Assessment Practising Certificate Course

Applying for and Renewing an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) online course

This short course contains significant enhancements to previous versions (as of 1 April 2025) and has been amended to incorporate materials relevant for those assessing both under and over 16 year olds.

Our trainers are experienced, qualified specialists in diagnostic assessment report writing and assessment testing for dyslexia/SpLD working to the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) criteria.

Dyslexia Action Training is a SASC Authorised CPD Training Provider and The Dyslexia Guild is a SASC APC approved, and quality assured awarding body.

The course is based around carefully designed datasets and case study materials, which you will work through and reflect upon.

Please note: this course does not grant you an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). For further details on gaining or renewing your APC please click here.

Why Study this APC course?

By completing this course you will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of important basic APC statistical constructs such as understanding reliability and using different tables within manuals including CTOPP 2, WIAT III, Tests of Dyslexia and DASH 2
Consider the current structure of report writing formats (these can be used until January 2027)
Think more about report writing styles: what works and what doesn’t?
Consider the purpose of access arrangements
Evaluate different learner profiles managing both quantitative and qualitative information
Demonstrate commitment to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) activities in order to maintain professional practice standards.

Please note: the course does not provide advice on:

Individual assessment test items (which would breach copyright)
Participants’ wider queries about report writing (i.e. tutors cannot look at samples of participants’ professional work/findings or offer advice on specific examples of interpretation outside the context of the course materials)

As of 1 June 2025 the SASC new report format has not yet been confirmed. The course will be updated in line when SASC release it.

Please see The Dyslexia Guild Forums for further professional advice. The SASC website also has many useful downloads available to support the APC application and renewal process.

At a glance

✔ 100% online training
✔ Access anywhere
✔ No live delivery
✔ Developed by APC professionals
✔ Tutor support through online forums

and

✔ SASC Accredited
✔ 12 hours of self-paced study, over 4 weeks
✔ 5 of which recognised by SASC
✔ Meets SASC authorised CPD requirements
✔ Delivered through our Campus Online platform

Who is the APC course suitable for?

Delegates should normally be qualified SpLD specialist teacher/practitioner-assessors with a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma or equivalent, and be familiar with diagnostic assessment report writing.

How is the course delivered?

This course is delivered through Campus Online, our unique online learning platform.

Campus Online allows you to study at your own pace, without the need to travel, or commit to particular dates or times. You’ll log in to access your study materials, contact your tutor for support, and connect and network with other delegates.

What is the cost?

£205 +VAT for Non-Guild members
£195 +VAT for members of The Dyslexia Guild

Payments by debit/credit card should be made online at the time of registration
If you or your organisation require an invoice upfront there is an additional admin charge of £25 + VAT. A purchase order number (if applicable) and finance contact name, address, email and phone number will be required at the time of registration

There are no additional costs for International delegates.

For further information please visit our payment FAQ page

When can I start and how can I book?

Please click on the date below to make a booking.

24 September 2025 Book by 10 September if you require an invoice upfront (pay later option). Book by 17 September if paying online with a credit/debit card at time of registration.
12 November 2025 bookings will open 13 November
14 January 2026 bookings will open 15 January
18 March 2026 bookings will open 19 March

Please note: Dyslexia Action reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any course where minimum delegate numbers are not reached.

What our delegates say about this course

“I have already recommended this course to several other assessors looking for further support with post-16 assessments. The time frame enables you to work at your own pace, all the material is easily accessible and the discussion forums help you share each other’s work. I found my group to be very supportive and the course tutors were happy to answer the most basic questions promptly.

Margaret Ellwood – APC delegate

Applying for and Renewing an Assessment Practising Certificate – Online Course