Free plain-English guide for C&G Level 2 & 3, 9289, and BSE T Level students
Type your question about the EPA changes and get a plain-English answer
Ask anything about the assessment changes — for example, “Has my Level 3 EPA changed?” or “Does this affect my T Level?”
Pick your qualification, awarding body, and year — we’ll tell you exactly where you stand.
The ten questions apprentices and tutors are asking most about the 2025/26 reforms.
If you started your Level 3 plumbing apprenticeship (ST0303) before the new reformed assessment plan goes live, you're still on the EPA model — nothing changes for you mid-programme. The 9289 EPA plan was updated to v1.2 in January 2026, adding the 9289-13/15 POS routes — but the overall structure of your EPA remains the same.
EPA meant all formal assessment happened at the end. The new model allows assessment at any point during your programme — reducing the pressure of a single high-stakes endpoint.
No. The T Level has its own assessment structure — core component exams plus an occupational specialism. The apprenticeship reforms don’t affect T Level students.
For standards on the new reformed plans, yes — providers can mark some assessments. For most plumbing apprentices still on existing EPA, your assessment organisation still marks independently. Ask your training provider which model you’re on.
Under the new model, your employer verifies behaviours through normal workplace appraisals. For apprentices still on existing EPA plans, behaviours are assessed the old way until your plan updates.
Version 1.2 (January 2026) added the 9289-13/15 POS routes to the framework. The knowledge test structure and practical assessments are unchanged — it's an administrative update to include more learner pathways.
Possibly, but your training provider needs to assess whether a transfer could disadvantage you. Don’t assume you should switch — always talk to your provider first.
The term EPA is replaced by Apprenticeship Assessment from August 2026. Existing apprentices on EPA-based standards continue under that model until they complete.
No — the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours in your occupational standard haven’t changed. Focus on your KSBs. The assessment mechanism is evolving, not the content.
GOV.UK "Changes to apprenticeship assessment, 2025 to 2026" is the official source. For 9289 specifics, check the City & Guilds website. For BSE T Level, check EAL or Eduqas/WJEC.
Download the free resource pack for your students — qualification-specific one-pagers on what’s changed and what to tell them.
The Copper Connection AI Tutor covers C&G Level 2 & 3, 9289, and BSE T Level. It asks you questions rather than just giving you notes.
Try the AI Tutor Free