End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. It is a holistic and impartial assessment of whether an apprentice has developed the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard. The apprenticeship assessment plan sets out the assessment methods used for the EPA.
The apprenticeship assessment plan sets out the requirements to be met before an apprentice can proceed to the EPA. This is called the Gateway. An apprentice can only progress to the EPA once they have met the requirements of the Gateway, and once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard.
It's important to note that the apprentice can only start their EPA once the Gateway has been achieved.
The requirements for EPA are different for each occupational standard and these are set out in the apprenticeship’s assessment plan. The plan sets out the requirements and assessment methods which will be used to assess the learner. This may include, for example, multiple choice tests, evidence portfolios, observations on the learner’s practical skills, professional discussions, projects carried out in the workplace, portfolio-based interviews and project presentations.
It's important to make sure that apprentices are prepared for the different forms of assessment which they will encounter in the EPA and this should be reflected in your programme assessment strategy. For example, if the EPA includes a presentation, you can incorporate formative and summative presentations, both in person and using Teams or Zoom, so that apprentices develop their presentation skills and familiarise themselves with the technology that may be used.
Apprentices should know what the EPA involves, have had the opportunity to practice the different elements and feel prepared for EPA.
At Queen Mary we offer two types of degree apprenticeship programme:
Assessments that contribute to the EPA must be conducted by someone who has not been involved in the delivery of the apprenticeship. This person is known as an 'Independent Assessor'.
Queen Mary, as the end point assessment organisation, appoints Independent Assessors to undertake EPA for integrated apprenticeship programmes. Independent assessors can be current Queen Mary staff, or employed by another organisation, but must not have been involved in any aspects of the delivery of the apprenticeship. Independent Assessors should have the relevant skills and industry knowledge required to carry out the assessment.
The role of the Independent Assessors varies significantly between standards and is set out in detail in the End Point Assessment Plan.
Department for Education - Apprenticeship provider and assessment register: conditions of acceptance
Education & Training Foundation Online support for End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Future Apprenticeships Improving independent end-point assessment in apprenticeship standards (pdf)
IfATE Developing an end-point assessment plan
Ofqual Regulation of Apprenticeship End-Point Assessment: a guide for awarding organisations
Office for Students - External quality assurance of apprenticeship end-point assessment for integrated higher and degree apprenticeships