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AAPT encourages members to become External Assessors at Awareness Event
The Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology (AAPT) held a successful External Assessor Awareness Event on Friday 23 October 2026
The aim was to encourage experienced Anatomical Pathology Technologists (APTs) to become involved in assessing trainees undertaking the RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology).
The event brought together prospective assessors to explore the practical assessment process, the standards expected of trainees and the professional requirements for undertaking this important role.
With workplace assessment forming a vital component of the Level 3 qualification, developing a strong pool of knowledgeable and experienced external assessors remains an important priority for AAPT.
Understanding the Practical Standards
The event opened with an introduction from Tarot Noble-Harris FAAPT, AAPT Education and Training Lead, who outlined the objectives of the day and the importance of supporting the next generation of APTs.
Tarot then delivered a comprehensive Guide to the Practical Standards, exploring the framework used to assess workplace competence across five units of the Level 3 Diploma. The practical standards, developed through AAPT's work and introduced in 2015, provide a consistent approach to assessing trainees while recognising the different working practices and circumstances encountered across mortuary services.
Using examples covering evisceration, identification of pathological features, reconstruction following postmortem examination, suturing and preparation of the deceased for viewing, the session explored how assessors can make fair, consistent and evidence-based decisions.
An interactive workshop challenged attendees to consider real assessment scenarios and determine whether a trainee had demonstrated competence, required further evidence or had not yet met the necessary standard.
Participants also examined anonymised assessment reports, discussing the importance of recognising evidence gaps, providing constructive feedback and ensuring assessment decisions are properly supported.
A central message was that assessment must be based on the published criteria rather than an individual assessor's preferred working methods. Consistency, professional judgement and the ability to justify decisions are essential to maintaining confidence in the qualification.
What to Expect on an Assessor Visit
Tania Fernandes RSciTech MAAPT, AAPT Council member, followed with a practical overview of What to Expect on an Assessor Visit.
The session examined the responsibilities of an assessor and the stages involved in planning, conducting and recording workplace assessments.
Attendees were guided through the importance of agreeing assessment arrangements with trainees and their mentors, identifying suitable opportunities to observe practical competence and gathering appropriate evidence through observation, questioning, professional discussion and witness statements.
Tania also explored the importance of maintaining accurate records, ensuring evidence is clearly mapped against the assessment criteria and providing constructive feedback to support trainee progression.
A particularly important message was that every assessment criterion must be met before the relevant learning outcome can be achieved. Assessors must therefore ensure that decisions are supported by sufficient, verifiable evidence.
The session helped demystify the external visit process, demonstrating how effective preparation, communication and professional judgement can make assessments both robust and supportive for trainees.
Professional Registration and Becoming an Assessor
Following lunch, Christian Burt, IBMS Professional Support Services Manager, and Lydia Judge-Kronis CSci FAAPT delivered a session on Professional Registration.
Professional registration is a requirement for AAPT external assessors, and the presentation explored the two recognised pathways available through the Science Council and the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS).
The Science Council section outlined the Registered Science Technician (RSciTech), Registered Scientist (RSci) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) awards, with particular emphasis on AAPT's shortened RSciTech application route for eligible members holding the Level 3 Diploma or equivalent qualifications.
The AHCS section explored its profession-specific registration pathway for Anatomical Pathology Technologists, including the relevant Standards of Proficiency and the importance of demonstrating safe, competent professional practice.
Both routes provide recognition of professional competence and an ongoing commitment to continuing professional development, accountability and professional standards.
The session reinforced that external assessors are not simply evaluating technical ability. They must also demonstrate professional integrity, objectivity and sound judgement when assessing the competence of others.
Supporting the Next Generation of APTs
The event concluded with a wrap-up and networking session led by Tarot Noble-Harris, providing an opportunity for attendees to discuss the next steps towards becoming external assessors.
The day highlighted the valuable contribution that experienced APTs can make to the education and development of trainees. External assessors play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals completing the Level 3 Diploma have demonstrated the practical skills, knowledge and professional behaviours required to work safely and competently.
AAPT is keen to expand its pool of external assessors to support trainees undertaking workplace assessments across the UK.
Becoming an assessor offers experienced practitioners an opportunity to share their expertise, contribute to professional education and help maintain high standards across anatomical pathology technology.
Interested in Becoming an External Assessor?
AAPT welcomes expressions of interest from suitably experienced APTs who would like to support the assessment of Level 3 trainees.
Whether you are already professionally registered or would like guidance on the registration and assessor requirements, AAPT can provide information about the next steps.
By becoming an external assessor, you can make a direct contribution to the development of the next generation of Anatomical Pathology Technologists.