What is an EPA and why is it important?
Most people when they start applying for apprenticeships haven’t heard of an End Point Assessment (EPA) or know how this relates to an apprenticeship, but it is one of the most important parts of the qualification. What is it and why is it important? Keep reading to find out!
What is an End Point Assessment?
In England, as part of all apprenticeships, the End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final, mandatory, stage of the apprenticeship journey and leads to the award of the apprenticeship certification once passed. It is an opportunity to demonstrate you have gained the knowledge, skills and behaviours required throughout your apprenticeship.
The EPA process can begin once you have met the minimum requirements of the apprenticeship which are reviewed at Gateway.
What is Gateway?
Gateway is a meeting that happens at the end of your studies with you, your employer and College or University to review and confirm that certain academic and apprenticeship requirements have been completed and that you can move on to the EPA.
Sometimes during these meetings, it can be decided that an apprentice may need a little more time to practice and learn before moving forward with the EPA.
What happens in the End Point Assessment?
The EPA is made up of a few assessment elements that you must pass to complete your apprenticeship. These will vary depending on the apprenticeship you are doing. You will need to pass each element to demonstrate you have met the required knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship.
These can include:
It can take up to three months to complete these activities, but the assessors will work closely with you and your employer to schedule the End Point Assessment activities so they can be completed within the required timescales.
The EPA is completed by an independent assessor to guarantee fairness and consistency.
Why is it important?
Once you have passed the EPA you have successfully completed your apprenticeship and can demonstrate you are fully trained. You will have the opportunity to move on to further study, or it can open further career opportunities for you as a fully qualified professional.
