Ofqual-recognised EPAO | End Point Assessment

How we make assessment easy

Here’s why employers and training providers choose 1st for EPA as their assessment organisation (EPAO):

Support and guidance
from registration to completion.
Knowledge base
with guidance, mocks and templates for each apprenticeship standard.
Experienced assessors
with in-depth knowledge of end point assessment.
Dedicated Account Manager
and friendly team to answer all your questions.
Remote assessment
and flexible booking for apprentices anywhere in England.
Secure system
to manage, schedule and report on outcomes.

Employers and training providers we work with

What is EPA?

End point assessment, or EPA, is the process of assessing an apprentice as they approach the end of their apprenticeship. Once all on-programme learning is complete, the apprentice goes through the gateway stage into the EPA stage. This is where independent EPAO organisations (known as an EPAO) carry out assessments according to the apprenticeship standard’s assessment plan. 1st for EPA is an Ofqual-recognised EPAO.

The standards we assess

How does assessment work?

The training provider and employer agree which assessment organisation (EPAO) to use.
The training provider registers the apprentice, giving an expected date for assessment.
1st for EPA provides full support and guidance to help the apprentice prepare for assessment.
The assessment is scheduled (after gateway for those on standards with EPA).
Assessment is carried out with a qualified assessor.
1st for EPA carries out quality checks, then issues results and claims the apprentice’s completion certificate.

Register your interest in these standards

Latest blogs

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Foundation Apprenticeship Assessment Launched
From 1 August 2025, 1st for EPA is approved to deliver assessments for two new Foundation Apprenticeships in the digital sector: Hardware, Network and Infrastructure (FA0004) Software and Data (FA0005) These Level 2 apprenticeships provide an accessible route into the technology workforce and help learners build the knowledge and experience needed to progress to Level ...
Provider-Delivered Apprenticeship Assessment: What It Means and How to Prepare
The 2025 Apprenticeship Assessment Principles announced significant changes to end point assessment (EPA). Skills England are currently planning and implementing these changes, with Ofqual expanding its regulatory framework to ensure assessments remain valid and reliable. Key changes include: Published assessment plans will be simplified, containing only high-level information and Assessment Outcomes which apprentices must demonstrate. ...
Launch of Machine Learning Apprenticeship to be Industry Game Changer
The world is on the cusp of an AI revolution, and the new Machine Learning Engineer Level 6 apprenticeship is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the tech industry. This apprenticeship is now available for new starts, and it could be key to putting apprenticeships front and centre stage when ...