How Do I Choose a Qualified Dyslexia Assessor?
Updated: 4 days ago
Check who will carry out the assessment
In the UK, diagnostic assessments for dyslexia are commonly undertaken by appropriately qualified specialist teacher assessors or educational psychologists.
The title of a service is not enough: ask who will personally assess your child, what their relevant qualifications are and how their professional credentials can be checked. The British Dyslexia Association advises families to check professional credentials before booking.
What is an Assessment Practising Certificate?
For a specialist teacher assessor, a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) is a strong professional credential recommended by SASC as best practice. APCs are issued by SASC-approved awarding bodies and are valid for three years, after which renewal requires evidence of appropriate assessment practice and continuing professional development.
You can ask for the certificate and check the SASC assessor listing. A Level 7 specialist assessment qualification and ongoing professional development are also relevant. Educational psychologists should be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); check the professional register rather than relying on a website badge.
Ask what the assessment includes
A robust assessment is more than one screening test or a computer-generated score. Ask whether the assessor collects developmental and educational history, seeks information from school where possible, assesses relevant literacy and cognitive-processing skills, and explains how the findings fit together.
You should be told about the likely length of the session, whether breaks are available, how the assessment is adapted to the child and what happens if results are inconclusive. An assessor should be willing to explain the limits of any method they use.
Understand the report you will receive
Ask to see a description of the report structure, not another child’s confidential report. A useful report explains the diagnostic conclusion, individual strengths and difficulties, the evidence supporting the interpretation and realistic recommendations.
It should be readable by parents and useful to teachers. A report containing many test scores but little explanation may not answer your practical questions. Clarify whether a feedback discussion is included and when the report will be provided.
Online or face-to-face?
Both formats may be suitable in some circumstances, but suitability depends on the person, the tests and the assessment arrangements. Ask how materials are presented, how responses are supervised, what technology is required and what happens if connectivity fails.
For a younger child or someone who needs considerable in-person support, a face-to-face session may be more appropriate. A reputable assessor should discuss suitability rather than promise that one format is best for everyone.
Consider future uses of the report
If the report may later be used in higher education, ask about current Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) evidence requirements for the relevant funding body and circumstances. Ask the prospective assessor and relevant funding body what evidence will be accepted before booking.
For GCSE or A-level access arrangements, a private report does not by itself authorise extra time: the examination centre must follow JCQ procedures and establish its own evidence of need. Do not buy an assessment on the promise of automatic examination concessions.
Questions worth asking before paying
Ask for the full fee and what it covers, including report and feedback; the cancellation policy; professional registration or APC evidence; likely timescale; and whether the assessor will discuss findings with school if needed.
You can also ask about professional indemnity insurance and appropriate safeguarding checks. A good assessor should answer clearly, without pressuring you to book or guaranteeing a diagnosis.
A final decision
Choose someone who can explain both their professional credentials and their assessment reasoning. The aim is not simply to obtain a label, but to understand the child’s learning profile and what support will make a difference.
Discussing an assessment
Mark Trewby offers diagnostic dyslexia assessments online across the UK for ages 11–21 and face-to-face in Bournemouth for ages 8–21. The £400 fee includes a personalised report within seven working days and feedback. An introductory conversation can help you discuss suitability; a diagnosis cannot be promised in advance.