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Guidance

Requirements for apprenticeship assessment

Guidance for assessment organisations on how to develop apprenticeship assessment plans.

Documents

Details

In February 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) published its Apprenticeship Assessment Principles. These principles set out a range of changes to the current approach to apprenticeship assessment. They apply to all apprenticeships, at all levels, including Foundation Apprenticeships.

This document sets out and explains the features of apprenticeship assessment plans (AAPs), what is required of all apprenticeship assessments, and provides additional information and guidance to ensure apprenticeships continue to provide valid and reliable assessment.

It replaces Skills England’s previously published, and now withdrawn, interim guidance.

This document will be reviewed regularly. Where we propose any changes, we will work in consultation with the sector to determine an appropriate period before such changes come into effect.

Updates to this page

Published 19 June 2026

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