42.1 rule on English/maths

Regarding the below, where it suggests providers need not seek evidence of an apprentice's prior attainment if they already hold a suitable equivalent qualification for English and/or maths.. are people just accepting the apprentice's word as gospel if they say they do have it, rather than asking them to 'prove' it with evidence? 

42.1. If the apprentice already holds a suitable equivalent qualification or where the employer does not agree, for a standalone English and / or maths qualification to be included as part of the programme (19+ learners only), there is no mandatory requirement for the provider to carry out a diagnostic assessment or seek evidence of the apprentice’s prior attainment level.