What’s involved in a remote End Point Assessment (EPA)?

If you’re approaching the end of your Apprenticeship Standard the idea of a remote assessment can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to expect.

As part of the service Intec offer, all our Learners complete a mock EPA conducted by an internal Assessor. This mock is delivered remotely and is treated like a real EPA. The assessment method depends on which programme you are studying (details below) and will evaluate your progress against the same criteria by which you will be assessed at EPA. Feedback will then be provided to your Assessor so you can work with them to make any adjustments to your portfolio or project, bridge any knowledge gaps or refine your interview technique as required. 

If successful, this mock can be treated as your gateway assessment and you will be put forward to EPA. However, if you are unhappy with your result or require additional practice, you can sit another mock before being put forward for gateway. The amount of time between gateway and EPA varies from qualification to qualification, for more information on this look at the factsheet for your Standard. 

Changes to remote EPA?

Many of our EPAOs (End Point Assessment Organisations) already assess remotely: CIPD and CMI have always had remote EPAs. However, some key changes in assessment method have occurred as a result of COVID-19. 

Functional Skills: Under the new guidance Learners completing a Level 2 standard are no longer required to attempt their Level 2 Functional Skills. This means if you are completing a Level 2 Standard and don’t have any exemptions, to gain your apprenticeship standard you only need to gain Level 1 Functional Skills in maths and English. 

Knowledge tests: All of our knowledge tests are conducted via online platforms and can be invigilated by either a Manager within the business, if you are still at work, or remotely via screen share with an external EPA Assessor. Further guidance is available here. 

Practical Assessments/Observations: These are currently under review.  

If you are studying a retail standard the Practical Assessment has been changed to an alternative method. This involves the training provider (Intec) sending evidence to the End Point Assessor who will then follow up with a 30 minute Q&A session.

Intec are awaiting confirmation from Highfield Assessment as to how the practical assessment shall be assessed for Customer Service Standards which should be confirmed in the next few weeks. This will likely be assessed via a witness testimony, supported by a Q&A/professional discussion that will last around 30-60mins. 

Warehouse & Logistics programmes are being assessed on a case-by-case basis. You may have to complete the practical assessment(observation) when you are back in the workplace and able to have Assessors onsite. Highfield are going to extend the 3 month gateway window that Learners have to accommodate for any changes. EPAOs are already starting to draw up plans for post COVID-19, which could involve having dedicated assessment days in place.  

Project/ Portfolio/ Showcase: These are completed and uploaded as normal via Learning Assistant. Competency or portfolio based interview, Presentation, Q&A session and professional discussion: Will all be conducted remotely via a web platform, similar to Go To Meeting with a designated EPA Assessor from the EPAO.

Competency or portfolio-based interview, Presentation, Q&A session and professional discussion: Will all be conducted remotely via a web platform, similar to Go To Meeting with a designated EPA Assessor from the EPAO. 

If you are concerned about your EPA or want to find out more about enrolling onto an Apprenticeship, contact us today or call 0808 100 1155.