APEL route to AMBDA dyscalculia

The main route to becoming a Dyscalculia Teacher and Assessor eligible for AMBDA Dyscalculia is through BDA accredited courses offering the first year at either Level 5 or 7 and the second year at Level 7. However, to enable appropriately qualified Dyslexia assessors to bring their experience and knowledge to gain AMBDA Dyscalculia, the BDA offers an APEL route to this award.

The APEL route recognises that some qualified Dyslexia assessors might wish to assess for Dyscalculia and maths difficulties and be recognised as such by gaining AMBDA Dyscalculia. They will have secure knowledge of conducting diagnostic assessments and the skills involved but are unlikely to have formal qualifications related to the current specialist skills needed for diagnosing Dyscalculia and maths difficulties.

The APEL route adheres to SASC guidance on the assessment of dyscalculia. This guidance can be found here: https://www.sasc.org.uk/sasc-downloads/ 

Please note that the guidance states:

'Experienced assessors of maths learning difficulties/dyscalculia who hold an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) with a focus on literacy/dyslexia, but have not completed a maths learning difficulties/dyscalculia qualification leading to an eligibility for an APC must evidence their experience via an APEL
(Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning) route, overseen by the professional bodies.'

The BDA will therefore offer the following 2 routes for gaining AMBDA Dyscalculia:

• By completing an accredited course in Dyscalculia and maths learning difficulties, with the initial year at either Level 5 or 7 and the second year at Level 7.
• By the APEL route with the submission of a portfolio.

The APEL portfolio will need to include:

• Certificate, evidencing that the individual has completed a level 7 course in dyslexia assessment which would entitle them to AMBDA/APC. Alternatively, a current APC certificate.
• CV which evidences relevant experience.
• Details of CPD training related to Maths teaching, assessment and cognition including personal research and mentoring (minimum 20 hours).
• A full diagnostic assessment report for dyscalculia was carried out in the past 12 months which meets the current SASC criteria and all original test papers from the assessment.
• Record of specialist maths teaching including evidence of planning schemes of work covering 20 hours of specialist teaching and samples of lesson plans and student work (with 2 or 3 learners).
• Record of maths teaching overall.
• Record of diagnostic assessments for learners with maths difficulties in the past 2 years. Please only use the date of assessment and the age of the learner with a brief overview of the assessment outcome.
• Other relevant information about involvement in training, research, writing books and papers etc. pertaining to maths cognition and learning.

The cost of the APEL route is £495 for a single submission. Further submissions incur the same fee. To apply for the APEL route, please email accreditation@bdadyslexia.org.uk On receipt of payment, you will be given a SharePoint link to upload your evidence and once this is completed your portfolio will be allocated to an appropriately qualified professional to review. Feedback will be provided.

Assessors should use ‘Table 3: Knowledge, understanding and skills needed to conduct an assessment of a SpLD in mathematics’ from the SASC Guidance on Assessment of Mathematics Difficulties and Dyscalculia 2025 which can be found on the SASC website at: https://www.sasc.org.uk/media/kj5hyoxl/sasc-maths-difficulties-guidance-march-2025-final.docx to self assess their readiness to enter an APEL route.