Apprenticeship Assessment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Practitioner
The broad purpose of the occupation is to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and support continuous improvement through the safe and responsible use of automation, integration, and AI tools. They understand, select, and implement digital solutions to address inefficiencies in existing systems. Work is focused on solving real-world challenges that slow down business operations such as manual tasks, duplicated data entry, unintegrated tools, and inefficient workflows. They play a key role in unlocking time and cost savings supporting organisations to realise the potential for AI, automation and digital solutions to improve efficiency, accuracy or productivity.
Apprenticeship Assessment
Assessment overview
There are two components. Both must be passed. They can be taken in any order during the apprenticeship.
Component 1 — Work-based project
A reflection on a real AI or automation project the apprentice has delivered at work. Submitted at least two weeks before Component 2.
Component 2 — Live assessment
The apprentice chooses one of two formats:
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Option A — Presentation + Q&A OR
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Option B — Professional discussion
Grades: Distinction · Pass · Fail
Together, the two components cover all six assessment outcomes and all 64 knowledge, skills and behaviour statements.
Assessment for this apprenticeship standard
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Assessments can be taken at any suitable point during the apprenticeship
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All assessments are conducted remotely
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Use of AI in the project is encouraged but must be clearly referenced and the project itself must be the apprentice's own work
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No cap on re-sit grade
More information
FAQs
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When can apprentices be assessed? At any appropriate point during the apprenticeship. There is no fixed gateway window — the assessment fits around the learner's readiness.
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Can the two components be taken in any order? Yes. Components 1 and 2 can be taken in either order. The project must be submitted at least two weeks before the live assessment so the assessor has time to read it in advance.
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How do apprentices choose between Option A and Option B? The choice is made at the access to assessment stage and can be changed up to three weeks before the assessment date. Both options assess the full standard — the choice is about which format suits the apprentice best.
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Can apprentices use AI tools in their project? Yes. AI tools are expected. This standard is about working with AI responsibly, so apprentices are encouraged to use AI tools in producing their project. They sign a declaration confirming the decisions and analysis are their own.
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Does the project have to be from real workplace activity? Yes. The project must be drawn from genuine workplace activity during the apprenticeship. The employer confirms this on the access to assessment form, and the assessor explores authenticity through the live assessment.
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What happens if a component is failed? Any component can be resat independently within a nine-month window. There is no cap on the grade achievable on a resit — a resit Distinction is a Distinction.
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How is quality assured? A2A Qualifications is an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation. All live sessions are recorded for quality and training purposes, photographic ID is verified before recording begins, and every assessment is independently marked and externally moderated.
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How do we get started? Contact A2A Qualifications to discuss your cohort and begin the access to assessment process. We provide a named contact, indicative timescales, and access to assessor briefings for your delivery team.
We allow training providers to choose ACE360 or EPA Pro for secure EPA
We are delighted to have partnered with ACE360 and EPA Pro to ensure all apprentice and training provider details are securely stored. As a training provider you can choose which system and both allow for training providers to upload Gateway and assessment evidence securely. We will also upload detailed feedback following the completion of EPA to the system.
