What is an End-point Assessment for Apprenticeships?

The End-point Assessment (EPA) is the final assessment that an apprenticeship must pass to gain an accredited standard. The assessment can take up to three months and is performed by an independent awarding body.

The EPA tests learners on the skills, knowledge and behaviours developed during their apprenticeship training. The assessment proves learner competency and will vary between different apprenticeship standards.

The End-point Assessment will commence following a planning meeting involving the employer, learner, trainer and assessor. The assessment is unique to each apprenticeship standard but will take up to three months to complete. Learners must achieve English and maths Functional Skills before beginning EPA (or hold C and above in GCSE maths and English or equivalent).

A typical End-point Assessment may include:

• Multiple-choice test on the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed on the apprenticeship.
• A practical work-based observation by an independent assessor.
• A professional discussion to ensure competency.
• A business project completed during the programme.

Learners will keep logs throughout the programme to reference during the assessment period, and certain standards might include a demonstration of skills. Lifetime provide learners with a series of mock End-point Assessments throughout their programme to prepare.

The learner can achieve grades of pass, merit, distinction, or fail depending on the specific standard.