Understanding Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

What is End Point Assessment

End-point assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. It is an impartial assessment of the skills, knowledge and behaviours that your apprentice has developed as the result of their training and as outlined in the apprenticeship standard.

Assessments are designed by employers in the sector and are conducted by independent bodies known as end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs).

We will advise who our selected EPAO early into the apprenticeship, unless you wish to do it yourself, to ensure that your apprentice fully understands the assessment criteria and methods.

As well as successfully completing the EPA, your apprentice may need to complete, and pass, several additional requirements before completion of the apprenticeship. This might include mandatory English and maths qualifications.

Once all elements of the apprenticeship are completed, the apprentice will receive their apprenticeship certificate.

EPA funding

Levy employers will use their apprenticeship levy funds to cover assessment costs.

Non-levy employers are able to access funding to cover their assessment costs (up to the funding band maximum).

It is expected that the cost of the assessment will not usually exceed 20% of the funding band maximum for the apprenticeship.

The assessment

Each apprenticeship includes an end-point assessment plan which describes how the apprentice should be tested against the appropriate criteria, using suitable methods. For example, you apprentice may need to complete:

• a practical assessment
• an interview
• a project
• written and/or multiple choice tests
• a presentation

It is important that you understand all EPAs requirements at the start of the apprenticeship to understand how your apprentice will be assessed and help them prepare.

How to prepare for EPA

To ensure that your apprentice is well prepared, you should:

• ensure your apprentice knows who their EPAO is
• ensure your apprentice engages with their EPAO to understand what is expected of them
• work with the college to develop mock assessments
• discuss assessment preparation with your apprentice during review meetings
• provide study leave and support for assignments
• set out targets that are clearly linked to the assessment requirements
• provide feedback on formative assignments
• ensure that reasonable adjustments are put in place for the assessment, where required.
• ensure that anyone in your organisation involved in training the apprentice understands their responsibilities and has the right skills and resources.

For more information, view Supporting your apprentice through EPA best practice guide

After the assessment

If your apprentice successfully completes their apprenticeship and passes their assessment, they'll be awarded with a certificate. The EPAO will request the certificate on your behalf.

For some apprenticeships, passing the EPA and completing the apprenticeship will also lead to professional recognition by an authorised body.

If your apprentice fails one of more components of the end-point assessment they will be offered the opportunity to take a resit or retake.

Following the failure of the assessment, you and your training provider should consider a supportive action plan that responds to the feedback provided by the assessor.

A resit cannot be taken with the intention to increase the grade if the apprentice passes the assessment.

Once your apprentice has passed EPA, remember to celebrate their success, for example, by nominating them for a national apprenticeship award.

We will support you and your apprentice every step of the way to make sure you fully understand the EPA requirements and the assessment methods that your apprentice will need to complete.

Contact: employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk / 0345 1552020