Ofqual-recognised EPAO | End Point Assessment

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 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 EPA
and flexible booking for apprentices anywhere in England.
Secure system
to manage and schedule EPA.

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 EPA work?

The training provider and employer agree which EPAO to use
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.

Register your interest in these standards

Latest blogs

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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 ...
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep7: Meet the Admin & Ops team
1st for EPA is On Air! The 1st for EPA team is back with episode 7 of our podcast. Whether you want to learn about the EPA landscape, see the faces behind the names, or just find out what everyone’s favourite biscuit is, our EPA podcast has you covered. Episode 7: Meet the Admin & ...