End point assessment

An End Point Assessment (EPA) tests the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have gained during your apprenticeship.

The EPA takes place at the end of the practical period when you have completed your training and any mandatory qualifications required in the occupational standard. You will need to pass your EPA to be awarded your apprenticeship.

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

Each occupational standard has a unique EPA plan. Search for yours on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.

Assessors

The EPA is normally undertaken by an independent apprenticeship assessor appointed by your End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).

If you are on an integrated degree apprenticeship programme, the University will be your EPAO.

If you are on a non-integrated apprenticeship programme, a different EPAO will be appointed to conduct the assessment.

Gateway meeting

Your employer and training provider will meet to review your knowledge, skills and behaviours to decide if you have met the minimum requirements and are ready to take the EPA.

Minimum requirements

To meet the minimum requirements set out in the occupational standard and start the EPA, you will need to:

• display occupational competency
• have evidence you have achieved ESFA approved Level 2 requirements in English and maths
• complete mandatory training
• take any qualifications set out in the standard
• meet the minimum duration for apprenticeship training.

Resits and retakes

If you fail one or more assessment methods, you will be offered the opportunity to resit or retake.

• A resit means taking one or more of your failed assessment components again, without the need to undertake further training.
• A retake means you will be required to undergo additional training before retaking one or more of your failed assessment components. Your employer and training provider will produce an action plan outlining the nature and extent of the re-training required, incuding the estimated time you need to prepare for the retake.

Find more details on the requirements for resits and retakes in your individual EPA plan on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.