Exam-board comparison
Pearson Edexcel, City & Guilds, NCFE, Open Awards: same content, different question styles.
The four major boards offering FSM are Pearson Edexcel, City & Guilds, NCFE (and its CACHE brand), and Open Awards. All cover the same Ofqual specification but differ in question style, marking, and pass marks (typically 50-60%).
Worked examples
Pearson Edexcel: most widely used; computer-based testing available.
City & Guilds: vocational lean; favoured by trades training.
NCFE / CACHE: childcare and health and social care contexts often used.
Frequently asked questions
How to choose?
Often determined by your training provider. Check first.
Pass mark?
Around 55-65% depending on the board and paper. Each board publishes specific thresholds.