TQUK Functional Skills English Speaking, Listening and Communication

Book your TQUK Functional Skills English Level 2 Speaking, Listening and Communication (SLC) exam with a trusted UK provider. This assessment is a required component of the Ofqual-regulated Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification and is designed to assess practical spoken communication in real-life contexts.

Functional Skills English SLC At a Glance

  • Nationally recognised OFQUAL regulated qualification component
  • Required alongside Reading and Writing to achieve the full Level 2 English qualification
  • 60 minute controlled assessment
  • Includes a presentation, questions and answers, and a group discussion
  • Assessed on a Pass/Fail basis at component level
  • Suitable for learners needing Functional Skills English for university, nursing, policing, apprenticeships and employment

About TQUK Functional Skills English Speaking, Listening and Communication

TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) is a leading awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual in England. Their Functional Skills English qualifications assess your ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking and listening in practical workplace, study and everyday situations.

The Speaking, Listening and Communication component assesses your ability to take part in spoken communication, respond to others, present information clearly, and contribute constructively to a discussion. At Level 2, learners are expected to communicate clearly and effectively, support ideas with relevant evidence, adapt language to suit the audience and purpose, and help move a discussion forward.

Please note: to gain the full TQUK Functional Skills Level 2 qualification in English, you must achieve a Pass in all three components: Reading, Writing, and Speaking, Listening and Communication (SLC).

What happens in the SLC assessment?

The TQUK Functional Skills English Level 2 SLC assessment is normally completed as one controlled assessment lasting approximately 20-30 minutes. It is internally assessed and awarded on a Pass/Fail basis.

The assessment usually requires learners to complete two spoken communication activities, which may include:

  • A presentation on a prepared topic, delivered clearly and appropriately for the audience
  • Questions and answers, where you respond to detailed or extended questions and feedback
  • A group discussion, where you make relevant contributions, listen to others, take turns, and help move the discussion forward

You will be assessed on how well you communicate information, ideas and opinions; how effectively you listen and respond; and how appropriately you adapt your language and contributions to the purpose, audience and situation.

Level 2 SLC skills assessed

At Level 2, you should be able to make a range of contributions to discussions in different contexts, including unfamiliar topics, and make effective presentations. The assessment may require you to:

  • Identify and respond to relevant information from extended explanations or presentations
  • Follow narratives and lines of argument
  • Respond effectively to detailed questions and feedback
  • Ask detailed and relevant questions to obtain specific information
  • Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly and effectively
  • Express opinions and arguments supported by relevant and persuasive evidence
  • Use language that is accurate, effective and appropriate to the situation
  • Make constructive contributions that help move a discussion forward
  • Adapt your contributions to suit the audience, purpose and medium

How to book your TQUK English SLC exam

  1. Choose your TQUK Functional Skills English SLC exam
  2. Select an available date and time
  3. Complete secure online checkout
  4. Receive confirmation and assessment instructions by email

→ Book TQUK Functional Skills English SLC Online

What you’ll need for the SLC assessment

To complete your TQUK English SLC assessment, you should be prepared to speak, listen and interact with other participants in a formal assessment setting. You will need:

  • A quiet environment where you can speak clearly and be heard
  • A laptop or desktop computer with a working microphone and camera if the assessment is delivered remotely
  • A stable internet connection for remote assessment
  • Valid photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence or staff ID
  • Any presentation notes or preparation requested in your booking instructions

If your assessment is delivered online, check your technology reaches the required minimums here: Functional Skills Exams – Check your tech

Full instructions are provided before your assessment.

Results and certificates

The Speaking, Listening and Communication component is assessed at component level as Pass or Fail. To receive the full TQUK Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification certificate, you must pass Reading, Writing and SLC at Level 2.

Once all required components have been passed and confirmed, certificates are issued in line with awarding body timelines. Please be aware that the full TQUK English qualification is subject to additional timescales to allow for external quality assurance of the Speaking and Listening examination.

Hard copy certificates will be charged at £39.60 per qualification and can be booked alongside your examination.

Support and guidance

If you’re unsure whether you need the SLC component, or want help understanding how the assessment works before booking, our team is happy to help.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is the TQUK Functional Skills English SLC assessment recognised?

    Yes. It is one of the required assessment components of the Ofqual-regulated TQUK Functional Skills English qualification.

  • How long is the Level 2 Speaking, Listening and Communication assessment?

    The TQUK Level 2 SLC assessment typically lasts 60 minutes.

  • What do I have to do in the SLC exam?

    You will usually complete spoken communication activities that include a presentation, questions and answers, and a group discussion.

  • Do I need SLC to pass Functional Skills English Level 2?

    Yes. To achieve the full TQUK Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification, you must pass Reading, Writing, and Speaking, Listening and Communication at Level 2.

  • How is the SLC component graded?

    The SLC component is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis at component level.