Before the IfA approves a standard or F3apprenticeship assessment plan for the purposes of section F4ZA11(3) or section A2(6) it must make arrangements for the carrying out of an examination of the standard or F3apprenticeship plan by an independent third party.

The duty imposed by subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a revised version of a standard or F3apprenticeship assessment plan, but the IfA may, for the purposes of a review under section A2E or at any other time, make arrangements for the carrying out of an examination of a standard or F3apprenticeship assessment plan by an independent third party.

Where an examination of a standard or F3apprenticeship assessment plan is carried out under this section, the IfA must take account of the finding of the examination in exercising its functions in relation to the standard or F3apprenticeship plan under this Chapter.

Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the IfA deciding to reject a standard or F3apprenticeship assessment plan without first making arrangements for the carrying out of an examination by an independent third party.