This article examines one of the pressing problems of the modern education system - the formation of functional literacy in students, which is a criterion for increasing the competitiveness of Kazakhstan. Based on the analysis of foreign and Kazakh authors, the most widely used classification of functional literacy is given: reading literacy, mathematical literacy and natural science literacy. Definitions are given to each concept and a specific methodology is proposed to enhance and develop a creative, responsible and competitive personality. All types of literacy allow students to solve quite complex problems in the flow of acquired knowledge. Over a short period of time, those skills that are considered important will become unnecessary due to the development of technology.               More universal and interdisciplinary competencies are needed. The methodology described in the article is presented as a practice-oriented technology aimed at deepening and expanding the professional competencies of students, in particular future chemistry teachers.