Apprenticeship assessment reforms
The government’s apprenticeship assessment reforms in England create an opportunity to make assessment simpler, more flexible and more closely connected to real workplace performance.
We're using this opportunity to evolve our apprenticeship assessments to support the next generation of accounting and finance apprentices, by building an assessment experience that is clear, practical and more valuable for apprentices, employers and training providers.
Here’s a recap of the recent reform changes, and key information about the new assessments we'll offer.
What changed as part of the apprenticeship reforms?
More flexible delivery and assessment: revised assessment plans focus more clearly on occupational competence, reduce unnecessary duplication and allow assessment at appropriate points during the apprenticeship.
English and maths: apprentices over the age of 19 at the start of training are no longer required to complete these functional skills qualifications.
Training provider payments: have been streamlined, making it easier to request and submit payments.
Level 7 funding: funding for new Level 7 apprenticeship starts is available for apprentices under 22 years old. Apprentices aged 22 and over are not eligible for funding.
Shorter programme duration: the minimum programme duration on programme has been reduced from 12 months to eight months for eligible standards.
New entry routes: like foundation apprenticeships for young people and those with additional needs, will be set up.
Assessment plan changes
Based on the government’s new apprenticeship assessment principles and Skills England’s revised assessment plan structure, assessment plans introduce a new way of assessing apprentices across Levels 2, 3 and 4.
The revised approach focuses on how apprentices on demonstrate occupational competence in practice. Assessment plans are being redesigned to make assessments more proportionate and flexible, making better use of on-programme assessment and digital technology where appropriate. They also reduce unnecessary duplication and give employers the responsibility of verifying workplace behaviours.
Our approach
Building on our trusted experience, AAT is developing a revised practical and engaging approach to apprenticeship assessment that aligns with the needs of today’s workplaces.
These changes will
Put occupational competence at the centre of assessment, helping easily demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours apprentices use in real accounting and finance roles.
Remove unnecessary duplication, creating a more streamlined and positive experience for both training providers and apprentices.
Make the most of new flexibilities introduced through reform, creating a more joined-up assessment journey for everyone involved.
Our aim is to make assessment clearer, more relevant and purposeful without compromising the rigour and credibility employers expect from AAT.
We are also developing guidance, preparation materials and support to help training providers, employers and apprentices move to the new arrangements with confidence.
What’s changing at Levels 2 and 3?
For Levels 2 and 3, we're developing the 'Qualification+ model' that combines the reputable mandated AAT qualification with a professional discussion. There will be no additional assessment beyond these components. This gives apprentices the opportunity to show how they apply their learning in the workplace and demonstrate their competence in a practical, rounded way.
The professional discussion is being redesigned to feel like a genuine professional conversation. With a clear, theme-based structure and supporting preparation materials, apprentices will be able to talk confidently about their workplace experience, achievements and development.
Reduced reliance on ‘on the spot’ questioning, together with enhanced preparation materials, are designed to relieve undue anxiety or pressure that some apprentices have historically reported as part of the professional discussion. Helping apprentices feel more confident and better prepared for assessment.
What’s changing at Level 4?
At Level 4 (Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship), we're developing a streamlined assessment approach that reduces duplication maintaining a robust and credible assessment of occupational competence. The new apprenticeship assessment will include:
- a mandatory role scenario
- a computer-based knowledge test.
The role scenario enables apprentices to demonstrate the practical application of their knowledge and skills in a workplace context, while the knowledge test provides a reliable and efficient assessment of technical knowledge.
To reduce duplication, apprentices who successfully complete the role scenario and are studying the AAT Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician qualification may be exempt from the Advanced Business Awareness (AVBA) unit assessment, subject to AAT's assessment requirements.
This approach helps create a more streamlined assessment journey while maintaining compliance with the apprenticeship assessment plan and ensuring apprentices can demonstrate occupational competence effectively.
Training providers
Training providers will have a clearer framework for planning delivery and preparing apprentices for assessment. We're developing practical guidance, exemplars and support materials to help providers understand the revised standards, build confidence in the new approach and support apprentices to succeed.
Reformed Apprenticeship Standards v2.0 registrations are now live
From 15 October 2026, training providers will be able to register apprentices on reformed v2.0 Apprenticeship Standards at Levels 2, 3 and 4.
Registrations will initially be completed through a temporary Jotform registration page, providing a dedicated route for registering apprentices on v2.0 standards.
Why is there a different process for v2.0 registrations?
AAT is currently making changes to its internal systems to support the introduction of the reformed standards. In the meantime, the registration process will enable training providers to register apprentices on v2.0 standards from 15 October.
Can I still register apprentices on previous Apprenticeship Standards?
Yes. For apprentices undertaking previous versions of the Apprenticeship Standards, please continue to register them through SEPA as normal. The process outlined above is for v2.0 registrations only.
Where do I register my v2.0 apprentices?
From 15 October 2026, please use the link to register apprentices undertaking v2.0 standards for Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 Reformed Apprenticeship Standards.
Support from AAT
We'll publish practical provider guidance to support planning and delivery.
Assessment exemplars and preparation materials will help providers and apprentices get ready for the revised assessment requirements.
Webinars and drop-in sessions will support provider readiness.
Training will support provider readiness, help them understand the new approach, and bring it to life.
Employer-facing guidance will explain the changes and show how employers can support apprentices throughout their journey.
We'll continue to share further implementation guidance, support materials and operational updates as they become available.
Reformed Apprenticeship Assessment Fees
Assessment fees for the reformed apprenticeship standards are now available and can be seen below.
| Fees for | Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship: Level 2 (v2.0) | Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship: Level 3 (v2.0) | Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship: Level 4 (v2.0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration | £27 | £27 | £27 |
| Apprenticeship Assessment | £456 | £551 | £690 |
| Professional Discussion Resit | £265 | £314 | Not Applicable |
| Knowledge Test Resit | Not Applicable | Not Applicable
| £67 |
| Role Scenario Resit | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | £67 |
Reformed apprenticeship standards drop-in sessions
Join our fortnightly drop-in sessions to receive updates, ask questions and access support from the AAT Apprenticeship team as we launch the registrations for the apprenticeship standards 2.0 across levels 2, 3 and 4.
No registration is required. Sessions will take place every other Friday from 12:00 to 12:45 (UK time), starting on Friday 9 October 2026.
Catch up: Apprenticeship SummingUp Live webinar
Our recent apprenticeship webinar for training providers is now available on-demand. It highlights the changes to apprenticeship standards and assessment plans, shares pricing details for the new standards, and explains what the revised apprenticeships mean for training providers, employers and apprentices.
Catch up: Apprenticeship reforms update summer 2025
The DfE delivered a webinar aimed at employers and training providers highlighting the key changes to funding rules from 1 August 2025.
AAT also provided a webinar exploring the changes, implications for training providers and employers, and how to adapt.
