End point assessment

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What Is end point assessment?

The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. It is an impartial and independent evaluation to confirm that your apprentice has achieved the knowledge, skills, and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard. It’s only after successful completion of the EPA (and any other required elements, like Functional Skills) that an apprentice is awarded their full apprenticeship certificate. Apprenticeships+1

The EPA will be carried out by an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), which is separate from the training provider and the employer, to ensure fairness and objectivity. Apprenticeships+1

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Key stages of the EPA journey

Here are the main stages you can expect in the EPA process:

Stage What Happens
On-Programm e Learning The apprentice completes the scheduled training: on- and off-the-job learning, skills development, assessments, workplace tasks. Preparation for EPA starts right from the beginning through feedback, mock assessments, and building a portfolio of evidence. GOV.UK+1
Gateway Before the EPA can begin, the apprentice must meet certain gateway requirements. These might include completion of the training, any required qualifications (including English & Maths if needed), meeting attendance or time requirements, evidence collected in the portfolio, and confirmation from employer and training provider that the apprentice is ready. GOV.UK+1
EPA Plan

Every standard has an assessment plan which spells out how the EPA is assessed: what methods are used (e.g. project, presentation, interview, practical test, etc.), what evidence is required, grading criteria, and weightings. Apprenticeships+1
Assessment Delivery

The actual EPA takes place. It could include:

  • Practical tasks or demonstrations
  • A project or work product
  • Presentation with questioning
  • Professional discussion or interview
  • Written or multiple-choice tests

This is done by the selected EPAO. Apprenticeships+2The Workforce Development Trust+2
Grading & Certification After all assessment components are marked, the EPAO grades the  apprentice (varies by standard, may be pass/merit/distinction etc.), and if passed, the apprenticeship certificate is issued. If any component is failed, there’s normally opportunity for a resit or retake. GOV.UK+1
Post-Assessm ent Feedback & Next Steps Apprentices and employers get feedback. Employers may use the outcome for future planning. Where a retake or resit is needed, an action plan is agreed. GOV.UK

 

What’s required & how we help

At Impact Academy:

  • We’ll introduce the relevant EPA plan early in the programme so you know what’s expected and can prepare accordingly.
  • We support with mock assessments, portfolio development, work-based examples to build your evidence.
  • We ensure you meet gateway criteria fully before arranging EPA, including English & Maths qualifications, any required modules, and OTJ hours.
  • We work with EPA partners to ensure fair, regulated, high-quality assessment.

Our EPA Partners

These are our trusted End Point Assessment Organisations that conduct EPAs for various standards. Click logos/links to visit their websites and see more about their assessment approaches:

Why EPA Matters to You

  • It confirms you or your apprentice have met industry-approved capability to perform the role competently.
  • It brings credibility – independently assessed, externally verified.
  • For apprentices, achieving a strong grade can improve career prospects.
  • For employers, it ensures the training investment pays off with fully competent staff.

Example end point assessment plan – multi-channel marketer apprenticeship (Level 3)

Overview

The Multi-Channel Marketer EPA assesses whether the apprentice can apply marketing principles across digital and traditional platforms, delivering real value to their organisation.

The EPA is conducted by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation
(EPAO) once the apprentice has completed all training and passed through the gateway.

Gateway Requirements

Before progressing to EPA, apprentices must have:

  • Completed all on-programme training and the minimum OTJ hours.
  • Achieved Level 2 English and maths (or equivalent), unless exempt.
  • Submitted a completed portfolio of evidence (campaigns, reports, reflections, creative assets).
  • Employer and provider confirmation that the apprentice is ready for EPA.

Assessment methods

1. Project with Presentation & Q&A

  • Apprentice completes a substantial work-based marketing project (e.g. delivering a campaign across multiple channels).
  • Produces a written report or campaign pack showing objectives, audience insight, delivery, outcomes, and reflections.
  • Delivers a 15-minute presentation to the assessor, followed by a 10-minute Q&A.
  • Criteria:
    • Campaign planning and execution.
    • Use of data and analytics to measure success.
    • Creativity, problem-solving, and commercial awareness.

2. Professional Discussion Underpinned by Portfolio

  • A structured discussion with the assessor.
  • Duration: ~60 minutes.
  • Based on the apprentice’s portfolio of evidence (projects, reports, reflections, media assets).
  • Explores decision-making, adaptability, communication, and behaviours.

Grading

Each method is marked by the EPAO and combined to give an overall grade:

  • Pass – Meets the required standard.
  • Merit – Demonstrates above-average creativity and application.
  • Distinction – Exceptional, strategic use of multi-channel marketing with measurable impact.
  • Fail – Apprentice has not met the requirements (resit/retake possible).

Timescales

  • EPA must be completed within 3 months of the gateway.
  • The two assessment methods may take place over several days, depending on the EPAO’s scheduling.

Support from Impact Academy

We prepare learners for EPA by:

  • Supporting project planning and reporting.
  • Running mock presentations and Q&As.
  • Delivering practice professional discussions to build confidence.
  • Reviewing portfolios to ensure full coverage of required KSBs.

For Employers:

EPA confirms your apprentice can create, deliver, and evaluate campaigns that drive results.

For Employers:

For Learners:

EPA is your chance to showcase your creativity, technical skill, and business  impact.

For Learners:

Backed by leading education bodies & partners

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"I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the opportunity to be a part of your apprenticeship program. The program provided me with the chance to learn and grow in a supportive and challenging environment. The combination of classroom learning and real-world projects allowed me to apply what I learned immediately."
Laura
Apprentice
"It was a transformative experience for me. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by the entire staff. The program was well-structured and provided a seamless transition into the professional world. The opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals allowed me to gain practical skills and insights that simply cannot be taught in a classroom setting."
Greg
Apprentice
"I’m very grateful to have completed your JEM Apprenticeship. It gave me the chance to learn and grow in a supportive environment. The combination of classroom learning and real-world projects allowed me to apply what I learned immediately. The Heat loss lesson was my favourite, and I used most of these calculations in my energy project for end point, which saved my department £4000/month after we replaced the equipment."
Mohammed
Apprentice
"Enrolling in your apprenticeship program was one of the best decisions I've made for my career. The hands-on experience and mentorship provided by your team were invaluable. Not only did I learn practical skills that are directly applicable to my field, but I also gained confidence in my abilities."
James
Apprentice

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