AI can check an apprentice’s knowledge between reviews by generating short assessments from the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in their apprenticeship standard, based on the work they have just completed. Checkpoint, part of Aptem Enhance in Aptem Apprentice, does this. It sets multiple-choice theory and scenario questions mapped to the KSBs a learner has covered, gives the learner feedback on every answer, and shows tutors the results across their caseload and inside the learner’s review. Gaps in understanding show up as the programme goes, not weeks later.
Key points
- Checkpoint is part of Aptem Enhance in Aptem Apprentice and generates multiple-choice theory and scenario questions from the KSBs in each apprenticeship standard.
- Tutors can set checkpoints to send automatically when a learner completes a learning plan component, run on a schedule such as monthly, or be created manually for chosen KSBs.
- After every checkpoint, learners see feedback on each answer and can open the Aptem virtual assistant to explore any question further.
- Results reach tutors through completion notifications, a caseload view and a checkpoint summary inside each learner’s progress review.
- Between reviews, checkpoint gives tutors an early view of each learner’s understanding, but it does not replace progress reviews or end-point assessment.
Addressing the challenge of checking knowledge between reviews
Progress reviews give tutors a structured point to discuss how an apprentice is doing. Between them, most of what a tutor can see is activity: components completed, evidence submitted and hours logged. Completing a task shows the work was done. It does not always show the apprentice understood the KSBs behind it.
Checking understanding more often is hard to do by hand. Writing questions for each standard takes time, marking them takes more, and the results often sit outside the main system where they are easy to miss. When a gap is only found at a review, or close to end-point assessment, there is less time to put support in place. The learner is more likely to fall behind, run past their planned end date or withdraw.
How checkpoint works
Checkpoint turns the KSBs in each apprenticeship standard into short, regular checks of understanding. Tutors and administrators decide when checkpoints are set and how many questions they include. Learners complete them in Aptem, and the results feed straight back to the people supporting them.
How checkpoint builds questions from the KSBs in each standard
Checkpoint uses large language models to create multiple-choice questions from the KSBs in apprenticeship standards published by Skills England. Questions are held in a library mapped to each KSB, and checkpoint is available for all apprenticeship standards on request.
Each checkpoint can mix two types of question. Theory questions check what the learner knows. Scenario questions ask them to apply it to a realistic situation, closer to how they will use the knowledge at work.
Automatic, periodic and manual checkpoints
Checkpoint fits around how a programme is delivered:
- Automatic checkpoints are sent when a learner completes a learning plan component with linked KSBs, either straight away or after a set number of days, to check what they have retained.
- Periodic checkpoints run on a schedule, such as monthly or quarterly, and ask about the KSBs covered in components completed during that period.
- Manual checkpoints are created by a tutor or administrator, who chooses the KSBs to assess.
For each one, staff set how many theory and scenario questions to ask for each KSB, up to three of each, and can set an expiry date after which the checkpoint closes.
“We don’t just use it as a pre-set checkpoint. We align it to workshops and learning initiatives, and we choose the KSBs based on the individual.”
Sheila Moore, Managing Director, cHRysos HR Solutions
How checkpoint feedback helps learners close knowledge gaps
When a learner finishes a checkpoint, a results summary shows which answers were correct, which were not, and whether each question was theory or scenario. Learners can expand any question to see why the correct answer is right, or detailed feedback on where they went wrong.
If they want to go further, learners can select “Get help with this question” to open the Aptem virtual assistant (AVA) with that question. The virtual assistant explains the reasoning behind the answer and helps the learner work through the topic in their own time. Tutors can see these conversations in the audit history on the learner’s profile.
“Checkpoint has been really helpful in highlighting my strengths and the areas I need to develop. It’s boosted my confidence as I prepare for my EPA. The feedback is clear and well aligned with my programme, and I value being able to revisit previous checkpoints to track my progress and review the questions.”
Learner, tend
How checkpoint keeps learners and tutors on track between reviews
A check of understanding is only useful if learners complete it and tutors see the results. Checkpoint is designed so neither has to go looking.
How learners find and complete checkpoints
When a checkpoint is waiting, a banner appears in the learner’s learning plan and takes them straight to it. The banner counts only checkpoints on their current programme. Learners also get a message in their message centre naming the new checkpoint and showing the deadline, where one is set. Before they submit, checkpoint tells them which questions they have not yet answered, so they are not left wondering why they cannot finish.
How tutors see checkpoint results across their caseload
Tutors get a message when a learner in their caseload completes a checkpoint, with a link straight to the results. A caseload view shows outstanding checkpoints and those completed in the last 28 days in one place, by programme or by learner. Tutors can go straight to any learner’s checkpoint from there, and widen the view to all the learners they have access to when they are covering for a colleague.
“We have found checkpoint to be particularly effective with younger learners. Keeping them engaged and acting quickly where they need support.”
Mark Holmes, Programme Design and Development Manager, Hawk Training
Checkpoint results inside the progress review
Checkpoint results appear in the learning progress section of the learner’s review, so tutors do not need to leave the review to look them up. The checkpoint widget shows checkpoints completed, the latest score, the average score, the average number of questions and the average time spent. Tutors can open the learner’s full checkpoint results in a new tab while keeping the review open.
The widget is included in the review PDF generated when the review is completed and signed, so the signed record shows the learner’s checkpoint results alongside the rest of the review.
Setting one checkpoint for a whole cohort
Tutors and administrators with the right role can create a manual checkpoint for several learners at once. A four-step wizard takes them through choosing a delivery or onboarding programme, setting up the checkpoint and its KSBs, choosing learners, and confirming. Learners can be filtered by group and programme status, and those on a break or who have completed their programme are left out automatically. Nothing is created until the tutor confirms.
Reporting on checkpoint results through OData
Checkpoint results, including scores, outcomes and completion data, are available through OData, so providers can build checkpoint data into their own reporting without exporting it by hand.
Setting the right number of checkpoint questions
The number of questions a learner receives depends on the number of KSBs covered. A periodic checkpoint set to one question per KSB, for a learner who has covered 20 knowledge criteria, asks 20 questions. Setting three per KSB asks 60. Automatic checkpoints suit learning plans with fewer, larger components. Where learners complete several components each week, periodic or manual checkpoints keep the number of questions manageable.
Checkpoint gives tutors an early, impartial view of how a learner is progressing against their KSBs. It supports the tutor’s judgement, alongside reviews, observation and evidence, and does not replace end-point assessment or a provider’s own assessment of competence.
See checkpoint in action
If your tutors are relying on reviews and completed components to judge whether apprentices understand their KSBs, book a demo to see how checkpoint gives them a clear view between reviews.
Aptem customers can find set-up guides and how-to articles for learners, tutors and administrators in the Aptem Help Centre, starting with the checkpoint overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is checkpoint in Aptem Apprentice?
Checkpoint is part of Aptem Enhance, the AI feature set in Aptem Apprentice. It generates multiple-choice assessments from the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in each apprenticeship standard, so tutors can check a learner’s understanding of the KSBs they have covered at any point in their programme.
How does checkpoint create its questions?
Checkpoint uses large language models to generate questions from the KSBs in apprenticeship standards published by Skills England. Questions are held in a library mapped to each KSB and can be theory or scenario based. Checkpoint is available for all apprenticeship standards on request.
When do learners take a checkpoint?
A checkpoint becomes available when a tutor or administrator creates one, when the learner completes a learning plan component set up to trigger one, or when a scheduled periodic checkpoint is due. Learners see a banner in their learning plan and a message in their message centre when a checkpoint is waiting.
How many questions does a checkpoint include?
Tutors and administrators set up to three theory questions and up to three scenario questions for each KSB, and either type can be set to zero. The total depends on how many KSBs the checkpoint covers. There is no limit on how many checkpoints a learner can take.
What feedback do learners get from a checkpoint?
Learners see which answers were correct and incorrect, an explanation of each correct answer and feedback on each incorrect one. They can also open the Aptem virtual assistant (AVA) from any question to explore the topic further. Checkpoint does not issue a certificate; the feedback shows learners what to work on next.
How do tutors see checkpoint results?
Tutors are notified when a learner completes a checkpoint, can see outstanding and completed checkpoints across their caseload, and see a summary of each learner’s checkpoint results in the learning progress section of their review. Results are also included in the signed review PDF and are available through OData for providers’ own reporting.
Can a tutor set a checkpoint for a whole cohort?
Yes. Tutors and administrators with the right role can create one manual checkpoint for several learners on a delivery or onboarding programme, filtering learners by group and programme status. Learners on a break or who have completed their programme are excluded automatically.
Does checkpoint replace progress reviews or end-point assessment?
No. Checkpoint gives tutors an early view of a learner’s understanding of their KSBs between reviews. It supports the tutor’s judgement and does not replace progress reviews, end-point assessment or a provider’s own assessment of competence.
Which Aptem package includes checkpoint?
Checkpoint is part of Aptem Enhance and is available on the Aptem Apprentice Enterprise package.
Where can Aptem customers find help with checkpoint?
Aptem customers can find set-up guides and how-to articles for learners, tutors and administrators in the Aptem Help Centre, starting with the checkpoint overview.
