Apprenticeship Assessment Standard Common Challenges

To help apprentices achieve better outcomes in their end-point assessments, we've analysed common areas where additional preparation can make the difference between meeting and exceeding assessment criteria.

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General Hints and Tips

Notes: Apprentices can bring electronic notes to their assessment. However, paper notes aren’t allowed unless a previously agreed reasonable adjustment is in place. When the apprentice arrives, the independent assessor will check over the notes, and they may be asked to confirm that the notes are their own work. Check out the updated Live Assessment Guidance on AP Gateway.

Level 4 Data Analyst

Guidance for Apprentices – S4 (AM1) Using Data From More Than One Source – Pass vs Distinction What S4 Is About You must use at least two datasets and combine them to solve a business problem.S4 is about how you use the datasets, not what database system they originally came from. PASS To achieve a Pass, you must: Use at least two different datasets (any type is fine). Combine them in a clear, correct way. Explain how using both datasets supported the business problem. DISTINCTION To achieve a Distinction, you must show more complexity or challenge in how the datasets were combined, such as: Differences in format, structure or quality that require transformation. Joining data where keys don’t match cleanly or require extra steps. Multi‑step joining or reshaping. Demonstrating clear improvement in accuracy or efficiency as a result. Important: You do not need unstructured data or different database types (although not required, these could assist with reaching distinction level if this is a natural part of your project). You just need to show extra technical challenge + clear business impact.