How we make End Point Assessment easy

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

  • Support icon

    Support and guidance

    from registration to completion.

  • EPA Guidance

    Knowledge base

    with guidance, mocks and templates for each apprenticeship standard.

  • Experienced assessors icon

    Experienced assessors

    with in-depth knowledge of end point assessment.

  • Friendly team icon

    Dedicated Account Manager

    and friendly team to answer all your questions.

  • Remote EPA

    Remote EPA

    and flexible booking for apprentices anywhere in England.

  • Certificate icon

    Secure system

    to manage and schedule EPA.

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. Every EPAO must be on the Register of End Point Assessment Organisations. 1st for EPA is an Ofqual-recognised EPAO.

1st For EPA Your End Point Assessment Organisation

An End Point Assessment (EPA) organisation, often referred to as an EPAO, is a firm responsible for conducting the final assessments for apprentices in the United Kingdom. Apprenticeship standards in the UK typically include an apprenticeship assessment plan, and the EPAO is responsible for ensuring that apprentices meet the required standards and competencies at the end of their training.

HR end point assessment

The standards we assess

How does EPA work?

  • The training provider recommends an EPAO, often with input from the employer.

  • The training provider registers the apprentice with the EPAO, giving an expected date for EPA.

  • The apprentice completes Gateway and schedules their EPA.

  • 1st for EPA provides full support and guidance to help the apprentice prepare for EPA.

  • EPA is carried out with a qualified assessor.

  • 1st for EPA carries out quality checks, then emails the apprentice their results and claims their completion certificate from the ESFA.

How We Can Help You

EPAOs play a critical role in the apprenticeship system, as they ensure that apprentices have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in their chosen occupation. The role of EPAOs is to maintain the quality and integrity of apprenticeship programs by conducting fair and rigorous assessments. For more information, feel free to speak to the team at 1st for EPA.

End Point Assessment Organisations are integral to the apprenticeship system in the UK. They ensure that apprentices are adequately prepared for their chosen careers by conducting rigorous, standardised assessments that verify their competencies and knowledge. This process is essential for maintaining the quality and credibility of apprenticeship certificate programs and supporting the professional development of apprentices.

Independent Assessment: As an EPAO is an independent organisation, they are separate from training providers at 1st for EPA we are responsible for impartially assessing an apprentice’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours to determine if they meet the required standards set out in the apprenticeship standard.

Assessment Methods: We will use a variety of assessment methods, including written exams, practical assessments, interviews, and observations, to evaluate apprentices’ competencies. These specific methods depend on the apprenticeship standard.

Quality Assurance: We also adhere to strict external quality assurance processes to ensure the consistency and fairness of our assessments, which also helps to maintain the credibility of apprenticeship standards.

Certification: Once an apprentice has successfully completed their End Point Assessment, the EPAO will provide a certificate and other recognised documentation to acknowledge the achievement.

Government Approval: We are approved and listed on the Register of End Point Assessment Organisations to operate in the UK; this means we must also meet specific criteria and standard that has been set by the Government to ensure that they can perform reliable assessments.

team of apprentices

More About End Point Assessment Organisations

End Point Assessment Organisations are integral to the apprenticeship system in the UK. They ensure that apprentices are adequately prepared for their chosen careers by conducting rigorous, standardised assessments that verify their competencies and knowledge. This process is essential for maintaining the quality and credibility of apprenticeship programs and supporting the professional development of apprentices.

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