What is EPA?



What does EPA stand for ?



EPA stands for End Point Assessment.



What is End Point Assessment?



End-point assessment (EPA) was one of the biggest changes in the restructuring of the apprenticeship reforms.

Replacing the old method of being continually assessed throughout a course, apprentices are now required to complete an end-point assessment “EPA” to achieve their qualification. The EPA is designed to inspect whether each apprentice has achieved the knowledge and skills outlined in the standard, and then grade individual learners according to how they have performed.



How does End Point Assessment work?



When an apprentice is ready to take the EPA, their employer will select them for the assessment.

The EPA is outlined in the assessment plan for each standard. The plan will explain what’s being assessed, how the apprentice will be assessed, and who will carry out the assessment.



EPA can take a range of forms:

Tests

Examinations

Professional discussions

Workplace observations

Portfolio of work

Assignments

Assessment of work output



The End Point Assessment process varies depending on the industry sector the Apprentice is working in and also the level of the qualification they are looking at completing. Apprentices must successfully complete their End Point Assessment to pass their Apprenticeship.



Summary:



EPA is a series of one off assessments that an Apprentice has to go through at the end of their Apprenticeship. End-Point Assessments are only used for Apprenticeships. Learning professionals that deliver/assess stand-alone vocational courses are not affected by EPA.