Implements Apprenticeship Assessment Regulatory Framework with Conditions AA1-AA9
Summary
Ofqual has implemented the regulatory framework for Apprenticeship Assessment largely as proposed in its consultation. The framework introduces nine new Conditions (AA1-AA9) governing apprenticeship assessment qualifications, including requirements for compliance with assessment plans, assessment strategies, content standards, standard setting, and qualification levels. Additional guidance covers assessment design, grading, marking approaches, conflicts of interest, and centre arrangements. The framework applies to all apprenticeship assessment qualifications in England.
What changed
Ofqual has implemented a new regulatory framework for Apprenticeship Assessment qualifications, introducing nine bespoke Conditions (AA1-AA9) that sit alongside existing General Conditions of Recognition. The framework specifies requirements for assessment plan compliance, assessment strategies, content standards, standard setting, and qualification levels. Ofqual will also publish guidance on assessment design, grading, marking approaches, conflicts of interest, centre arrangements, and employer engagement. Affected awarding organisations delivering apprenticeship assessment qualifications must comply with the new Conditions and associated guidance when conducting regulated assessments in England.
For apprenticeship assessment providers, this framework creates direct compliance obligations spanning the full assessment lifecycle—from initial assessment plan compliance through to results issuance. Organisations must ensure their assessment strategies, content, grading approaches, and centre arrangements align with the new Conditions. The framework's integration with existing General Conditions means providers should review their existing policies on conflicts of interest, third-party arrangements, and centre assessment standards for consistency with the new apprenticeship-specific requirements.
What to do next
- Review the new Apprenticeship Assessment Conditions (AA1-AA9) and assess compliance obligations
- Consult the published guidance on Qualification Level Conditions and General Conditions
- Ensure arrangements address conflicts of interest, centre assessment standards, and third-party arrangements
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Consultation outcome
Regulatory framework for Apprenticeship Assessment - Conditions, requirements and guidance
From: Ofqual Published 3 December 2025 Last updated 1 April 2026
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Applies to England
This consultation has concluded
Read the full outcome
Regulatory framework for Apprenticeship Assessment – analysis and decisions
Ref: Ofqual/26/7315
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Detail of outcome
Ofqual has decided to implement the regulatory framework for Apprenticeship Assessment largely as proposed.
We will introduce the following Conditions and requirements:
- Condition AA1 (Interpretations and Definitions)
- Condition AA2 (Disapplication of certain General Conditions of Recognition)
- Condition AA3 (Compliance with Assessment Plans)
- Condition AA4 (Assessment strategies)
- Condition AA5 (Assessment)
- Condition AA6 (Apprenticeship Assessment Purposes)
- Condition AA7 (Content)
- Condition AA8 (Standard setting)
Condition AA9 (Apprenticeship Assessment Levels)
We will introduce guidance on the following Apprenticeship Assessment Qualification Level Conditions (QLCs):Condition AA3 (Compliance with Assessment Plans)
Assessment design – Condition AA5 (Assessment) and Condition AA7 (Content)
Grading and standard setting - Condition AA3 (Compliance with Assessment Plans) and Condition AA8 (Standard setting)
Marking approach - Condition AA5 (Assessment)
We will introduce guidance on the following General Conditions in relation to Apprenticeship Assessment:Condition A4 (Conflicts of Interest)
Condition B3 (Notification to Ofqual of certain events)
Condition C1 (Arrangements with third parties)
Condition C2 (Arrangements with Centres)
Employer Engagement - Conditions D3 (Reviewing approach) and Condition E1 (Qualifications having an objective and support)
Condition E2 (Titling)
Condition E3 (Qualification specifications)
Condition H2 (Centre Assessment Standards Scrutiny)
Condition H6 (Issuing results)
Summary
The outcome of our consultation on proposals for the regulation of new arrangements for apprenticeship assessment.
This consultation was held on another website.
This consultation ran from
**
9:30am on 3 December 2025
to
11:59am on 11 February 2026
**
Consultation description
The consultation seeks views on the proposed conditions, requirements and guidance proposed to implement the decisions announced alongside this consultation.
We propose to introduce conditions and requirements in the following areas:
- Condition AA1 (Interpretations and Definitions)
- Condition AA2 (Disapplication of certain General Conditions of Recognition)
- Condition AA3 (Compliance with Assessment Plans)
- Condition AA4 (Assessment strategies)
- Condition AA5 (Assessment)
- Condition AA6 (Apprenticeship Assessment Purposes)
- Condition AA7 (Content)
- Condition AA8 (Standard setting)
Condition AA9 (Apprenticeship Assessment Levels)
We propose to introduce guidance on the following Apprenticeship Assessment Qualification Level Conditions:Condition AA3 (Compliance with Assessment Plans) Assessment design – Condition AA5 (Assessment) and Condition AA7 (Content)
Grading and standard setting - Condition AA3 (Compliance with Assessment Plans) and Condition AA8 (Standard setting)
Marking approach - Condition AA5 (Assessment)
We also propose to introduce guidance on the following General Conditions in relation to Apprenticeship Assessment:Condition A4 (Conflicts of Interest)
Condition B3 (Notification to Ofqual of certain events)
Condition C1 (Arrangements with third parties)
Condition C2 (Arrangements with Centres)
Employer Engagement - Conditions D3 (Reviewing approach) and Condition E1 (Qualifications having an objective and support)
Condition E2 (Titling)
Condition E3 (Qualification specifications)
Condition H2 (Centre Assessment Standards Scrutiny)
Condition H6 (Issuing results)
We also seek views on any equality and regulatory impacts arising from our proposed conditions, requirements and guidance, and any impact on innovation.
Documents
Regulatory framework for apprenticeship assessment - Conditions, requirements and guidance
Ref: Ofqual/25/7270/1
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Updates to this page
Published 3 December 2025 Last updated 1 April 2026 show all updates
1.
1 April 2026
Added analysis of responses and decisions to the consultation page.
2.
3 December 2025
First published.
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