The Organisation
AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group is a leading Awarding (AO) and End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) offering award winning qualifications and nominated end-point assessment services.
The history of our organisation dates back to the early 1990’s when Leicestershire Open College Network and North East Midlands Open College Network were formed, with these organisations went on to be merged together in 2005 to form the East Midlands Open College Network.
In 2010 East Midlands OCN were recognised as an Awarding Organisation under the new name of AIM Awards. Nine years later the organisation decided it was time for a refresh and we changed our name to AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group to reflect our expansion in end-point assessment.
Our most recent change was the merging of AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group and West Midlands Open College Network in the Autumn of 2022. This merger signified the merging of the two midlands Open College Networks who’s foundations were created 40 years ago.
Awarding Organisation
What are awarding bodies, awarding organisations and exam boards?
These are all different terms that are used to describe the role of an organisation that designs and develops qualifications, and certificates the recognition of learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and/or competences) of an individual, following an assessment and quality assurance process.
AIM has over thirty years’ experience developing high-quality qualifications that meet the needs of employers and learners. We approve the centres (colleges, training providers etc) that deliver our qualifications and work closely with them to ensure high quality delivery so that we can certify their successful learners. We also develop innovative products and services to support our centres and learners.
As with many awarding organisations (over 160) in the UK, AIM is regulated by the public regulator governing qualifications in England – Ofqual.
End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO)
An End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final test for an apprentice during their apprenticeship. It is designed to be an objective and impartial assessment of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours. Activities are different for every apprenticeship, but they all follow the same overall structure.
AIM is the only registered EPAO specialising in the creative, cultural and professional services industries. We work closely with employers and providers to support apprentices on their journey towards a successful EPA doing as much as we can to enable them to showcase their achievements.
Our close industry partnerships ensure that AIM assessments reflect the intention of the standard (as set by the trailblazer groups) and that they remain current to new developments in industry practice. Find out more
