Assessment Planning Meetings
Assessment planning meetings (APMs) are a key part of TQUK’s approach to supporting centres, employers, and apprentices through the apprenticeship assessment process.
They are designed to ensure that all parties have a clear and shared understanding of the requirements of the apprenticeship standard, the assessment methods to be used, and the roles and responsibilities involved in preparing an apprentice for assessment. This proportionate approach supports quality, consistency, and compliance across assessment delivery.
The purpose of assessment planning is to confirm that the apprentice has had an appropriate opportunity to develop the required knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the standard. It provides assurance that the assessment will be conducted fairly and in line with regulatory and standard requirements. Assessment planning also allows TQUK to identify and agree on any reasonable adjustments, ensuring these are appropriate and compliant.
Assessment planning models and support
TQUK offers assessment planning through a range of flexible models to reflect the experience and needs of centres and employers. For some experienced centres delivering established standards, a formal assessment planning meeting may not be required. In these cases, centres are supported through access to structured online assessment-planning content that clearly outlines assessment requirements, expectations, and responsibilities.
Where additional support is beneficial, centres may be required or advised to complete a short online assessment planning course. This provides a guided overview of the assessment process, including assessment methods, evidence requirements and readiness expectations, while allowing centres flexibility in how they engage with the content.
In some cases, a short touch-base meeting with the assigned assessor may also be offered to confirm understanding and resolve any specific queries prior to assessment. Across all models, centres continue to have access to online assessment planning materials and can request further support if needed.
Responsibilities, timings, and outcomes
Assessment planning ensures that employers and training providers understand their responsibilities, including preparing suitable assessment environments, supporting the apprentice in the lead-up to assessment, and ensuring that the required documentation is completed accurately and on time. TQUK confirms the assessment methods required by the standard and works with centres to agree realistic timelines that reflect apprentice readiness while maintaining quality and compliance.
The apprenticeship reforms have introduced greater flexibility for when assessment can take place, meaning assessment may not always occur at the end of the apprenticeship. While this affects timing, the principles of assessment planning remain unchanged. Where assessment occurs at a flexible point, TQUK continues to offer the same access to online assessment planning content and opportunities to engage with assessors as needed.
Assessment planning concludes with a clear, documented plan outlining agreed next steps, responsibilities and key dates, recorded in EPAPro. This shared understanding supports the integrity of assessment and helps apprentices achieve the best possible outcome.