Carpentry and joinery

ST0264, carpentry and joinery level 2

This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.

Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.

The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.

The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

EPA gateway

The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.

The gateway requirements for your EPA are:

• achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence

Assessment methods

Multiple-choice test

You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.

The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.

Practical assessment with questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 12 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.

The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.

Who to contact for help or more information

You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.

You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.

You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.

Reasonable adjustments

If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the carpentry and joinery apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Carpentry and joinery apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must be trained and assessed against the core and one option. The options are:

• Site Carpenter

• Architectural Joiner

A full-time carpentry and joinery apprentice typically spends 24 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway). The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - multiple-choice test:

fail

pass

distinction

Assessment method 2 - practical assessment with questions:

fail

pass

distinction

Assessment method 3 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

fail

pass

distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

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 EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

They must:

• confirm they are ready to take the EPA
• have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• submit a portfolio of evidence for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

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:

• workplace documentation and records, for example:
• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips (maximum total duration 10 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

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 interview . The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. They are not required to provide feedback after this review. The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.

Simulated environments

It is understood that some skills in this apprenticeship are used less often but are still required for overall occupational competence. Some apprentices may not get sufficient opportunity to apply the full range of required skills in the workplace during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. Therefore, a flexibility has been included in this EPA plan, allowing certain skills-based evidence to be captured in a simulated environment, for example, at the employer's or training provider's premises.

Allowing evidence from a simulated environment ensures at there is a fair opportunity for apprentices to gather skills-based evidence for the portfolio of evidence. This is where opportunities to collect evidence in the workplace are not available.

Any simulated evidence must reflect the apprentice’s usual work and be fully transferable to the workplace. The portfolio must include a statement from the employer or training provider confirming that the evidence provided from a simulated environment is entirely attributable to the apprentice.

For this apprenticeship, the apprentice must collect evidence from the workplace. However, if authentic workplace opportunities are not available for all the numbered elements or products from the skills outlined below, some of the numbered elements or products may be captured in a simulated environment, in line with the numbers noted below for each skill. Every effort should be made for the apprentice to access workplace evidence for all elements or products in the skills below before this flexibility is applied.

The skills in line for this flexibility are:

Site carpenter S14:

Site carpenter: Apply first fix techniques and practices for: 1. structural carcassing, 2. straight timber or metal partition walls, 3. floor joists 4. floor joist coverings, 5. straight flights of stairs.

The apprentice is required to provide workplace evidence for a minimum of any 4 numbered elements from the above list. The remaining numbered element may be provided via simulated evidence.

Site carpenter S17:

Site carpenter: Apply site second fix techniques and practices for: 1. service encasement, 2. cladding 3. wall and floor units and fitments, 4. handrails and spindles to straight flights of stairs, 5. internal and external doors, 6. skirting boards and architrave, 7. window boards.

The apprentice is required to provide workplace evidence for a minimum of any 5 numbered elements from the above list. The remaining 2 numbered elements may be provided via simulated evidence.

Architectural Joiner S28:

Architectural joiner: Apply manufacture and assembly techniques for second fix products: 1. timber doors, 2. wall and floor units, 3. timber mouldings, 4. staircase spindles and balustrades.

The apprentice is required to provide workplace evidence for a minimum of any 3 numbered products from the above list. The remaining numbered product may be provided via simulated evidence.

Simulated environments must:

• afford the apprentice the opportunity to capture sufficient evidence to underpin the grading descriptors for the specific skill being targeted

• have a specification of defined tasks for the apprentice to complete (or an equivalent structure or format)

• replicate normal working conditions and the naturally occurring activities the apprentice would have likely undertaken in the workplace, as far as practicable (including time pressures, considerations, resources, materials, tools, information, interactions, communication media, lighting, noise and hazards they would reasonably encounter in employer or customer premises)

• allow each apprentice to demonstrate their competence on an individual basis

The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including any organisation specific policies and procedures 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.

Overview

In the multiple-choice 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.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it allows for the efficient testing of knowledge where there is a right or wrong answer

• it allows for flexibility in terms of when, where and how it is taken.

Delivery

The multiple-choice test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The test can be computer or paper based.

The test will consist of 40 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 test.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 60 minutes to complete the test.

The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.

The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the 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 must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example, with 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.

The EPAO is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the test.

Marking

The 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 types support 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 test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of tests with written answers.

Assessment location

The apprentice must take the 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 test could take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice.

Question and resource development

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 with 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 test:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • test specification
  • sample test and mark schemes
  • live tests and mark schemes
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

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 closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it allows for a varied range of tasks to be observed, that could not be guaranteed to be achieved through a single observation in the workplace

• this is a practical role, best demonstrated through completing tasks in a realistic work setting

• it allows for consistency of activities to be completed and efficiency in scheduling

• it allows for the testing of related underpinning knowledge, skills and behaviours where an opportunity to observe them has not occurred

• it is a holistic assessment method

Delivery

The practical assessment with questions 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 with questions.

The independent assessor must only observe up to four apprentices at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible. The EPAO must ensure that an apprentice cannot gain advantage from seeing what the other apprentices being assessed are doing or by hearing answers to questions.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the . practical assessment with questions

The practical assessment with questions must take 12 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment with questions 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 with questions may take place in parts but must be completed over 2 working day. A working day is typically considered to be 7.5 hours long. The reason for this split is there is insufficient time to complete the practical task in one working day.

The EPAO 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.

The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical assessment with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:

Site Carpentry

Construction of a straight gable roof containing traditional cut rafters and ceiling joists, roof trusses and installation of a hinged upward opening loft hatch.

The roof construction must contain the following:

General

• installation of a minimum of 1 metre in length fascia, soffit and barge board
• installation of soffit vents (minimum 2)
• installation of lateral restraint (minimum 2)
• installation of a hinged upward opening loft hatch (with router cut hinge recess) and latch
• installation of loft hatch lining (with hand cut hinge recess and mitred corners)
• use of hand and portable power tools (including nail guns)
• use of setting out and measurement skills

Traditional cut roof

• installation of rafters (minimum 6)
• installation of ceiling joists (minimum 3) and binders (minimum 1)

Trusses

• installation of trusses (minimum 4)
• Installation of associated truss ironmongery (truss clips)
• installation of truss bracing

Typically, 60 minutes should be allocated within the EPA total time to interpret and extract relevant information from drawings, specifications and work instructions. This time will also enable estimation of resources and initial setting and marking out.

The roof construction must be compliant with building regulations. To reduce cost, cheaper materials such as CLS (Canadian Lumber Standard) can be used for roof members and trusses, concession may be given for roof timber sizes providing the apprentice can identify the correct size of timber required from provided sizing tables via assessor questioning.

To minimise predictability, the EPAO should produce alternative versions of the assessment. The alternative versions must vary but be of equal complexity and take a competent site carpenter 12 hours to complete. A range of different scenarios may be incorporated into the alternative versions; for example, differential eaves overhang, roof pitch, length and width, rafter centre specifications, truss specifications and centres, and bracing requirements, loft hatch positions, dimensions and latch types, lateral restraint and wall plate strap positioning.

The independant assessor or additional person can assist with lifting or moving roof trusses as requested by the apprentice.

Preparation for the site carpentry practical assessment:

The roof structure will be carried out on a prefabricated roofing rig, which will allow the apprentice to carry out the roof and install the hatch without the need for access equipment. The rig may be separated by a party wall to allow for the installation of traditional rafters and trusses on the same roof structure. Roof trusses will be pre-fabricated in preparation for the EPA, however, other, all timber roof components must be cut by the apprentice.

Where the EPA is administered at the employers or training providers premises, the EPAO may liaise with the employer or training provider to provide prefabricated roof truss and roofing-rig resource, set up and equipment requirement information in preparation for the practical assessment. Where this is the case, the EPAO must put measures in place to prevent malpractice and reduce predictability.

The EPAO is ultimately responsible for the preparation and quality of the resources and equipment to ensure fair assessment.

Specification tolerances

Traditional roof:

• length of timbers: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• saw-cuts: correct angle and clean: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or - 1
• rafter position (setting out and spacing): Pass + or - 3mm or Distinction + or - 2mm

Joints:

• position: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or – 1mm
• fit: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction+ or – 1mm
• flush: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction+ or – 1mm

Trussed roof:

• truss position (setting out and spacing): Pass + or - 3mm or Distinction + or - 2mm
• diagonal Bracing angle and positioning: Pass + or – 4 degrees or Distinction + or - 2 degrees
• longitudinal bracing positioning Pass + or - 4mm or Distinction + or - 2mm
• bracing saw-cuts: correct angle and clean: Pass:+ or - 2mm or Distinction: + or - 1mm

Loft hatch:

• hatch to lining gap: Pass 2mm + 2 mm or Distinction 2mm + 1mm
• hinge recessed flush: Pass + or - 2 mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• hinge positioning: Pass+ or - 2 mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• hatch overall position Pass + or - 4mm or Distinction + or - 2mm
• lining mitre Joints Pass + or - 2 mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• latch position: pass + or - 2 mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• hatch overall size and position Pass + or - 2 mm or Distinction + or - 1mm

Architectural joinery

Production of a soft wood window frame with hinged storm proof or flush window casement. The minimum opening size of the window is to comply with means of escape size requirement.

The window production must include the following:

• appropriate size and clear opening to allow escape in the event of fire
• production of the frame with a minimum of 2 different joints (dovetail, bridal, mortise and tenon or halving)
• production of openable window casement with a minimum of 2 different joints to complete the list of four (dovetail, bridal, mortice and tenon or halving)
• side or top hung casement (one hinge must be cut using hand tools and one must be cut by machine)
• glazing rebate
• setting out and marking out by means of setting out rods
• installation of ironmongery including security based latches
• use of fixed machinery
• use of hand tools and portable power tools
• use of setting out and measurement skills

Typically, 60 minutes should be allocated within the EPA total time to interpret and extract relevant information from drawings, specifications and work instructions. This time will also enable estimation of resources and initial setting and marking out.

The window frame with opening must be compliant with building regulations, any manufacture instructions (To reduce cost, cheaper materials such as CLS (Canadian Lumber Standard) can be used for the construction of the window and casement.

Where the EPA is administered at the employers or training providers premises, the EPAO may liaise with the employer or training provider to provide resource, set up and equipment requirement information in preparation for the practical assessment. Where this is the case, the EPAO must put measures in place to prevent malpractice and reduce predictability. The EPAO is ultimately responsible for the preparation and quality of the resources and equipment to ensure fair assessment.

To minimise predictability, the EPAO should produce alternative versions of the assessment. The alternative versions must vary but be of equal complexity and take a competent architectural joiner 12 hours to complete. A range of different scenarios may be incorporated into the alternative versions; for example, casement type, frame and casement, opening sizes, glazing rebate requirements, hinge methods and directions, woodworking joint specifications and ironmongery requirements.

Specification Tolerances

Frame:

• overall length (finish and setting out): Pass + or - 2mm Distinction + or - 1mm
• overall width (finish and setting out): Pass + or - 2mm Distinction + or - 1mm
• overall thickness: Pass + or - 2mm Distinction + or - 1mm

Casement:

• overall length (finish and setting out): Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• overall width (finish and setting out): Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• overall thickness: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• glazing rebate size: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• glazing rebate position: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• hinge recessed flush: Pass + or - 2 mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• hinge positioning: Pass+ or - 2 mm or Distinction + or - 1mm

Joints:

• position: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction:+ or – 1mm
• fit: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or – 1mm
• flush: Pass + or - 2mm or Distinction + or – 1mm

General:

• security latch flush: Pass + or - 2 mm or Distinction + or - 1mm
• security latch: positioning: Pass + or - 2 mm or Distinction + or - 1mm

KSBs observed, and answers to questions must be documented by the independent assessor. The independent assessor will make all grading decisions in line with specification tolerances and grading descriptors.

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 explore aspects of the KSBs not demonstrated in the practical assessment and show depth of understanding.

Questioning must occur during the practical assessment. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time.

The independent assessor must ask at least 5 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 with questions.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the practical assessment and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the KSBs observed
• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved

Assessment location

The practical assessment with questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises. The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment with questions must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.

Questioning that occurs after the practical assessment with questions should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

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 with 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 tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment with questions:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

In the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it allows the apprentice to be assessed against KSBs which may not naturally occur during the practical assessment

• it is underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, enabling the apprentice to demonstrate the application of skills and behaviours as well as knowledge

• it allows for testing of responses where there are a number of potential answers that could not be tested through a multiple-choice test

• it is cost-effective.

Delivery

The interview 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 interview.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to assess the following themes:

• environment and sustainability
• carpentry and joinery techniques
• option: site carpentry techniques
• option: architectural joinery techniques
• communication
• teamworking and equity, diversity and inclusion
• continuing professional development and well being

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the interview.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.

The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the interview.

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 interview must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the interview 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. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.

The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

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 with 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 interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the practical assessment with questions and interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence in line with this EPA plan.

The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA merit, the apprentice must gain a distinction in the practical assessment and one other of the assessment methods and a pass in the other. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must gain a distinction in all the assessment methods.

Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they 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. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 3 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 6 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed assessment methods will typically be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

The 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:

• how an apprentice qualifies for reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.

EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.

They must also appoint independent assessors who:

• have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 3 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

• completing applicable assessment methods online (for example computer-based assessment)

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship is not aligned to professional recognition.