Cognitive assessment tools play a critical role in supporting inclusive education, funding compliance, and learner success. For training providers and apprenticeship organisations, selecting the right solution can significantly impact outcomes for learners with additional support needs.

There are a range of initial needs cognitive assessment tools that vary in price and functionality, including Cognassist, Quickscan, Quickscreen and Do-IT Profiler, making the right choice depends on buyer priorities.

Aptem Assess is the newest product in the market and the reason it was developed by Aptem, the award-winning, market-leading technology provider in the vocational training sector, is that Aptem customers wanted a cognitive assessment tool that was engaging for learners, scientifically robust and cost-effective. They felt all other tools offered some sort of compromise between these important factors.

Aptem Assess has been available for a number of years to Apprenticeship providers, within the Aptem Apprentice product. More than 10,000 learners have taken the assessment. Customer feedback is excellent. But until recently, training providers could only use it if they had Aptem Apprentice. So the Aptem team set about making it possible to use the tool for any type of training programme, without needing to buy another product, and Aptem Assess was born.

What is Aptem Assess?

The guiding principles behind the development of Aptem Assess are:

• Affordability at scale: Aptem Assess enables cost-effective application across your entire learning population, with costs starting at just £15 per assessment
• Engaging and positive experience: the assessment itself is crafted to be highly engaging for learners to drive a better completion rate
• Scientifically robust design: Aptem Assess uses well-research, widely accepted paradigms in educational assessment. Learn more about the science behind Aptem Assess [Link]
• Fast and efficient: It takes the majority of learners just 15 minutes to complete, saving time without compromising on quality*
• Flexible and accessible: the assessment works seamlessly across mobile, laptop and desktop devices, providing learners with flexibility and ease of use

Aptem Assess helps providers meet ESFA funding (link) and Ofsted requirements (link) while delivering meaningful support tailored to each learner’s cognitive profile.

Aptem Assess: Feature comparison

When thinking about purchasing a cognitive assessment tool, whether that’s Aptem Assess, Cognassist, QuickScan, QuickScreen, DXXXXX or another assessment solution, it’s worth comparing the features against your priorities. To help you do this, we have summarised the key features of the Aptem Assess product for you to compare with Cognassist and other tools.

Explanation of key differences between Aptem Assess and other cognitive assessment tools

A history of supporting providers

Aptem has worked with training providers and apprenticeship organisations for over a decade. The Aptem Assess tool builds on this legacy, providing cognitive screening that’s been used by large employers and institutions to identify support needs among adult learners.

Designed for practical use

Aptem Assess is intuitive, time-efficient and built with learners in mind. Providers can deploy it quickly, and staff and learners benefit from its user-friendly interface.

Built for integration and flexibility

With open APIs and flexible configuration, Aptem Assess fits easily into existing systems and workflows. If this is a priority for you make sure any other tool meets this criterion. Some competitor products require lengthy setup and have more restrictive integrations.

Lower cost, greater value

We built Aptem Assess to challenge a sector that offered relatively high-price solutions that prevented providers offering assessments to all of their learners. Aptem Assess is a competitively priced, scalable solution without compromising on quality or compliance support.

Compliance made simple

As you should expect from any cognitive assessment tool you purchase, Aptem Assess supports compliance with ESFA and Ofsted requirements. What sets Aptem Assess apart is its adaptability — with editable plans and reports that align directly with funding evidence and learning support frameworks.

Why providers are exploring alternatives

The apprenticeship and training sector is evolving, and so are provider needs. Many are seeking a solution that offers modern technology, lower costs, and more flexibility – all without compromising compliance or learner support.

Aptem Assess delivers a well-established, reliable alternative that supports learners and providers alike.

We’re so confident you’ll love Aptem Assess that we offer you the chance to try before you buy

Try the assessment yourself: https://app.aptemassess.co.uk/aptem/sample/register

Book a demo: https://www.aptemassess.co.uk

Register a free account: https://signup.aptemassess.co.uk/signup

Conclusion: a trusted, modern solution

Aptem Assess isn’t just a new name, it’s a tried and tested solution with deep roots in the training and education sector. For providers looking to move away from premium pricing and rigid systems, Aptem Assess offers a smart, scalable path forward.

If you’re considering affordable and scalable alternatives to Cognassist, QuickScan, QuickScreen or Do-IT Profiler, Aptem Assess should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

Is Aptem Assess already in use?

Yes. It has been used successfully for years by large training providers and organisations to support adult learners.

Is implementation really that fast?

Yes. Most customers are live within a few days, supported by our expert team.

How does it support ESFA compliance?

Aptem Assess links support plans directly to evidence categories and provides flexible reporting for audit readiness.

*For the estimated 80% of users with no identified cognitive needs. The adaptive assessment may take up to 30 minutes for those with potential needs.