Apprenticeship Standard Common Challenges

September 2025 Edition

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.

General Hints and Tips

Page Numbers: Include page numbers in any documentation submitted for the assessment, e.g. portfolio or project reports. This makes it easier for both the apprentice and the assessor to find and discuss key elements efficiently.

Presentations: The apprentice shouldn’t simply duplicate the project report in their presentation. It should be used as an opportunity to include other evidence of the criteria or provide further explanations.

Word Count: Check the word count allowances for the version of the apprentice standard you are using. The word count can vary between standards.

Level 3 Team Leader or Supervisor / Team Leader

• Thoroughly practice your presentation – Rehearse in advance to ensure your content, structure, and timing are well-prepared. Confirm that you have addressed all relevant presentation assessment method criteria. Preparation and practice will help you manage time effectively and reduce nerves.

• Clearly differentiate evidence across assessment methods – Ensure that presentation evidence is distinct from portfolio evidence. Each assessment method is discrete, and requirements must be demonstrated only in their designated format.

• Submit supporting materials alongside your slides – Provide your presentation notes or script at the same time as your slideshow. This enables the assessor to review your content in advance and engage more effectively during the questioning session.

• Address distinction criteria explicitly – Incorporate these into your presentation proactively. Do not rely on the assessor to elicit them through questions; they must be demonstrated directly within your delivery.

• Select an appropriate working environment – Arrange to undertake your assessment in a quiet, comfortable, and well-ventilated space. Inadequate conditions, such as confined or poorly ventilated rooms, may negatively impact your performance.

• Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Teams – As the assessment will be conducted remotely on the Teams platform, ensure you are confident in its use. Technical familiarity will help the session run smoothly and minimise avoidable disruptions.

• Ensure valid identification is available – Bring the required ID on the day, as it is essential for participation in the assessment.

  
  

Read more about the standard here.

Level 4 Business Analyst

• Project Focus: BA projects should focus on analysing a genuine business problem and applying the apprentice's skills to resolve it. Avoid projects that simply implement a pre-determined solution or that lack complex process maps and challenging project elements.

  
  

• Presentation: The presentation should be used effectively and include a range of evidence that can be discussed during the assessment.

Read more about the standard here. 

Level 4 Software Developer

• Visual Designs: Apprentices should create software designs that demonstrate an understanding of programme functionality for stakeholders and users. We encourage apprentices to include visual designs, such as wireframes or UX designs, even for back-end engineers, in order to meet assessment requirements. Apprentices may also include technical documentation, pseudocode, and other design artefacts.

  
  

• Unit Testing and Debugging (S4 and S7): Apprentices often include unit testing but fail to provide evidence of the errors encountered or the debugging processes followed. We encourage apprentices to submit this evidence and present it clearly to the assessor. Complex issues should involve multi-step solutions or demonstrate an impact on other system components. Avoid relying solely on simple errors such as typos or data type mismatches.

  
  

• Job Roles and Project Choices: It is important to review the KSBs and assessment criteria when creating job descriptions and determining project choices for the EPA. Using the duties alone is not sufficient. Consider which project will most effectively cover the required assessment criteria and provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

  
  

Read more about the standard here.

Level 7 AI Data Specialist

• Learning Journal as Electronic Notes: If apprentices are considering using a learning journal as their electronic notes, we recommend submitting this document in advance. Although not mandatory, it can help the assessor to understand the context of the candidate’s work and tailor questions to their circumstances.

Read more about the standard here.

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