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Completing an End Point Assessment (EPA)

Throughout your apprenticeship, your assessments will focus on the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) outlined in your Apprenticeship Standard. All of this leads up to your End Point Assessment (EPA). This is a final independent check that you are fully competent in your role.

What is the EPA?

The EPA is a formal assessment that takes place at the end of your apprenticeship. It confirms that you can do the job you have trained for and can demonstrate the KSBs required by your standard. The EPA includes at least two different assessment methods. These might include:

  • a test, a professional discussion and presentation, or
  • a written report on a project you have carried out at work.

These methods are set out in your apprenticeship's Assessment Plan and will depend on which programme you are on.

Gateway to the EPA

Before you can take your EPA, you-will need to pass through a stage called the gateway. This means that:

  • you have met all the mandatory parts of your Apprenticeship Standard, and
  • your employer agrees that you are ready for the EPA.

Types of apprenticeships

Non-integrated programmes:

  •        An independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), chosen by your employer and the University, will assess you.
  •        You will officially complete your apprenticeship and be awarded your degree once, you- have passed all credit bearing modules and the EPA.

Integrated programmes:

  •        The University acts as the EPAO, but your assessment will still be impartial.
  •        The final module(s) of your degree will count as your EPA.
  •        Passing your final module also means that you have completed the apprenticeship.

Support along the way

You will be introduced to the EPA during your induction and continue to explore it throughout your programme. Your Module Leaders and Work Based Learning Tutors (WBLT) will support you at every stage - making sure that you understand how your learning links to the EPA and helping you prepare for it. If you are in doubt about any aspect of your EPA, then contact your WBLT.

All assessments, both formative (practice) and summative (graded), are designed to help you succeed in your degree and be ready for the EPA.

Keywords: End Point Assessment, EPA, apprenticeship assessment