End-Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) provide independent assessments at the conclusion of apprenticeship training. They ensure that apprentices demonstrate competence in knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for their occupation, with a regulatory framework overseen by Ofqual and the Office for Students. The EPA process includes a gateway review to verify readiness and can incorporate reasonable adjustments for assessments.

1. End Point Assessment
Organisations (EPAO’s)

2. Introduction to the End Point
Assessment Organisations (EPAOS)
and their role within the
apprenticeship standard
© Pathway Group | E & OE

3. What is in End Point Assessment
Organisation?
End-point assessment (EPA) is an independent assessment that takes place at the
end of the apprenticeship training.
All apprentices must achieve all elements of their EPA to pass their apprenticeship
in full.
To apply to be an EPAO you must be apply via the APAR
EPAOS are regulated by Ofqual
© Pathway Group | E & OE

4. Why have EPAOs – Not just a exam?
Exams will test knowledge, EPAs are a full assessment of
knowledge, skills and behaviours they have learnt and applied
throughout their learning journey
EPAO’s were introduced
with standards.
This is to test that the
apprentice is
occupationally
competent in their
occupation.
Up to 20% of the total
funding of an
apprenticeship can be
spent on the EPA
process.
© Pathway Group | E & OE

5. Timeline for EPAOs
Ideally the EPAO is
selected when the
learner is enrolled
An EPA guide is
provided to the learner
at the start and
reviewed throughout
Employers should be
aware of the EPA and
discussed in tripartite
reviews
Learners should be
working towards their
targeted EPA grade
Mock assessments
should be completed
Gateway requirements
must be met
© Pathway Group | E & OE

6. What is ‘Gateway’
Sits between the
end of training and
the beginning of
the assessment
period when the
EPA will take place.
The employer and
training provider
will review their
apprentice’s
knowledge, skills
and behaviours to
see if they are
ready to take their
EPA.
Review takes place
near the end of an
apprenticeship to
make sure the
apprentice has
completed the
mandatory aspects
of the
apprenticeship and
is ready to take
their assessment.
Apprentices must
meet the gateway
requirements set
out in the
assessment plan
before taking their
EPA.
© Pathway Group | E & OE

7. Reasonable Adjustment and Special
Considerations
As with all assessments/examinations reasonable adjustments
can be requested. The most common are:
All EPAO’s will have their own policies which should be followed
Changes to exam papers,
for example, large print or
braille
Help with specific tasks, for
example, another person
might read questions to
you or they might write
your dictated answers
Extra time to complete
assessments
© Pathway Group | E & OE

8. Quality Assurance
Ofqual is responsible for making sure that:
• regulated EPAs reliably indicate the knowledge, skills
and understanding apprentices have demonstrated
• assessments show what an apprentice has achieved
• apprentices and employers have confidence in the
assessments that Ofqual regulates
• EPAs are delivered in accordance with the
requirements of each apprenticeship’s assessment
plan
• Ofqual do not quality assure degree apprenticeships
© Pathway Group | E & OE

9. Quality Assurance - Degree Apprenticeships
The Office for Student (OfS) is
responsible for making sure that:
• Assessments are reliable and effective and show
that an apprentice has achieved occupational
competence and achieved the knowledge, skills
and behaviours required
• EPAs are delivered in a fair, consistent and robust
way across different apprenticeship standards
© Pathway Group | E & OE

10. Selecting and managing EPAOs

11. How to select an EPAO
• Providers will often make recommendations
• Speak to other providers/attend conferences
• There is a list of EPAOs on the .gov website
• Recognised awarding bodies are also EPAOs and are often
chosen because of this
© Pathway Group | E & OE

12. Let's discuss…
What factors do you think should be considered?
© Pathway Group | E & OE

13. Decision Time!
Invite 2-3 to a
meeting to discuss
the detail
See if you can get
feedback from any
other providers
Don’t feel you need
to use them for all
standards
Negotiate your rates
Be ready to discuss
numbers
Sign contracts
Book training for
admin / quality staff
Ensure your MIS /
contracts etc have
all the correct
details on
(the cost of the EPA
is a removed before
your total
negotiated price)
© Pathway Group | E & OE

14. Build a Relationship with the EPAO
Ensure meetings are
arranged with your
Account Manager
Request data if required
If your finding the
process difficult, slow or
not as promised speak to
them to find a solution
Pre-book slots especially
at busier times
Manage your pass,
merit, distinction and fail
rates closely
If your results are not as
expected arrange a
meeting to discuss
Speak to them at
exhibitions – get to know
them
Ask for advice and help if
you need it
Shout about successes
and praise tutors for
their contribution
© Pathway Group | E & OE

15. Understanding the EPAO process
and its significance

16. EPA Process
If the learner fails any element of the EPA a negotiation between
the provider, learner and employer will take place.
Awareness and
commitment
Enrolment and start
Creating the
portfolio of
evidence and
Quality Assurance
3 way discussion
and sign off for
entering gateway
Provider to submit
paperwork (via
portal) to EPAO
EPAO will liaise
apprentice to book
EPA
Apprentice
completes
assessment
Certification
© Pathway Group | E & OE

17. The Portfolio of Evidence
Written
assignments
Tests/assessments
Photo/video
evidence
Discussions
Witness testimonies
and statements
from
manager/mentor
Certificates
© Pathway Group | E & OE

18. Quality Assurance
Summative and
formative
assessments
Feedback to tutors
Internal & External
Quality Assurance
Processes
© Pathway Group | E & OE

19. The End Point Assessment
There are different types of
assessments that need to be achieved
Practical
assessment
Interview Project
Written
and/or
multiple-
choice test
Presentation
© Pathway Group | E & OE

20. Example 1 – People Professional Level 5
© Pathway Group | E & OE

21. Example 1 – People Professional Level 5
© Pathway Group | E & OE

22. Example 1 – People Professional Level 5
© Pathway Group | E & OE

23. Example 1 – People Professional Level 5
© Pathway Group | E & OE

24. Example 2 – Senior People Professional Level
7
© Pathway Group | E & OE

25. Example 2 – Senior People Professional
© Pathway Group | E & OE

26. Example 2 – Senior People Professional
© Pathway Group | E & OE

27. Example 2 – Senior People Professional
© Pathway Group | E & OE

28. Example 3 – Senior People Professional Level
7
© Pathway Group | E & OE

29. Example 3 – Senior People Professional Level
7
© Pathway Group | E & OE

30. Review
EPAOs are independent and are
treated as such
Quality Assurance is overseen by
OfS and Ofqual
The IfATE contains information
relating to:
•The occupations for people undertaking
the standard
•The list of K,S,B’s
•The assessment methods for EPA
•The professional recognition is needed
© Pathway Group | E & OE