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.

  • Resource bank icon

    Resource bank

    and guidance notes for each apprenticeship standard.

  • Experienced assessors icon

    Experienced assessors

    with in-depth knowledge of end point assessments.

  • Friendly team icon

    Friendly team

    to answer all your questions.

  • Remote EPA icon

    Remote EPA

    so apprentices can undergo end point assessment from anywhere in the UK.

  • We use ACE360

    to manage and schedule EPA

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 an independent EPA organisation (known as an EPAO) carries out assessment according to the apprenticeship standard’s assessment plan. Every EPAO must be on the Register of End Point Assessment Organisations.

HR end point assessment

The standards we assess

How does EPA work?

  • The apprentice’s employer chooses an end point assessment organisation (EPAO), often with the help of their training provider.

  • 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 notifies the apprentice of their results and claims their completion certificate from the ESFA.

Register your interest in these standards

Register your interest

Latest blogs

View all
  • EPA portfolio video

    Video: Get your portfolio EPA-ready

    In this video you can see great tips for apprentices and training providers on getting your portfolio ready for EPA (end point assessment). See what the assessor is looking for and how you can meet the assessment criteria.

  • EPA discussion

    How to answer questions in EPA interviews and professional discussions

    In your end point assessment (EPA), the independent assessor is looking for you to show how you have applied your knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in your role. Reflecting on your learning will help you focus your thinking on the positives and negatives of what you did while on programme, and phrase your answers in ...

  • finish line

    Functional Skills Flexibility: EPA can be taken prior to Functional Skills

    The new flexibility means that eligible apprentices can start their end point assessment (EPA) before they achieve their functional skills qualifications (FSQ) if they have been waiting for the opportunity to access functional skills assessments but have been prevented from doing so due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. This flexibility is in place from 25 February ...

Training providers we work with

Before we say bye…

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates

You have successfully subscribed to the newsletter

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

1st for EPA will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.