learning journey and require a supportive introduction to core concepts.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aims and objectives of the qualification are to enable learners to develop basic numeracy skills and to apply simple mathematical concepts in practical and familiar contexts.
The objectives of the qualification are to enable learners to:
• recognise, write and count numbers up to 10 using basic operations
• recognise and compare simple measures, shapes and directions
• use simple monetary notations in everyday contexts
• read, understand and use time in different formats
• interpret simple data presented in a chart or table
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite of mathematics qualifications which allows learners to progress through a framework of mathematics units and qualifications from Entry 1 to Level 2.
Learners can progress from this Entry 1 Certificate:
• to an Entry 2 (or sometimes Entry 3) Functional Skills qualification in mathematics
• to other qualifications at Entry 2 and above, for example in preparation for employment or in a vocational area
• towards a GCSE in mathematics.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification is designed to help learners begin to develop the mathematical skills that are needed in a wide range of job roles. Learners progressing directly into work are likely to be taking up supported employment opportunities.
Which job roles does this qualification support?
N/A
What are the English and maths progression options?
On completion of this qualification, learners will be equipped with an introductory level of
proficiency in Mathematics, forming a basis for further progression to higher-level studies
and to broader opportunities within education, training and employment.
Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics
(Entry 1) could allow learners to progress onto:
• Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics (Entry 2)
• Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at a higher level, for example, Entry 2
or Entry 3
• further study, including a Gateway Qualifications vocational qualification
A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for
learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate
progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.
Progression & entry requirements
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification; however, learners should have a basic proficiency in the English language.
Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice when selecting qualifications to ensure that the qualification will meet their needs.
Centres must ensure that this qualification suits the age and abilities of their learners by ensuring that learners can meet the relevant literacy, numeracy, digital, and health and safety requirements of the qualification.
Learners enrolled on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level with a similar title or content, as this could impact funding eligibility due to duplicated learning.
Centres are responsible for registering learners via the Gateway Qualifications’ online registration portal Quartz. Learner registration guidance is available on our website, Registering learners.