The 2025 Apprenticeship Assessment Principles have brought significant reforms to apprenticeship assessments, moving away from the traditional End Point Assessment (EPA) model. Skills England is leading these changes, with Ofqual expanding its regulatory oversight to uphold the validity, reliability, and fairness of assessments. The changes apply exclusively to the new apprenticeship assessment framework, not to existing End Point Assessments. Consequently, the current EPA and the new apprenticeship assessment will coexist during this transitional phase as apprentices under existing standards finish their programmes.

Key Changes:

• Assessment plans will be streamlined to feature only high-level details and the essential Assessment Outcomes apprentices must meet. Responsibility for designing assessments will rest with Awarding Organisations (AOs) such as the Academy for Project Management.
• Certain elements of assessment may be completed during the apprenticeship programme rather than solely at the end.
• Training providers have the option to deliver parts of the assessment and grading by becoming Centres of an AO.

While this approach introduces flexibility, it also demands strong quality assurance frameworks to maintain the integrity of apprenticeship qualifications. Academy for Project Management values clear communication about what provider-delivered assessment entails which will help training providers make well-informed decisions that serve the interests of their apprentices and wider stakeholders.

Assessment Staff Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for assessors within each Centre will be defined individually, aligning with DfE guidance, updated assessment plans, and Ofqual regulations. Generally, assessors must be occupationally competent and free from conflicts of interest. More information on the requirements of assessment staff can be found in Academy for Project Management’s Centre Manual.

Summary

Choosing to become a Centre involves a strategic evaluation of benefits—such as greater control and flexibility—against the associated costs and responsibilities related to compliance and quality assurance. The Academy for Project Management will continue to offer full-service assessment delivery for providers who prefer not to take on Centre duties.

For more information, contact us on administration@academy4pm.com