V1.0
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the barbering professional apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Barbering professional apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).
A full-time apprentice typically spends 18 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a barbering professional. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.
This EPA has 3 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are:
Assessment method 1 - knowledge test:
Assessment method 2 - practical assessment:
Assessment method 3 - professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence :
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.
The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA starts as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think their apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
These are:
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals - Barbering 603/1380/8
TQUK Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Barbering) (RQF) 603/3102/1
VTCT Skills Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Barbering) 603/1324/9
Portfolio of evidence requirements:
The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.
Evidence sources may include:
This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.
The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.
The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.
The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.
The rationale is that this is the choice of the employer, apprentice and training provider, this could vary depending on the circumstances.
In the test, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.
The rationale for this assessment method is:
The test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The knowledge test can be computer based.
The knowledge test must consist of 20 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.
The apprentice must be given at least 14 days notice of the date and time of the knowledge test.
The apprentice must have 30 minutes to complete the test.
The knowledge test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.
The knowledge test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator under the responsibility of the EPAO.
The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the knowledge test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.
The EPAO is responsible for the security of the knowledge test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the knowledge test.
The knowledge test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question type supports this.
A correct answer gets 1 mark.
Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the knowledge test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of knowledge test.
The apprentice must take the knowledge test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.
The knowledge test may take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the knowledge test:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.
In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place. The assessment environment must be in a real working environment that closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because:
The practical assessment must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the practical assessment using holistic assessment of the KSBs. The independent assessor must observe the apprentice working on at least 2 clients during the practical assessment.
The independent assessor must only observe five apprentices at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible. The independent assessor can request support from an additional person or refer to a technical expert only if required.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days notice of the . practical assessment
The practical assessment must take 3.25 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.
The practical assessment cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks or to allow apprentices to move from one location to another. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.
EPAOs must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations during the working day.
The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical assessment before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment.
Any form of simulation is not permitted during the practical assessment.
The practical assessment can be completed on any hair classification.
During the practical assessment the apprentice will be assessed on the following when performing services on at least 2 different clients.
Theme: Ways of working - legal, organisational and health and safety
Theme: Ways of working - client care / customer service
Theme: Barbering technical - Cutting and finishing hair (two clients)
The services to be performed are detailed below
Cut, and restyle hair using a range of barbering techniques to create two looks
Use all the tools and equipment for cutting:
Cutting must occur on both wet and dry hair
Use a minimum of 9 cutting techniques (excluding eyebrow trim)
Create two facial hair shapes
Theme: Barbering technical- Shaving
These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The independent assessor must ask questions. The purpose of the questions is to clarify further, any elements of a KSB, so as to allow the candidate to demonstrate their full comprehension of the theme being performed.
Questioning can occur during the practical assessment. The time for questions asked during the practical assessment is included in the overall assessment time.
Independent assessors must ask at least 3 questions during the practical assessment. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural breaks in work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.
The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical assessment and should be kept to a minimum.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The practical assessment and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade.
The practical assessment will take place in a real work or a barbershop environment selected by the EPAO (for example the providers or employer’s premises). The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment and must conform to current health and safety legislation and local bye laws and legislation. The range of services, professional products, tools, materials and equipment (barbering chair, shampooing area) must be current and available for use, and be familiar to the apprentice and be in good working order. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment must be provided by the EPAO, employer or provider.
The location, tools, products and equipment must meet the requirements of a real work environment and must be agreed by all stakeholders.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment:
In the discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their competency across the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.
As clear and effective communication is a fundamental part of barbering services, as well as being competent in their practical skills, a barbering professional must be able to hold a conversation and demonstrate they can convey their option and knowledge on a number of subjects. The professional discussion will enable the independent assessor to assess how confidently the apprentice articulates the KSB covered. The grading criteria has been written to ensure the independent assessor can clearly distinguish the level of communication and understanding of the apprentice.
The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 14 days to review the supporting documentation.
The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The professional discussion must last for 45 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 10 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises).
The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence :
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.
The assessment methods contribute equally to the overall EPA pass grade.
Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:
Independent assessors must individually grade the: practical assessment, professional discussion and underpinned by a portfolio of evidence according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.
EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.
An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method will be awarded an overall EPA fail.
An apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods to get an overall pass. To achieve an overall EPA ‘merit,’ the apprentice must achieve a pass in the knowledge test and a distinction in the practical assessment.To achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction,’ the apprentice must achieve a pass in the knowledge test and distinctions in the both the professional discussion and the practical assessment.
Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method(s) can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does.
An apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.
The employer and EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.
Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.
Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.
An apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to how the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section and:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 22/05/2023 | Not set |
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