Apprentices can only use digital notes during their assessment, provided they are shared on screen with the assessor. This also includes making notes digitally during an assessment; however, these must be seen to be removed and deleted at the end of the assessment.
The ability to use digital notes is always contextual and will be based on the contents and details contained within the notes. Assessors are required to exercise their judgement to decide whether the notes are acceptable to be used during an assessment.
Where the content could provide an unfair advantage or affect the validity or integrity of the assessment, assessors will advise the apprentice that their notes cannot be used. An apprentice should instead refer to their submitted portfolio, project, or relevant submitted evidence only.
Digital notes must only contain brief prompts and summary talking points, or reminders of key points to cover linked to an apprentice’s work.
For example:
- Work on API project: Stakeholder workshop, interviews, requirements, gap analysis, ERD, cost-benefit (pages 16-20)
- Work on Chatbot Project: Internal / external analysis, interviews, process, requirements, Signed off with CTO (pages 31-33)
Digital notes must be an apprentice’s own work, and not have been created by others. This includes the sole use of an AI tool to create the notes. They must not contain detailed explanations, definitions, or comprehensive breakdowns of technical terms, concepts, or analytical models. Digital notes containing a combination of highlighted key topics/projects and a comprehensive breakdown of technical terms, concepts, or analytical models may also result in notes being declined for use during an assessment.
Digital notes must not include:
- Prepared or scripted answers.
- Definitions or detailed technical explanations.
- Step-by-step breakdowns of models, methods or frameworks.
- Assessment questions with prepared responses.
- A list of each knowledge, skill, behaviour or assessment criteria with pre-prepared answers to be used during the assessment.
Paper notes prepared in advance are not permitted to be used during an assessment. This includes the use of a blank piece of paper to make notes during the assessment.
