Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Certificate in Mathematics

Key Facts

Level:
Level 1
Subject Sector:
14.1 Foundations for Learning and Life
Credits:
19
Qualification No:
601/1062/4
GLH:
190 hours
Total qualification time:
190 hours
Price:
View price list
Age Range:
Pre 16, 16-18, 19+

Whilst some of our qualifications are regulated for pre 16 learners our minimum age is 14.

Qualification purpose

Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area

Qualification Grading Type

Pass

Assessment Methods

  • Portfolio of Evidence

    • Why choose this qualification?

    Following a scheduled review of our Maths qualifications, positive updates will take effect from 1st August 2026.

    These changes ensure the qualifications remain fit for purpose and engaging for learners, while also improving usability and clarity for Centres. The review has focused on making it easier to navigate qualification information and simplifying processes where possible.

    Qualifications affected

    • Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics (Entry 1)
    • Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics (Entry 2)
    • Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics (Entry 3)
    • Level 1 Certificate in Mathematics
    • Level 2 Certificate in Mathematics

    What’s changing

    As part of the review, from August 2026 each qualification has been assigned its own dedicated Qualification Specification. This improves usability and makes it quicker and easier for Centres to find key information.

    In addition, where there have been no registrations for units positioned more than one level above or below the qualification’s core level, these units have been removed from the optional unit group. This change helps to:

    • Simplify the registration process
    • Reduce ambiguity when selecting units
    • Support accurate registration at the appropriate level for learners

    A Summary of Changes document for each qualification is available to support your planning.

    Summary of Changes – Entry 1 Certificate in Mathematics
    Entry Level Certificate in Maths Entry 1 Qualification Specification FROM AUGUST 2026

    Summary of Changes – Entry 2 Certificate in Mathematics
    Entry Level Certificate in Maths (Entry 2) Qualification Specification FROM AUGUST 2026

    Summary of Changes – Entry 3 Certificate in Mathematics
    Entry Level Certificate in Maths (Entry 3) Qualification Specification FROM AUGUST 2026

    Summary of Changes – Level 1 Certificate in Mathematics
    Level 1 Certificate in Maths Qualification Specification FROM AUGUST 2026

    Summary of Changes – Level 2 Certificate in Mathematics
    Level 2 Certificate in Maths Qualification Specification FROM AUGUST 2026

    What this means for your Centre

    • No immediate action is required
    • You can begin reviewing the updates now to support lesson planning for the next academic year
    • Further guidance and support will be shared ahead of implementation

    Rules of Combination

    Learners must achieve a minimum of 19 credits. A minimum of 12 credits must come from Level 1 units within the Mandatory Group (M) and the remaining credits can be achieved from either the Mandatory Group or Optional Group (O). Learners cannot include more than one unit with the same or similar title. For full details see list of barred units.

    Units

    Mandatory

    Learners must achieve a minimum of 12 credits from this group.

    Making Calculations

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    F/505/4868
    Click here to view full unit details

    Money, Time and Temperature

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    M/505/4882
    Click here to view full unit details

    Numbers, Decimals, Fractions and Percentages

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    A/505/4867
    Click here to view full unit details

    Numerical Relationships, Algebra and Ratios

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    J/505/4869
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Probability

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    A/505/4870
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Size, Shape and Space

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    L/505/4890
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using and Communicating Data

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    J/505/4872
    Click here to view full unit details
    Optional

    Learners may achieve up to 7 credits from this group.

    Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication

    Level:
    Entry Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    Y/505/4861
    Click here to view full unit details

    Making Calculations

    Level:
    Entry Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    K/505/4864
    Click here to view full unit details

    Making Calculations

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    Y/505/4875
    Click here to view full unit details

    Money, Time and Temperature

    Level:
    Entry Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    D/505/4862
    Click here to view full unit details

    Money, Time and Temperature

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    D/505/4876
    Click here to view full unit details

    Money, Time and Temperature

    Level:
    Entry Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    Y/505/4858
    Click here to view full unit details

    Numbers, Decimals, Fractions and Percentages

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    H/505/4877
    Click here to view full unit details

    Numerical Relationships, Algebra and Ratio

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    K/505/4878
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Probability

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    H/505/4880
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Size, Shape and Measure

    Level:
    Entry Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    D/505/4859
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Size, Shape and Measures

    Level:
    Entry Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    M/505/4865
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Size, Shape and Space

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    K/505/4881
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Whole Numbers and Fractions

    Level:
    Entry Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    R/505/4857
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions and Percentages

    Level:
    Entry Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    T/505/4866
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using and Communicating Data

    Level:
    Entry Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    R/505/4860
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using and Communicating Data

    Level:
    Entry Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    H/505/4863
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using and Communicating Data

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    M/505/4879
    Click here to view full unit details

    What is the purpose of this qualification?

    The qualification is intended for learners, including adults and young people, who need to develop their mathematical skills at this level in order to progress in further study, work or life. It is particularly suitable for learners who will benefit from a stepped approach to learning mathematics and for those learners who are working at different levels in different aspects of mathematics, as the Level 1 Certificate allows for some achievement at Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2.

    Each unit is underpinned by the National Standards for Adult Numeracy (QCA 2005) and mapped to the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum (DfES 2001, revised 2006-7 and updated 2009). The units have also been mapped to the Functional Skills standards and where appropriate to the GCSE grade descriptions for Mathematics.

    What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

    This qualification is based on the National Standards for Adult Numeracy and is fully referenced to the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum. Mandatory units include:

    • Numbers, Decimals Fractions and Percentages
    • Making Calculations
    • Money, Time and Temperature
    • Using Size, Shape and Space
    • Using and Communicating Data
    • Numerical Relationships, Algebra and Ratios
    • Using Probability

    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 Level 1 Certificate to:

    • a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in mathematics
    • other qualifications at Level 2 and above, including vocational and academic qualifications
    • a GCSE in mathematics
    • an Apprenticeship programme.

    Which sector does this qualification support?

    This qualification is designed to help learners develop the mathematical skills that are needed in a wide range of job roles.

    Progression & entry requirements

    Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. However, it is anticipated that the qualification will have been selected as suitable for the individual learner on the basis of findings from initial and/or diagnostic assessment. It is available to learners of any age.

    Funding information

    There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

    The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

    View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

    The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

    View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

    How to find a learning aim

    If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:

    How to Use: Find a learning Aim

    Additional funding information for English and Maths

    For Adults

    The Adult Education Budget states that they will fully fund :

    • English and maths, up to and including level 2, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have not previously attained a GCSE grade A* – C or grade 4, or higher, and/or
    • first full qualification at level 2 for individuals aged 19 to 23, and/or
    • first full qualification at level 3 for individuals aged 19 to 23

    The following qualifications are eligible as they are included in the English and maths legal entitlement offer:

    • Certificate in English (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 3)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

    Local flexibilities

    Other qualifications within the suite may be eligible for funding through local flexibilities.

    For Young People

    Students must study maths and/or English as part of their study programme. To meet the condition of funding, a student has to study an approved qualification. These are GCSEs and certain other qualifications, known as ‘stepping stone’ qualifications.  Please refer to the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding for further information.

    The following qualifications meet the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding:

    • Certificate in English (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 3)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

    As qualifications on sections 96, the Awards can be used to support the achievement of stepping stones qualifications.

    Exemptions to the condition of funding

    The 16-19 maths and English condition of funding states that there are two exemptions to the condition of funding:

    • Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who are assessed as not able to study either GCSE or stepping stone qualification
    • Students with overseas qualifications that are established as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or grade C

    We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

    This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.

    The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.

    Learner Assessment Tracking – Mathematics

    Qualification Assessment Guidance Mathematics

    Boosting Literacy and Numeracy Levels – a bite-sized approach

    Suggested Resources for Maths

    Related Qualifications