Understanding apprenticeship assessments
Apprenticeship assessments test the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) you’ve developed as an apprentice.
Assessment might:
- happen during your training
- happen at the end of the apprenticeship (usually called an end-point assessment)
- involve mandatory qualifications (for example, you’ll need to pass an exam if you’re doing a solicitor apprenticeship)
Your employer and training provider will talk to you about any assessments you’ll have to do at the beginning of your apprenticeship. You should ask them if they’ve not discussed this with you already.
You’ll have different types of assessments depending on the apprenticeship you’re doing. Most likely, you’ll have to give examples of how you've gained your KSBs.
Why do I have to have an assessment?
Passing an assessment proves that you are 'occupationally competent', meaning you’ve gained the KSBs you need for the job you’ve trained for.
Who will assess me?
You’ll be assessed by an independent assessment organisation chosen by your employer or training provider. This makes sure your assessment is fair and not biased.
What will I have to do?
You'll usually have an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. In this assessment you'll prove that you have gained the KSBs you learn as an apprentice. Formats could include:
- a practical test of the skills learnt during an apprenticeship
- a presentation
- an interview
- written or multiple-choice tests
- workplace observation
How do I prepare?
Start gathering evidence of what you’ve learnt as soon as you start your apprenticeship.
You should start an assessment portfolio - a collection of notes proving how you’ve applied your KSBs to your job. You can see all your KSBs and make notes about them in Your Apprenticeship app.
Your apprenticeship assessment plan can be found on Skills England’s apprenticeship finder.
You can find out more in apprentice guide to assessment.
What does a good assessment portfolio look like?
Your portfolio is a collection of evidence showing the KSBs you’ve developed during your apprenticeship.
It should include real work examples, such as reports, presentations, photos, feedback from supervisors, and records of training or projects you've completed.
Each piece should clearly link to the KSBs you're being assessed with. The portfolio should be well organised, KSBs clearly labelled, and supported by reflective content explaining your role in each task and what you learnt.
What is Gateway?
If you’re doing an end-point assessment, Gateway is the time between when you complete your apprentice training and get ready for your assessment.
your employer and training provider will decide with you when you’re ready for Gateway. You’ll need to meet your apprenticeship’s Gateway requirements first, which could include:
- a portfolio of evidence
- an evidence tracker, where portfolio evidence is mapped to your apprenticeship’s KSBs
- a signed Gateway declaration form
- proof of English and maths qualifications (if necessary)
- completion of mandatory on-programme qualifications (where applicable)
Gateway requirements can vary depending on the apprenticeship you’re doing. These requirements should be set out in your assessment plan and will be based on the standard for your apprenticeship.
What happens after the assessment?
If I pass
When you pass your assessment you’ll have completed your apprenticeship. You’ll get a certificate to confirm this. If you complete a degree apprenticeship you may also be awarded a formal qualification, for example a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
If I fail
If you fail your assessment you can do a resit or retake. Your employer and provider will help you prepare.