Your guide to the Apprenticeship
End Point Assessment (EPA)
All Apprenticeship Standards contain an End Point Assessment (EPA), which is an independent organisation that conducts a series of final assessments to confirm your competence against the knowledge, skills and behaviours you’ve gained over the practical period of training. The elements of the EPA within Apprenticeship Standards vary, depending on the apprenticeship you are studying towards.
As each EPA differs, the exact timescales are hard to be exact. However, through previous experience, we believe 12 weeks is sufficient time to start the process and receive notification of achievement.
All forms and supporting documents can be found in the resources section of the Apprenticeship Standard on Smart Assessor.
Engineering Design and Draughtsperson Apprenticeship EPA
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- NOCN Interview Tracker Form
EPA Grade Descriptor
- Knowledge Test 25% weighting
- Practical Test 35% weighting
- Structured Interview 40% weighting
Final Grade Calculation is pass mark x weighting = final mark
A week before the practical test, the apprentice is given background information in the form of a fictitious project assignment. This allows some preparation time and selection of background information relating to relevant engineering codes and standards.
On the day of the test, the apprentice receives a brief, a set of drawings and additional information. The apprentice then has to:
- identify a solution and develop it in detail
- produce sketches on paper and on CAD (i.e. 2D and 3D where appropriate)
- identify omissions from the brief given
- provide evidence of safety awareness in their work
- demonstrate knowledge of factors that affect designs e.g. types of materials
- demonstrate their written communication skills
The apprentice takes the knowledge tests in a controlled environment where there is an independent assessor that acts as an invigilator. The knowledge test assesses the apprentice’s ability to apply his or her core knowledge and discipline-specific knowledge and will include both:
- multiple choice
- scenario-based written answers
The structured interview is designed to enable the apprentice to showcase how he/she combines their core skills, technical knowledge and core behaviours in order to carry out his/her occupational role effectively. The apprentice should expect to discuss evidence of work so the interviewer can ascertain the apprentice’s role in completing the work, what barriers they overcame, etc. It is a rigorous review and should assess the apprentice’s readiness to:
- work as an engineering design and draughtsperson
- submit for Professional Registration at EngTech level (optional)
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 5 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
Engineering Technician Apprenticeship EPA
Including Machinist, Toolmaker and Tool Die Maintenance, Technical Support Technician and Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Pathways.
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of all mandatory training
- Certificates of Maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- IET Employer Occupational Competence Sign Off Form
- Apprentice Consent Form
- Engineering Technician Showcase Portfolio Form
EPA Grade Descriptor
Using the provided template, apprentices should showcase 3 case studies that meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship pathway. Dates will then be agreed with the EPAO (IET), for the professional discussion on the showcase portfolio. The focus of the interview is on:
- Application of Skills and Knowledge
- Personal Commitment and Self Discipline
- Organisational Quality & Compliance
- Working with Others
- Professional Development
EngTech Performance Indicator Form must be completed, which meet the IET standards. There is a supporting checklist to ensure you have met all the criteria. Should you not meet all the criteria after first assessment, you are able to resubmit once more.
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 10 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
Machining Technician Apprenticeship EPA
(for 2023 starts onwards)
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of all mandatory training
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- EAL Declaration Form
- EAL Video Consent form (for online discussion)
Grade Descriptor
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for
the apprenticeship:
A practical observation by the EPAO’s assessment team will be agreed with the apprentice and employer. This will be conducted in the workplace, which apprentices must demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behaviours of their chosen pathway. The observation can take 4.5 hours and may cover multiple jobs.
The purpose of the multiple-choice test is to assess the apprentice’s depth of understanding in the knowledge elements that may not naturally occur. It will consist of 30 multiple choice questions over a 60 minute timeframe.
The professional discussion centres around your portfolio of work over the course of your learning. This may be conducted online or in person. This is your opportunity to showcase the depth of you knowledge and understanding of your role.
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship EPA
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of all mandatory training
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- EAL Declaration Form
- EAL Video Consent Form (for online discussion)
- EAL Project Scope Form
Grade Descriptor
The apprentice will fail the assessment method if they do not meet the pass criteria.
EPAO must combine the grades of all three assessment methods to determine the overall EPA grade. To achieve an EPA pass, apprentices must achieve a pass or distinction in the project and professional discussion and a pass in the multiple-choice test. A fail in any assessment method will result in an EPA fail.
To achieve an EPA distinction, apprentices must achieve a pass in the multiple-choice test and a distinction in the project and professional discussion.
Where any assessment method has to be re-sat or re-taken, the apprentice will be awarded a maximum EPA grade of pass, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances requiring a re-sit or re-take.
On receipt of the forms, the EPAO will then confirm the professional discussion date and approval that the project meets their requirements.
Evidence required two weeks prior to the professional discussion dates:
- Project template completed, circa 2000 words and linked to KSBs
- Employer Observation Form, which describes the work you undertook as part of the project
- Three completed tasks from your learning that meet the KSBs. These form part of the professional discussion
The purpose of the multiple-choice test is to assess the apprentice’s depth of understanding in the knowledge elements that may not naturally occur during the project and report.
Apprentices must get an overall minimum score of 18 out of 30 to pass the multiple-choice test.
Apprentices must get 5 of the 6 health and safety questions (K11 health & safety) correct and if they do not the test result will be fail.
In addition to the health and safety questions the apprentice must get 13 marks from the remaining knowledge statements:
- a minimum of 3 marks for K1; Materials used in components/assemblies their use and application considerations
- a minimum of 4 marks for K4, safe use of tools and choosing the right tool knowledge statements
- a minimum of 3 marks for K6, techniques for measuring, marking, cutting and drilling materials to the require size
- a minimum of 3 marks for K7, require apprentices to conduct calculations or analyse diagrams
Split into two discussions over 2 hours:
- Q&A Session, based on the project completed.
- Discussion on the three jobs completed as part of your learning.
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 10 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
General Welder Apprenticeship EPA
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 2 or above (or equivalent)
- Evidence of attempting Functional Skills Level 2 maths and English (if applicable)
- GW Welding Information Form
- General Welder Practical Exam Welding Process Form
The practical examination for Level 2 consists of two welding tests, selected from the following range using the applicable welding process. These would normally be completed at Appris.
a) Fillet welds on plate
b) Fillet welds on pipe
c) Butt welds on plate
d) Butt welds on pipe
The theoretical knowledge test is a multiple choice examination paper. The content will address the knowledge requirements of the modules selected.
During the course of the practical test, the assessor will conduct an oral examination of the apprentice to assess their understanding of the tests they are undertaking along with the wider responsibilities of a welder.
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 5 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
Metal Fabricator
Apprenticeship EPA
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of all mandatory training
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- POE Guidance and Mapping Document Form
- Practical Area EPA Sign off (if practical completed in the workplace)
The practical observation will assess the KSB’s expected of the apprenticeship standard. The EPA Assessor will give the apprentices the choice to complete two tasks from a pool of 10. This must must be completed within the 6 hour period.
The professional discussion will centre around work you completed during your learning, saved on Smart Assessor.
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 5 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician (MOET) Apprenticeship EPA
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- EAL Declaration Form
- EAL Video Consent form (for online discussion)
A practical observation by the EPAO’s assessment team will be agreed with the apprentice and employer. This will be conducted in the workplace, which apprentices must demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behaviours of their chosen pathway. The observation can take 4 hours but cover multiple jobs.
The purpose of the multiple-choice test is to assess the apprentice’s depth of understanding in the knowledge elements that may not naturally occur during the project and report.It will consist of 30 multiple choice questions.
The professional discussion centres around 3 tasks that were completed as part of your learning. This may be conducted online or in person. This is your opportunity to showcase the depth of you knowledge and understanding of your role.
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
Science Industry Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship EPA
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of all mandatory training
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- Employer Declaration Form
The end point assessment will include a synoptic assessment test (SAT) through workplace observation and discussion with the registered assessor. Part of the SAT must be observed by an external assurer from the assessment organisation. The SAT must be conducted before the vocational competence discussion and preferably on the same day where business operations permit.
Following the SAT the apprentice will take part in a vocational competence discussion led by the external assurer. This will cover the whole apprenticeship standard including behaviours and the apprentice may draw on evidence from the SAT and evidence generated during the vocational competence evaluation process.
The apprentice will complete a written situational analysis exercise that presents a scenario that requires them to adapt quickly and function effectively after minimal instruction on new equipment or in a new environment or under revised working practices. The exercise will test the apprentice’s knowledge and understanding of core elements in the work based learning guide.
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
Metrology Apprenticeship EPA
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- EAL Declaration Form
- EAL Video Consent form (for online discussion)
- EAL Project Scope
A practical observation of you within your workplace, allowing you to demonstrate the breadth of your knowledge, skills and behaviours. You will receive a brief 15 minutes prior to commencing and will reflect your frequent scenario from work.
The purpose of the multiple-choice test is to assess the apprentice’s depth of understanding in the knowledge elements that may not naturally occur during the project and report. It will consist of 50 multiple choice questions.
The professional discussion will determine the extent of which you understand the requirement of your role, as defined by the standard. Your portfolio of learning will be used as a source of evidence.
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship EPA
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of all mandatory training
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- EAL Declaration Form
- EAL Video Consent form (for online discussion)
Apprentices must be observed by an independent assessor completing the work tasks in your normal workplace, in which you will demonstrate the KSB’s assigned to this assessment method.
The following activities MUST be observed during the observation:
- complying with Health and Safety requirement in their immediate working environment
- demonstrating work task(s) being received, agreed and relevant information being extracted in order to complete the required activity
- carrying out the required task(s) in line with organisation’s standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Completing, saving and storing task(s) outcomes in the appropriate format and location, for example using a PDF format on the organisation’s secured computer system.
The professional discussion will cover the following themes in line with specified Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s)
- Problem Solving & Communication (K1, K2, K3, S3 and S7)
- Project/Time Management & Quality Standards (K12, K20, K23 and S2)
- Manufacturing Principles, Methods & Applications (K6, K9, K18 and K19)
- Commercial Considerations (K4, K17, K21 and S9)
- Behavioural Expectations (B1, B3, B4, B5, B6 and K13)
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship EPA
Once you are at ‘Gateway’ stage and completed all practical training, to start the EPA the following evidence is required:
- Certificates of all mandatory training
- Certificates of maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- EAL Declaration Form
- EAL Video Consent Form (for online discussion)
- EAL Project Scope Form
Comprising of a 5000 word report, followed by a presentation and Q&A session.
The professional discussion will determine the extent of which you understand the requirement of your role, as defined by the standard. Your portfolio of learning will be used as a source of evidence.
Results from the End Point Assessment Organisation can take at least 10 working days. Once notified, your certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education can be a further 20 working days.
