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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Christmas 2025 Closure Dates and Effect on EPA Deadlines
In preparation for the 2025 Christmas holiday period, we would like to clarify our opening times and the effects of holidays on apprentices’ deadlines and submission dates. 1st for EPA will be only be closed on bank holidays, which are: Thursday 25th December 2025 Friday 26th December 2025 Thursday 1st January 2026 This means our office ...
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep9: Assessment Reforms
1st for EPA is On Air! Episode 9: Assessment Reforms We’re back with more podcasts, starting with a deep dive into assessment reforms. Join Owen and John as they discuss what the changes to assessment mean for apprentices and providers. They explore how providers can keep apprentices at the heart of delivery with the introduction ...
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 ...