Support your apprentice through end-point assessment

Apprenticeships should meet the skills needs of apprentices as well as the needs of employers of all sizes.

Every apprentice should have a high-quality experience that prepares them for a successful career and supports their progression to higher level skills.

In England, every apprentice on an apprenticeship standard must successfully undertake an independent assessment at the end of their training to confirm they have achieved occupational competence. If they do not pass the assessment, they have not completed their apprenticeship. This is known as an end-point assessment.

End-point assessment is an independent assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours which have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. It tests the apprentice’s ability to apply their learning in the workplace.

Assessments need to be conducted by an approved independent end-point assessment organisation (EPAO).

Employers must select an EPAO that has been approved by the organisation providing the External Quality Assurance (EQA) for that standard.

Awareness of and preparation for assessment is part of the whole apprenticeship journey and should be introduced at the start of the programme. This will help apprentices get the best out of their apprenticeship and successfully complete their training.

This guide outlines the roles and responsibilities of employers of apprentices with regard to assessment.

When preparing to employ an apprentice, you should complete a role needs analysis to ensure the apprenticeship standard selected is appropriate for your organisation.

The role you advertise must allow the apprentice to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard. You should talk to your training provider to confirm if the role and standard align.

If you can’t find an apprenticeship standard appropriate for the role, you might want to consider being a trailblazer group.