What is the APAR Register?

The APAR is the government’s new, single register, that lists all apprenticeship training providers and end point assessment organisations (EPAOs).

The APAR was announced in May 2023 and is set to go live from 1 August 2023.

Previously, there have been two registers – with apprenticeship training providers appearing on the RoATP (Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers), and EPAOs appearing on the Register of EPAOs.

From August 1 the new single register will be called the Apprenticeship Providers and Assessment Register (APAR).

The announcement from the government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) comes at the same time as some other changes for apprenticeship training providers and EPAOs:

• When an EPAO receives recognition to assess a standard from Ofqual or the Office for Students (OfS), they will automatically be placed onto the APAR register. This means there will no longer be a requirement to complete a second application with the Apprenticeship Service. The ESFA has confirmed that the application process for providers and supporting providers will remain the same.
• From the 1 August 2023, apprenticeship providers will be responsible for choosing the EPAO for an employer unless the employer wishes to continue to select the EPAO themselves. This is a big change from the previous focus on employer choice in EPAOs, which training providers had to evidence.

Further information for employers, providers and EPAOs is expected to be released in the next few weeks. This article will be updated with any significant changes.

Found this useful? See our other guidance for providers and employers.