End Point Assessment

ApprenticeThis article sits within the Apprentice section

Information and support on End Point Assessment (EPA) for apprentices, covering the key points you need to know

 

At the end of your apprenticeship, you will have an end-point assessment. An end-point assessment is a thorough test to make sure you are working at or above the level of occupational competence needed to carry out your chosen occupation. 

You cannot complete your apprenticeship without completing your end-point assessment.  When you pass this assessment, you will receive your Apprenticeship Certificate. 

At least six months before you reach Gateway (the end of your apprenticeship training) your employer should have selected an End point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the end-point assessment for your Apprenticeship. 

Your end-point assessment will be carried out by an industry expert assessor, who will not have provided any of your training.

 

What your end point assessment includes

The EPAO will use a variety of assessment methods to check your competency.

An end-point assessment will be made up of at least two assessment methods, such as:

• an observation of practice in the workplace
• a professional discussion
• written or practical tests
• an exam
• a project
• a portfolio 

The type of assessment will differ depending on the apprenticeship standard you are working on. Most assessments will include an Assessor asking you questions which will demonstrate you have the right knowledge, skills and behaviours for your occupation or job role.

You can find out which assessment methods your apprenticeship standard will include by either:

• looking at the assessment plan on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s website
• asking your training provider

 

Completing your End point assessment

Managing your time and preparing for your End point assessment is vital and will help to make you feel more comfortable.

You can do this by:

• making sure you know who your EPAO will be. If you are unsure ask your employer and training provider
• attending any sessions arranged by your training provider
• discussing your preparation at review meetings with your training provider and employer
• talking to your employer to agree what time you can have for study leave to help you prepare for your End Point Assessment
• keeping all work, such as the e-portfolio, safe and up to date
• identifying what evidence you’ll be able to use during your end-point assessment and preparing this in advance - your training assessor will help you to choose what pieces of evidence you bring, such as documentation of coursework awards
• ensuring all work required has been completed and submitted
• finding out from your employer or training provider; the date for your End Point Assessment, where it will be and how you will get there. It is also useful to find out if there is anything you will need, such as any equipment or tech you will need to use for your assessment.

If you are unsure or concerned about your End Point Assessment it’s important to speak to your training provider, employer, or mentor. Let them know about your concerns, and any support or reasonable adjustments you might need. 

There is a separate resource focused on individuals with a learning difficulty or disability giving specific options for additional help and support.

 

The role of your Training Provider and Employer

Your employer and training provider should work together to ensure that you are prepared, understand the end-point assessment process, and have the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to meet the requirements of your End Point Assessment.

The End Point Assessment should be discussed at progress meetings with you, your employer and training provider to help you prepare, and agree any areas where you might need further development or training. 

 

Your training provider should help you prepare for your end-point assessment with activities including:

• portfolio development
• exam preparation and revision
• test papers 
• opportunities to practise - mock observations and assessment scenarios.

Your employer should be aware that 20% off-the-job training is a minimum and that if extra time is needed to study it should be supported.

Your employer will ultimately make the decision about when you are ready for your end-point assessment.

 

What is the Assessment Plan?

The Assessment Plan or End Point Assessment Plan is different for each apprenticeship. It contains detailed information on all aspects of the assessment process for that specific apprenticeship standard. 

You can find the assessment plan for your apprenticeship on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) website. Search for your Apprenticeship Standard first and then look for a link to the Assessment Plan or End Point Assessment plan.

Your training provider or employer should make sure you have seen your Assessment Plan at the start of your apprenticeship and should discuss it with you. The Assessment Plan contains useful information including:

 

• What is expected of you at end-point assessment
• Assessment methods
• Gateway requirements
• What should be in your portfolio of evidence
• Information of resits/retakes

 

What is Gateway

Gateway is the point you will reach at the end of your apprenticeship training and before the beginning of the assessment period which is when your End Point Assessment will take place.

 

When you reach that point, your employer and training provider will review your knowledge, skills, and behaviours to see if you are ready to take your End Point Assessment. This review will take place near the end of your apprenticeship to make sure you have completed all the mandatory aspects of the apprenticeship training and that you can meet the gateway requirements. These will be set out in the assessment plan for your Apprenticeship Standard.

 

Redundancy and your end point assessment

You need to be employed until you have completed your End Point Assessment.  Your employer should take account of any potential time needed for any re-sit and/or retraining prior to re-taking your End Point Assessment.

If you are facing redundancy, or have recently been made redundant, talk to your training provider to get advice and support.

The government will fund your apprenticeship training for at least 12 weeks following redundancy to give you time to find alternative employment so that you can continue with your apprenticeship.

You may be able to continue and complete your apprenticeship, including taking your end point assessment, even if you do not find a new employer.

You need to have less than six months training to complete, or you need to have completed 75% or more of your training.

 

Last updated on 23 March 2023 10:17