Your templates
Your certification has two parts. Grab the template for each and fill it in with your own evidence as you work through the apprenticeship — every KSB and report section is already laid out, so you're never starting from a blank page.
Component 1 — The Project Report
The Project Report Template lays out the seven required sections, with what to cover in each and your word count target of 2,500 words ± 10% (so 2,250–2,750). It's a Word document — it downloads straight to your computer, so it's yours to edit. It opens in Word, or you can upload it to Google Docs if you prefer.
The seven sections are:
- Introduction and Context — your organisation, your role, and the context in which the project took place.
- Problem, Opportunity or Requirement — the challenge or opportunity and why it mattered to the business.
- Design and Development Approach — the tools, platforms, and methods you selected and why.
- Implementation Activities — what you built or configured, step by step.
- Testing and Evaluation — how you tested the solution, what feedback you gathered, and how you iterated.
- Outcomes and Impact — the results, quantitative and qualitative, and the value delivered.
- Reflection and Recommendations — what went well, what you would do differently, and your recommendations.
What you submit: three things, not just the report —
- The project report — 2,500 words ± 10%, submitted as a Word document or PDF.
- Supplementary evidence supporting the activity you describe: screenshots, design documents, test plans and results, system outputs, deployment records, user feedback, configuration records.
- Any appendices you reference in the report.
Appendices are excluded from the word count, so use them — detail that would otherwise eat into your 2,500 words belongs there.
Component 2 — Your Flexible Assessment
Choose exactly one of the four methods below — all four are graded to the same standard, and the method you pick has no bearing on the grade you can achieve.
Not sure which method suits you? Speak to your consultant — they can help you choose.
Portfolio (Recommended)
Recommended route
Recommended. If you've kept thorough workbooks in continuous prose, a Portfolio is usually the most direct route to a strong assessment.
A collection of evidence generated through your normal work activities, brought together over the course of the apprenticeship.
Key Requirements
- Typically 6 pieces of evidence — maximum 12
- All evidence must be generated during the apprenticeship
- Must include a mapping appendix linking each piece to the relevant KSBs — the portfolio will not be accepted without this
- Evidence may be mapped to more than one KSB where appropriate
- There is no set format for the mapping appendix — you and AiCore are free to design your own; ask your instructor for the AiCore template
Acceptable Evidence Formats
- Workplace documents, reports, written statements
- Witness statements
- Screenshots, photographs, system outputs, configuration records
- Project documentation
- Videos (maximum 5 minutes total — you must remain visible throughout)
Tips for a Strong Portfolio
- Map each piece of evidence clearly to the KSBs it demonstrates
- Quality over quantity — fewer, richer, well-explained pieces outperform a large volume of thin evidence
- Include your own voice: explain your thinking, not just what happened
- Your AiCore workbooks are strong starting evidence — use them
What you submit: you submit the collection plus a KSB mapping appendix — the portfolio is not accepted without it.
Professional Discussion
A structured two-way conversation with your assessor. You lead the conversation, drawing on your workplace experience, examples and reflections.
Key Requirements
- Duration: up to 60 minutes + 10% (setup and introductions not included)
- Minimum of 6 questions from the assessor
- Delivered remotely via video conferencing and video recorded
- Open-book — you may refer to notes, workplace documents, portfolio evidence, and reference materials
- Follow-up questions may be used to probe or clarify responses; leading questions are not permitted
How to Prepare
- Review your workbooks and reflect on key projects and decisions from the programme
- Practise using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers
- Prepare specific workplace examples covering AO1, AO4, AO5, and AO6
- Bring notes and supporting materials — this is open-book
No submission: nothing to submit — it's a live conversation. Prepare notes and bring them (open-book).
Prep notes: Discussion & Q&A Prep Notes (Google Doc)
Presentation
You prepare and deliver a structured presentation to the assessor. There is no assessor questioning — the presentation itself is the evidence.
Key Requirements
- Duration: up to 45 minutes (no minimum)
- Delivered remotely via video conferencing and video recorded
- Open-book — you may refer to notes, slides, workplace documents, and reference materials
- Presentation materials submitted to the assessor on the day; not reviewed by the assessor beforehand
- Must cover all four relevant AOs: AO1, AO4, AO5, and AO6
- No assessor questioning — your slides and delivery must stand alone
How to Prepare
- Map your slides explicitly to AO1, AO4, AO5, and AO6
- Build a clear narrative: the challenge, your approach, your decisions, and the outcome
- Include evidence of impact — data, metrics, stakeholder feedback where possible
- Practise your timing to ensure you stay within 45 minutes
What you submit: you submit your slides to the assessor on the day.
Q&A Session
A structured assessment where the assessor asks planned questions and you respond to demonstrate your applied knowledge, skills, and professional judgement. The assessor leads throughout.
Key Requirements
- Duration: up to 45 minutes + 10% (setup and introductions not included)
- Minimum of 10 questions from the assessor
- Delivered remotely via video conferencing and video recorded
- Open-book — you may refer to notes, workplace documents, portfolio evidence, and reference materials
- Follow-up questions may be used for clarification; leading questions are not permitted
How to Prepare
- Prepare specific workplace examples across AO1, AO4, AO5, and AO6
- Expect structured, direct questions — practise giving clear, evidence-based answers
- Use the STAR method to keep answers focused and well-evidenced
- Prepare notes and supporting materials to reference during the session
No submission: nothing to submit — it's a live conversation. Prepare notes and bring them (open-book).
Prep notes: Discussion & Q&A Prep Notes (Google Doc)