End Point Assessment

Why is there an End Point Assessment?

As well as containing information on programme training and assessment, all apprenticeship standards must contain an end-point assessment. An independent organisation must be involved in the end-point assessment of each apprentice so that all apprentices following the same standard are assessed consistently. These are referred to as End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAO).

The elements of the end point assessment of Apprenticeship Standards vary, depending on the programme you are studying towards.

Useful links:

Apprenticeship standards, including their supporting assessment plans can be update on a frequent basis. As such, it is advisable not to save copies offline, but to refer to the links below:

Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IATE)

Timeframe:

As each End Point Assessment 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. Click on each of the stages below for more information.

At the Factory: Female Mechanical Engineer Designs 3D Engine on

Engineering Design and Draughtsperson Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • 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)

Stage 2 - Online Multiple Choice Test and paperbased exams

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 should include both:

  • multiple choice
  • scenario based written answers.

Stage 3 - Practical Test

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

Stage 4 - Professional Discussion

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 interview panel 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.

Stage 5 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.

Engineer technician designing drawings mechanical parts engineering Engine
manufacturing factory Industry Industrial work project blueprints measuring bearings caliper tools

Engineering Technician Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

Including Machinist, Toolmaker and Tool Die Maintenance, Technical Support Technician and Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Pathways

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • Certificates of all mandatory training
  • Certificates of Maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
  • IET Employer Occupational Competence sign off

Stage 2 - Showcase Portfolio and Professional Discussion

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

 

Stage 3 - Wider EngTech requirements

EngTech Performance Indicator Form must be completed, which meet the IET standards. There is a supporting checklist to ensure you have met all the criterial. Should you not meet all the criteria after first assessment, you are able to resubmit once more.

Stage 4 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.

machinist

Machining Technician Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (for 2023 Apprenticeship starts onwards)

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • Certificates of Maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
  • EAL Declaration Form
  • EAL Video Consent form (for online discussion)

Stage 2 - Practical Observation with Q&A

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 but cover multiple jobs.

Stage 3 - Multiple Choice Test

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.

Stage 4 - Professional Discussion

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.

Stage 5 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.

engineering fitter

Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • 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

Stage 2 - Project

EPAO will then confirm professional discussion date and approval that the project meets their requirements.

Evidence required to 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.

Stage 3 - Multiple Choice Test

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

Stage 4 - Professional Discussion

Split into two discussions:

  • Q&A Session, based on the project completed.
  • Discussion on the three jobs completed as part of your learning

Stage 5 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.

MOET

Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician (MOET) Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (with EAL as the EPAO)

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • Certificates of Maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
  • EAL Declaration Form
  • EAL Video Consent form (for online discussion)

Stage 2 - Practical Observation

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.

Stage 3 - Multiple Choice Test

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.

Stage 4 - Professional Discussion

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.

Stage 5 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.

Industrial Worker labourer at the factory welding steel structure. Production of valves for gas and oil industry.

Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • Certificate of mandatory qualification
  • Certificates of Maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Stage 2 - Practical Observation

The practical observation will assess the KSB’s expected of the apprenticeship standard. This will be carried out in the workplace or at Appris.

Stage 3 - Professional Discussion

The professional discussion will centre around work you completed during your learning.

Stage 4 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 5 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.

welding

General Welder Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • Certificates of Maths and English GCSE grade 2 or above (or equivalent)
  • Evidence that the apprentice has attempted Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English if not already obtained
  • TWI Employer Declaration Form
  • TWI Application Form

Stage 2 - Multiple Choice Test

The theoretical knowledge test is a multiple choice examination paper structured in accordance with Table 2 of STA0349/0350 as applicable. The content will address the knowledge requirements of the modules selected. 

Stage 3 - Practical Examination

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 

Stage 4 - Oral Examination

During the course of the practical test, the Authorised Examiner 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. 

Stage 5 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.

Instrument maintenance technician fixing chemical diaphragm pump at offshore oil and gas wellhead remote platform, A worker working on hazardous work place.

Science Industry Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • Certificates of all mandatory training
  • Certificates of Maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
  • Employer Declaration Form

Stage 2 - Synoptic Assessment Test (SAT)

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.

Stage 3 - Vocational competence discussion

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.

Stage 4 - Scenario Case Study

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.

Stage 5 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.

Male Engineer Uses CMM Coordinate Measuring Machine In Factory

Metrology Technician Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • 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

Stage 2 - Multiple Choice Test

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.

Stage 3 - Practical Observation

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.

Stage 4 - Professional Discussion

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.

Stage 5 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.

Engineering Team Meeting On Factory Floor Of Busy Workshop

Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

Stage 1 - Gateway

You have completed all your learning and ready for End Point Assessment.

Evidence required to progress:

  • 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)

Stage 2 - Practical Observation with Questioning

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.

Stage 3 - Professional Discussion

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)

Stage 4 - Completion and Certification

Results from the EPAO can take at least 20 working days. Once notified, certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeship can be a further 20 working days.