FAQs - Apprenticeship Assessments Reforms

The latest approved assessment plan should be checked against the official apprenticeship standard information, while Open Awards materials and guidance will be made available through the Portal.

Open Awards will communicate relevant changes to approved providers and customers through our normal communication channels, with links to updated guidance and any actions required. Providers should ensure their key apprenticeship contacts are up to date so that important reform and transition information reaches the right people.

Check the apprentice’s start date, the version of the apprenticeship standard and assessment plan they are registered against, and any published transition arrangements. Open Awards will communicate when a revised assessment plan affects providers using us for apprenticeship assessment. Until a change is confirmed, continue to follow the assessment plan that currently applies to the apprentice.

Apprentices already on programme will generally continue under the assessment plan that applied when they started, unless they transition to a revised standard. New or updated assessment plans will be introduced gradually across different apprenticeship standards.

Assessment Organisations (AOs) will continue to play a key role by developing assessment approaches, assuring quality and ensuring assessment outcomes are valid and reliable. Their role may evolve in some standards to include moderation or quality assurance of assessments delivered by providers.

In some cases, training providers may deliver or mark elements of assessment where appropriate. However, assessment organisations will still design the assessment and ensure the validity and quality of outcomes.

Yes. Under the new approach, some assessment activity may be carried out during the apprenticeship programme, rather than only at the end. This is intended to make assessment more proportional and better aligned with learning and workplace competence.

Gateway to Completion is the final checkpoint in an apprenticeship. At this stage, the employer confirms that the apprentice has successfully completed all required elements of their programme and is ready for the apprenticeship to be completed and certificated.

The employer (working with the training provider) confirms that the apprentice has met all the requirements set out in the apprenticeship standard. These may include completing the required training, achieving any mandatory qualifications, meeting the minimum duration of the apprenticeship, and successfully completing any required assessments.

Once Gateway to Completion has been confirmed, the apprentice can be recorded as having completed the apprenticeship and can receive their apprenticeship certificate.

How is Gateway to Completion different from the current Gateway process?

The current Gateway process is a checkpoint that confirms an apprentice is ready to begin their Assessment. It takes place after the apprentice has finished their training but before the final assessment begins.

Gateway to Completion is slightly different. It represents the final confirmation that the apprentice has completed all required training and assessment and that the apprenticeship can be formally completed.