FAQs for BTEC Applied Science FAQs | Pearson qualifications

FAQs for BTEC National Applied Science AAQ

Wed Jun 03 23:00:00 UTC 2026

This update aims to provide answers to a number of frequently asked questions for the BTEC National Applied Science (AAQ).

Read more

What training is available to help me teach the qualification for the first time?
Learning

More live training is presently being planned. Please keep a eye on the training page.
Classroom Picture

Recordings of past training events
Getting Started: Ways to plan and teach ​BTEC National (AAQ) in Applied Science

This training will help you prepare to deliver the new BTEC National AAQ in the Applied Science qualification.

The event will help teachers plan the delivery of the new qualifications at Level 3, based on their and their learners' needs.

The training provides a general run-through of internal and external assessment. 

Getting Started: Ways to Plan and Teach BTEC National (AAQ) in Applied Science (2025)
Play
Privacy and cookies
By viewing this third-party content from www.youtube.com you agree to their terms and conditions, privacy notice and acknowledge they may use cookies and pixels for information and analytics gathering.
Internal Assessment: BTEC National (AAQ) in Applied Science

This recorded training explores the assessment criteria and requirements for internal assessment and addresses common issues and frequently asked questions.

Internal Assessment: BTEC National (AAQ) in Applied Science
Play
Privacy and cookies
By viewing this third-party content from www.youtube.com you agree to their terms and conditions, privacy notice and acknowledge they may use cookies and pixels for information and analytics gathering.

What resources and support materials are available to help me teach?
PEARSON_BOOK_ICON_RGB_AMETHYST.png
Do you have teaching guides and scheme of work?

We have resources to help with planning and delivery, including:

  • Planning and Teaching Guide (updated in January)
  • Individual Unit Guides
  • Scheme of Work

{{ gatDoctitle }}

{{invalidUserName}}
{{invalidUserMail}}
{{errorMessage}}
I have taught the RQF specification (2016) - how does the new AAQ qualification map to the older RQF qualification?

Transition guide

The mapping of the Pearson BTEC National AAQ in Applied Science to the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science specification is provided in our transition guide.

{{ gatDoctitle }}

{{invalidUserName}}
{{invalidUserMail}}
{{errorMessage}}
Are there any BTEC National AAQ print and digital published resources?

Published resources are available to support teaching. You can find the links below. Please note that there is no compulsory requirement to purchase or use Pearson's paid for resources.

Classroom Picture

FAQs related to internal assessment
Learning
Do you have sample marked learner work to help me mark?

No, but we do provided Centre Standardisation Materials that are available for Unit 4 on the website. These will help support assessors with assessment decisons. 

More standardisation materials will be released in August 2026.

View the Centre Standardisation Material for unit 4
Is there an equipment list for the PSAB practical procedures?

At the beginning of the PSAB under ‘instructions for teachers’ there is a list of practical equipment required for the procedures. This list is not exhaustive but does give an indication of the equipment required.

Do you have training videos of the Unit 4 PSAB Physics tasks?

Training videos now available

We’ve uploaded new training videos to help with delivering the practical requirements for Physics tasks in Unit 4:

Video Icon BTEC National Applied Science - Task 3A: Investigating the rate of transfer of thermal energy ( 7.37 ) Video Icon BTEC National Applied Science - Task 3B: Investigating resistivity in electrical circuits ( 7.18 ) Video Icon BTEC National Applied Science - Task 3c: Energy transfer from a renewable resource ( 5.20 )
Privacy and cookies
By viewing this third-party content from www.youtube.com you agree to their terms and conditions, privacy notice and acknowledge they may use cookies and pixels for information and analytics gathering.
I need help with quality assurance matters such as assessment plans, standards verification and internal verification - who can I speak to?

You can book a 15-minute appointment with your Vocational Quality Assurance Manager (VQAM) to discuss any vocational quality assurance queries you may have throughout the year.

Classroom Picture

FAQs related to external assessment
Learning
Are there any additional sample assessment materials for external units?

Additional Sample Assessment Materials – Available now!

We’ve created an extra set of Sample Assessment Materials and they are now available to download from the qualification page.

Classroom Picture
I need more guidance to help me teach external Units 1-3?

Planning and Teaching Guide

You may use the Planning and Teaching Guide with updated guidance to help with teaching the external Units 1-3.

You can download the updated guide from the course materials page, under ‘Teaching and Learning Materials’.

Go to the AAQ Applied Science qualification page
Is there a bank of questions that can be used to create mocks and tests for external units 1-3?

examWizard

examWizard is an online resource containing a bank of past paper questions to help you create your own mock exams and tests. It’s available for GCSE, A Level subjects, and BTEC, so you can select suitable questions to prepare your own mocks and tests.

Classroom Picture
Do students need to get at least an N grade in the external units?

We have removed the N grade (near-pass) hurdle for externally assessed units in all Level 3 BTEC National AAQs.

This change means students can achieve the qualification with a U grade in external units, as long as they have gained sufficient points to meet the minimum threshold for a Pass at qualification level. The N grade remains available in externally assessed units, contributing points towards the qualification grade and providing an additional level of differentiation between the Pass and Unclassified grades, but is no longer a hurdle to qualification achievement.

The specification has been updated to reflect this change.

Access the updated specification
Where can I find the exam timetables?

Exam Timetables

Timetables for all qualifications can be accessed from the link below.

Exam timetables
Are provisional exam timetables available for 2027?

The provisional timetables for 2027 are available on our website.

Classroom Picture

What information is there about BTEC reforms and V levels?
Megaphone
I want to know what qualifications are funded and get up-to-date with the latest reform news

Outcome of the DfE consultation on post-16 level 3 and below pathways in England

On 10 March 2026, the government published the outcome of its consultation on post-16 level 3 and below pathways. The consultation sought views on the design and implementation of a third, vocational pathway at level 3 — to be called V Levels — and on two new pathways at level 2 in post-16 education.

You can read the latest updates on the pages below and be guided to the DfE announcement and our response to the outcome.

The future of post-16 level 3 vocational qualifications in England

The future of post-16 level 2 vocational qualifications in England

You can also see our updated funding guides below:

Level 3 Funding Guide

Level 2 Funding Guide

Guide to funding and support

As part of the consultation response, we've updated our Science sector page, including the Level 3 reform Options Guide for the Science Sector. The options guide will provide a clear overview of what centres can offer in Science from September 2026 onwards to support your planning.

Science Sector Page

Options Guide for the Science Sector

If you are in Wales or Northern Ireland visit our page below:

Information for Wales and Northern Ireland

We also have a dedicated page for you to keep up-to-date with news and policy:

News and policy page

Is there a ​​BTEC National AAQ certificate-size available in Applied Science?

The new Level 3 BTEC National AAQ certificate-size (180 GLH) in Applied Science from Pearson has been approved for funding and will be available for first teaching in England from September 2026.

Classroom Picture

What are the key dates for BTEC?
PEARSON_CALENDAR_ICON_RGB_AMETHYST.png
Date Activity
15 May Standards verification first sampling deadline
15 June Standards verification Second sampling deadline (if required)
5 July Deadline to report internally assessed BTEC unit grades on Edexcel Online for release of results in August.
13 August Results Day for BTEC Nationals
BTEC Key Dates and Term-time Checkpoints

The 2025/26 BTEC key dates and checkpoints are live. While exams officers take the lead, your involvement is still important.

Find out more about term-time checkpoints

Explore our key dates and term-time checkpoint guide
BTEC quality assurance year planner

Your overview of key QA activities for the year.

{{ gatDoctitle }}

{{invalidUserName}}
{{invalidUserMail}}
{{errorMessage}}

Subject advisor

Irine Muhiuddin and Tim Lawrence

UK and International Science

Email :
teachingscience@pearson.com
Facebook :
Phone :
+44 (0) 344 463 2535 ( Teaching Services team | Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm GMT)
Sign up for subject advisor updates Visit the customer support portal Visit your community groups Book an appointment with your Subject Advisor for UK qualifications Book an appointment with your Subject Advisor for International qualifications Connect on LinkedIn with your Subject Advisor for UK qualifications Connect on LinkedIn with your Subject Advisor for International qualifications
UK and International Science advisors
× ⧉ −

Are you sure you want to exit this session?