An End-Point Assessment (EPA) is used to assess whether an apprentice has developed the knowledge, skills and occupational competence required by their apprenticeship standard.
The apprenticeship assessment system in England is currently changing. End-Point Assessment is being replaced gradually by a newer model known as apprenticeship assessment, which can allow assessment to take place at different stages of the apprenticeship rather than only at the end.
Because the changes are being introduced standard by standard, some apprentices will continue to complete an EPA, while others will follow the newer apprenticeship assessment model.
Your training provider will confirm which assessment arrangements apply to your apprenticeship.
What Is an End-Point Assessment?
Under the traditional apprenticeship model, the End-Point Assessment is the final independent assessment used to confirm that an apprentice has developed the required occupational knowledge, skills and behaviours.
EPA takes place after the apprentice has completed their training and met the requirements needed to progress through the gateway.
The exact assessment methods vary according to the apprenticeship standard and may include:
- Knowledge tests
- Professional discussions
- Interviews
- Workplace projects
- Presentations
- Practical observations
- Portfolios of evidence used to support discussion or assessment
The assessment plan for each apprenticeship explains which methods are used and how the final result is determined.
Is End-Point Assessment Still Used?
Yes, but the system is in transition.
Reforms to apprenticeship assessment are replacing EPA with a new model called apprenticeship assessment. Revised assessment plans are being introduced gradually, which means existing EPA arrangements remain in place for apprenticeship standards that have not yet moved to the new model.
Some apprentices will therefore continue to complete an End-Point Assessment, while others beginning newer versions of standards may follow the revised apprenticeship assessment approach.
What Is Apprenticeship Assessment?
Apprenticeship assessment is the newer approach being introduced across apprenticeship standards in England.
One of the key differences is that assessment does not always have to take place solely at the end of the apprenticeship. Where appropriate, elements may be assessed during the programme, helping to reduce duplication and create a more proportionate assessment process.
Assessment organisations continue to play an important role in designing assessment materials and ensuring that results are valid and consistent.
Employers may also verify behaviours demonstrated within the workplace, while training providers may be permitted to deliver or mark certain assessment elements where the relevant assessment plan allows this.
When Can an Apprentice Start Their Assessment?
The timing depends on the apprenticeship standard and the assessment plan that applies to the apprentice.
For apprentices completing the traditional EPA model, assessment normally follows completion of the on-programme learning and successful progression through the gateway.
Under the newer assessment model, the term gateway to completion is used, and some assessment activity may take place earlier in the apprenticeship where the assessment plan permits it.
Before completion, the relevant requirements of the apprenticeship standard must still be satisfied.
Who Carries Out Apprenticeship Assessment?
Assessment is overseen by an approved assessment organisation.
Under the traditional EPA model, these organisations were commonly referred to as End-Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs).
The assessment organisation is responsible for ensuring that assessment is carried out in accordance with the relevant assessment plan and that outcomes are reliable and consistent.
The exact organisation involved will depend on the apprenticeship standard and the arrangements selected by the employer and training provider.
How Are Apprentices Assessed?
There is no single assessment method used across every apprenticeship.
The appropriate methods are set out within the assessment plan for each occupational standard and are designed to determine whether the apprentice has developed the required occupational competence.
Depending on the programme, assessment may include a combination of:
- Multiple-choice or written knowledge tests
- Work-based projects
- Presentations and questioning
- Professional discussions
- Competency-based interviews
- Practical observations
For example, SRSCC’s procurement and supply apprenticeships use assessment methods appropriate to each individual apprenticeship standard.
What Happens if an Apprentice Does Not Pass?
If an apprentice does not achieve the required standard in an assessment, the assessment organisation will normally provide information about the result and the elements that need further development.
The apprentice, employer and training provider can then review the outcome and prepare for a resit or reassessment where permitted by the relevant assessment plan.
The exact resit requirements, timescales and grading rules vary between apprenticeship standards.
How Long Does Apprenticeship Assessment Take?
The length of the assessment period varies according to the apprenticeship standard and the methods being used.
Some programmes involve several assessment activities completed over a number of weeks, while others may have a shorter or more flexible assessment period.
For this reason, apprentices should refer to the specific programme information provided by their training provider rather than assuming that every apprenticeship follows the same assessment timescale.
How Is Apprenticeship Assessment Funded?
Assessment forms part of the overall apprenticeship programme and is funded within the arrangements that apply to the relevant apprenticeship.
The funding available to an employer can depend on factors including levy status, the apprentice’s age, the funding band for the apprenticeship and the rules that applied when the apprentice started.
Employers considering an apprenticeship should therefore check the current funding arrangements for the programme rather than relying on historic funding percentages.
What Is the Value of Apprenticeship Assessment for Learners?
Assessment gives apprentices an opportunity to demonstrate that they can apply the knowledge and skills developed during their programme within an occupational context.
Successfully completing the required assessment confirms that the apprentice has met the occupational standard and can support progression into greater responsibility, further professional development or higher-level study.
What Is the Value for Employers?
For employers, apprenticeship assessment provides an external measure of whether the apprentice has developed the occupational competence required by the standard.
Workplace projects and practical assessment activities can also encourage apprentices to apply their learning to genuine business challenges, such as improving processes, analysing information, managing suppliers or identifying opportunities for greater efficiency.
Procurement Apprenticeships with SRSCC
SRSCC delivers a range of procurement and supply apprenticeships at Levels 3, 4 and 6.
Each apprenticeship has its own assessment requirements, and learners are supported throughout their programme in preparing for the assessment methods that apply to their standard.
You can also explore the Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship Pathway to see how different apprenticeship levels can support progression through a procurement career.
If you are considering an apprenticeship for yourself or your team, contact SRSCC or call 01772 282 555 to discuss the available programmes.
