Centre Recognition
At TQUK, we have specific processes to follow to become a recognised Apprenticeship Assessment Centre. We are committed to making the recognition process as clear, supportive, and straightforward as possible, providing guidance every step of the way. Below is all the information you will need to start your journey.
Getting started
Once your discussions with our Business Development Team have been completed and the appropriate commercial agreements are in place, you will be invited to begin the onboarding process.
At this stage, your centre will be asked to complete and submit a set of onboarding documents. These documents help us understand your organisation, including the systems, processes, and quality assurance arrangements you have in place to support the delivery of apprenticeships and assessments.
Application review
Once we receive your completed onboarding documentation, our External Quality Assurance (EQA) Team will begin reviewing your application.
The purpose of this review is to ensure that all recognised centres meet the standards required to deliver high-quality assessment services. It also allows us to identify any areas where we can provide additional guidance or support during the onboarding process.
Within five working days of receiving your completed documentation, a member of the EQA Team will contact you to confirm that your application is being processed. If we need any additional information or clarification, we'll work closely with you to obtain it as quickly as possible and help keep your application moving forward.
Quality assurance checks
Following initial contact, the EQA Team will carry out the necessary review and verification activities.
In most cases, these checks are completed within a further five working days, although timescales may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the application or if additional information is required.
During this stage, we'll assess whether all recognition requirements have been met and confirm your centre's readiness to progress to the final stage of onboarding.
Final onboarding meeting
Once the review has been completed successfully, the EQA Team will arrange a final onboarding meeting with your centre.
This provides an opportunity to:
- discuss your application and submitted documentation
- answer any outstanding questions
- clarify expectations and requirements
- ensure you feel fully prepared to begin working with us.
We see this as a collaborative discussion designed to support your success from the outset.
Recognition decision
Following the onboarding meeting, a final recognition decision will be made.
Where recognition is approved, we will process the outcome as quickly as possible, typically on the same working day or the next working day. You will then receive confirmation of your recognised status along with information about the next steps.
Ongoing support
Once your centre has been recognised, support will transition to our Customer Relationship and Customer Support Teams.
These teams will provide a warm welcome and continue to support you throughout your journey with us. They will be your main point of contact for:
- operational queries
- guidance and resources
- relationship management
- day-to-day support.
Our goal is to ensure you have everything you need to confidently and successfully deliver assessments.
Working together
We are committed to providing a professional, efficient, and supportive recognition experience. Through clear communication, defined timescales, and expert guidance, we aim to ensure your centre feels informed, prepared, and confident at every stage of the process.
We look forward to welcoming your centre and supporting your success as a recognised Apprenticeship Assessment Centre.