Navigating the apprenticeship assessment reforms

Latest guidance

Updated March 2026

On Monday 16 March, the Government set out further details on the future of apprenticeship funding, as part of wider reforms to apprenticeship assessments. This announcement included details on:

16 Apprenticeship Standards that will no longer be funded from 1 September 2026
the introduction of the first seven apprenticeship units
new financial incentives for employers
an update on the implementation of assessment reforms.

See the full details of the latest updates

How we’re supporting you through these changes

One-to-one consultations

With apprenticeship reforms underway, now is the ideal time to access expert guidance tailored to your organisation.

We’re committed to supporting you and your apprentices at every stage. We’ll help you to understand the changes ahead and take the right steps for your organisation and learners.

Through our one-to-one consultations, we’ll provide:

insight into how moving away from independent end point assessment may impact your current delivery model and achievement timelines
guidance on how to adapt internal quality assurance processes to meet a Centre Assessment Standard Scrutiny (CASS) approach
advice on adapting curriculum and assessment planning to reflect the shift in responsibility for behaviours to employers
an overview of what a tiered assessment approach looks like in practice
support in identifying which model is right for your organisation
guidance on ensuring consistency, comparability, and employer confidence when moving towards centre assessment
information on how to gain approval to deliver apprenticeship assessment under a centre assessed model
updates completed and in-progress standards.

Why work with NCFE?

Trust. Support. Quality.

That's what you get when you partner with NCFE.

Trust

Transparent fees with no hidden costs.
We deliver on our service level agreements so you can deliver on your commitments.
Trusted sector specialists' expertise, with first-hand experience.

Support

Support from a dedicated Relationship Manager.
Our wraparound offer supports staff onboarding to ensure a seamless experience.
We’re offering a tiered assessment approach to support transition to centre assessment.

Quality

We become an extension of your team to help deliver quality and rigour.
Onboarding workshops delivered by experienced sector experts.

Additional support

As part of our commitment to supporting you through the apprenticeship assessment reforms we’re also providing:

Regular webinars offering guidance and practical support
Timely newsletters to keep you informed of the latest developments
Expert insights through thought leadership and in-depth articles
Face-to-face roadshows focused on best practice and preparing for change

Become approved - apprenticeship assessment

If you would like to deliver the apprenticeship assessment centre assessment model, you must apply for NCFE approval.

Webinar: How we're supporting you through apprenticeship reforms

Join Sacha Finkle, Director of Delivery, and Leanne Poole, Head of EPA Operations, as they share their insights on the latest apprenticeship reforms and explain how NCFE can help you navigate these changes with confidence.

What's next for Apprenticeship Assessment Reforms?

For a more detailed look at the support available from NCFE and how best to prepare for upcoming changes, read Leanne Poole’s deep dive into apprenticeship assessment reforms.

What’s changing?

Apprenticeship assessment will replace end-point assessment (EPA).
Assessment can take place throughout the apprenticeship programme and inform the outcome.
Training providers may deliver and mark elements of assessment, where permitted by the plan.
Employers will be responsible for verifying behaviours.
Assessment plans are shorter, focusing on clustering outcomes and removing unnecessary duplication

What are the key changes to end-point assessment (EPA)?

In this short webinar, Allison Chatten, Product Manager for Apprenticeships at NCFE, provides a more detailed explanation of the apprenticeship assessment reforms including what's changing and how this will impact you.

When are the changes being made?

Timeline

Oct 2025 – Phased introduction of revised assessment plans begins
2025–2026 – Transition period; current EPA plans remain available until replaced
Spring 2026 – Ofqual expects to publish its new regulatory framework for apprenticeship assessment (consultation ongoing)
2026–2027 – Apprentices begin being assessed under revised plans as they go live

Revised plan publication and start dates vary by occupation. Check the Skills England Apprenticeship Finder for the latest details.

What do the apprenticeship assessment reforms mean for providers?

The changes to apprenticeship assessment mean training providers should:

continue to use existing EPA plans until revised assessment plans are live for starts
monitor the Skills England Revisions and Adjustments Status Report
prepare provider teams for increased involvement in assessment delivery and marking where permitted
engage employers on their role in verifying behaviours.

What is the policy background?

The Department for Education’s (DfE) Apprenticeship Assessment Principles (published February 2025) set out the direction for reforms, focusing on: 

removing unnecessary duplication 
enabling proportionate assessment 
providing flexibility in when assessment occurs 
supporting provider involvement in marking where appropriate.

What is the guidance for providers in the meantime?  

Skills England has published an interim General Requirements for Apprenticeship Assessment. This is to help stakeholders understand the baseline features of assessment during the transition. Final guidance is expected after Ofqual’s framework is finalised. 

Other key information

Assessment plan implementation 

All revised assessment will be reviewed and approved by Skills England before they can be used for delivery. Approved plans ensure: 

alignment with occupational standards and the Apprenticeship Assessment Principles

practical delivery arrangements for providers and employers

validity and quality of assessment against regulatory expectations.

Providers should monitor the Skills England Revisions and Adjustments Status Report for updates on which plans are being revised and when they become live for delivery. 

Skills England has already published illustrative assessment plans for a small number of occupations to help stakeholders prepare for the changes. These are examples only, and current EPA arrangements remain in place until revised plans are live. 

Regulation & quality: Ofqual update 

Ofqual is introducing a new regulatory framework for apprenticeship assessment, aligned with DfE assessment principles. It will set out: 

requirements for awarding organisations (AOs)

how assessments must reflect occupational standards

design expectations for assessment plans.

The consultation closed on 11 February 2026. Final rules and statutory guidance are expected in Spring 2026. Ofqual has confirmed it will embed DfE principles while maintaining rigour and reliability. 

Useful links

Book a consultation with a member of our team

Department for Education official guidance

Skills England

Ofqual regulatory frame work for apprenticeship assessment

Regulatory framework for apprenticeship assessment (consultation open)

Funding changes

View full details on GOV.UK 

Introduction of shorter apprenticeships

See the government’s announcement on shorter apprenticeships 

What can we help you find?