Craft painter and decorator

ST1358, craft painter and decorator level 3

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 18 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.
In the test you can have:

• scientific calculator
• pen and paper

The test administrator should provide this equipment in readiness for the test.

The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 70 minutes to complete it.

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 70 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 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.

Practical assessment with questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 24 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.

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 craft painter and decorator apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Craft painter and decorator apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

A full-time craft painter and decorator apprentice typically spends 18 months on-programme. 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 EPA should be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 3 months.

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 work with the training provider to select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR).

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 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 3 - practical assessment with questions:

• 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 is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA. 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 the interview 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
• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips with a maximum total duration of 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.

Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with 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 can assess knowledge, and skills S8 and S9
• it is easy to administer
• it can be conducted remotely and administered to multiple apprentices at the same time, potentially reducing cost

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 70 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 following equipment is allowed to be used during the test:

• scientific calculator
• pen and paper

The test administrator should provide this equipment in readiness for 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.

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 can 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:

• assessment materials for independent assessors and markers which includes:
  
  • 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 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 assesses KSBs holistically and objectively
• it allows for the assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis
• it allows for assessment of responses where there are a range of potential answers
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost

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 is to assess the apprentice's competence against the following themes:

• Colour schemes and their use
• Safe systems of work and working at height
• Environment and sustainability
• Team working
• Power tools and equipment use maintenance and storage
• Surface preparation procedures – internal and external
• Time management
• Stock control
• Communication
• Fault finding, defects and remedies
• Wallcovering preparation and application
• Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and wellbeing
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
• Quality assurance

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 70 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 apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end any assessment methods early unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end any assessment early.

The independent assessor must ask at least 8 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

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, remotely, 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 must 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.

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 in which of the simulated environments 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:

• this is a practical role, which can be demonstrated through completing tasks
• it allows for consistency of opportunity for apprentices to demonstrate their competence against the mapped KSBs
• it assesses KSBs holistically and objectively
• it is a valid assessment because it involves direct testing under controlled conditions and reflects work that is performed in the occupation

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 observe no more than three apprentices at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.

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

The practical assessment with questions must take 24 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 4 consecutive working days. A working day is typically considered to be 7.5 hours long. The reason for this split is to provide sufficient time for the apprentice to complete all elements of the practical task, including drying time for coatings.

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:

Practical work area must include the following:

• a four walled area with ceiling, with a plaster skimmed finish. Area to be a minimum of 3m width, 3m depth and 2.4m height
• ceiling may be unpainted or previously painted
• one wall with chimney breast of minimum size 1.2m width and 0.35m depth
• two previously painted side walls including previously painted decorative moulded dado rail
• remaining wall, previously painted, to contain: one door frame with architrave and hung four panelled door with mouldings, panels, rails, stiles and muntins, and one outward opening timber casement window, minimum width 0.9m and height 0.9m, door frame, architrave and casement window previously painted, four panelled door finished to a mid to light grey intermediate coat
• skirting boards to all four walls -previously painted
• three consecutive moulded spindles with handrail, previously painted with solvent-borne paint system
• one ceiling light rose and pendant- not live
• a total of three switches or sockets, one in a recess of the chimney breast wall and two surface mounted on other walls- not live

The work area details are provided to ensure that common constructional complexities are included in the practical assessment. Where the EPA is administered at the employer's or training provider's premises, the EPAO may liaise with the employer or training provider to provide resources, 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 tasks must ensure 24 hours of practical time comparable to the work of a competent painter and decorator, and the apprentice will plan their own sequence of work to complete the activities within the allocated time.

The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the work area prior to the practical assessment is comparable for all apprentices.

The independent assessor must observe the following as a minimum, during the practical assessment:

General:

• interpretation and use of drawings, specifications, work instructions, manufacturer’s information, colour charts and notations
• application of lining paper to ceiling
• application of drop match finishing paper
• application of a monochromatic colour scheme for ceiling, walls and four panelled door in line with the predominant colour of the drop match finishing paper. The four panelled door is to be painted in two tones of the same monochromatic scheme, with the first tone applied to panels and mouldings, and the second tone applied to rails, stiles and muntins
• application of coatings using high volume low pressure (HVLP) spray painting equipment, brush, roller, and tools used to apply broken colour paint effects
• compliance with health and safety regulations and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and safe working at height
• selection, preparation and use of painting and decorating tools and equipment, including HVLP equipment
• cleaning, maintaining and storing of painting and decorating tools and equipment, including HVLP spray painting equipment
• preparation and making good of surfaces before painting and decorating

Activity 1: Apply solvent-borne coatings

• prepare and make good surfaces
• apply one coat of gloss paint by brush to three consecutive moulded spindles with handrail

Activity 2: Apply water-borne coatings by brush and roller

There must be clear colour contrasts between each of the ceiling, walls, trim - architrave and skirting, window and door

• prepare and make good surfaces
• apply two coats of vinyl matt emulsion paint by brush and roller to applied ceiling paper
• apply two coats of vinyl matt emulsion paint by brush and roller to wall filling of two side walls and the whole of wall containing the door and window
• apply one coat of acrylic intermediate paint and one coat of acrylic eggshell paint to hung four panelled door ion two tones; first tone applied to panels and mouldings, and the second tone applied to rails, stiles and muntins
• apply one coat of acrylic intermediate paint and one coat of acrylic eggshell paint or low sheen paint to moulded dado rails, skirting boards and architraves
• apply one coat of acrylic undercoat and one coat of acrylic gloss paint to opening casement window, changing the colour from the existing colour
• cut in to adjacent surfaces, fittings and glass by brush
• clean, maintain and store painting and decorating tools and equipment

Activity 3: Apply water-borne coating using HVLP spray painting equipment

• prepare and make good surfaces
• apply protection to adjacent surfaces
• set up HVLP spray equipment and prepare spray paint materials
• spray apply two coats of acrylic eggshell paint to dado of two side walls as a ground coat for the broken colour effects
• remove protection and clean, maintain and store HVLP spray painting equipment

Activity 4: Hang non-woven lining paper to ceiling

• prepare and make good surface
• hang non-woven lining paper to ceiling
• cut around ceiling rose

Activity 5: Hang standard width drop match finishing paper to wall with chimney breast

• prepare and make good surfaces
• hang a minimum of six lengths of drop match finishing paper to include two internal and two external angles, cut and overlapped
• cut round one socket or switch

Activity 6: Apply broken colour effects using acrylic scumble

• prepare and make good surfaces
• apply a vertical dragged broken colour effect to dado of one side wall
• apply a rag rolled broken colour effect to dado of the other opposite side wall

Tolerances and criteria

Activity 1: Apply solvent-borne coatings - tolerances and criteria

Defects are defined as: bits, nibs and atmospheric dust, visible brush marks and ropiness, runs or sags, misses or grinning and defects caused by poor preparation.

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the moulded spindles with handrail

• distinction: no defects to the moulded spindles with handrail

Activity 2: Apply water-borne coatings - tolerances and criteria

Defects are defined as: bits, nibs and atmospheric dust, visible brush or roller marks and ropiness, runs or sags, misses or grinning and defects caused by poor preparation.

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the ceiling

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the walls

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the skirting boards and architrave

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the moulded dado rails

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the casement window and frame

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the 4 panelled door panels and mouldings

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the 4 panelled door rails, stiles and muntins

• distinction: no defects to the ceiling

• distinction: no defects to the walls

• distinction: no defects to the skirting boards and architrave

• distinction: no defects to the moulded dado rails

• distinction: no defects to the casement window and frame

• distinction: no defects to the 4 panelled door panels and moulding

• distinction: no defects to the 4 panelled door rails, stiles and muntins

Cutting in accuracy:

• pass: cutting in between adjacent surfaces and fittings + or - 2mm

• pass: window glass must be sealed, cutting in maximum 2mm onto glass

• distinction: cutting in between adjacent surfaces and fittings + or -1mm

• distinction: window glass must be sealed, cutting in maximum 1mm onto glass

Activity 3: Apply water-borne coating using HVLP spray painting equipment - tolerances and criteria

Defects are defined as: runs, sags, dry spray, banding, overspray, orange peel, evidence of creep when protection materials removed

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the sprayed surface
• distinction: no defects to the sprayed surface

Activity 4 Hang non-woven lining paper to ceiling tolerances and criteria

Defects are defined as tears, delamination, staining or surface marking, blisters, loose edges, chewing or shear or knife marks and defects from poor preparation.

Cut lengths of lining paper:

• pass: lengths cut between 101mm and 125mm excess paper
• distinction: cut lengths no more than 100mm excess paper

Application of lining paper:

• pass: maximum 2 defects
• distinction: no defects

Joints in lining paper:

• pass: gaps or overlaps do not exceed 1mm, and deviates no more than 1mm over 1m length
• distinction: joints butted, no gaps or overlap, and no deviation over 1m length

Trim paper at ends and around ceiling rose:

• pass: cut gaps within + or - 2mm, and no score marks on ceiling rose
• distinction: cut with no gaps and no score marks on ceiling rose

Activity 5: Hang standard width drop match finishing paper to wall with chimney breast -tolerances and criteria

Defects are defined as tears, delamination, staining or surface marking, blisters, loose edges, chewing or shear or knife marks and defects from poor preparation.

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the chimney breast wall

• distinction: no defects to the chimney breast wall

Cut lengths of finishing paper:

• pass: lengths cut between 101mm and 125mm excess paper

• distinction: cut lengths no more than 100mm excess paper

Accuracy to plumb:

• pass: evidence of inaccurate paper plumb + or - 2mm
• distinction: evidence of inaccurate paper plumb + or - 1mm

Pattern correctly matched and within tolerance in two pattern repeats at eye level:

• pass: pattern match deviation within + or - 2mm
• distinction: pattern match deviation within + or - 1mm

Pattern centred and balanced on face of chimney breast:

• pass: pattern <5mm inaccuracy
• distinction: pattern accurately centred and balanced

Joints in finishing paper:

• pass: gap does not exceed 1mm, and deviates up to 1mm over 1m length
• distinction: joints butted, no gaps or overlap, and no deviation

Turn internal and external angles standard :

• pass: overlap of internal and external angles+ or - 2mm (of the standard)

• distinction: overlaps of internal and external angles + or - 1mm (of the standard)

Trim finishing paper top and bottom and around fitting:

• pass: cut within + or - 2mm, and no score marks on socket or switch

• distinction: cut with no gaps and no score marks on socket or switch

Activity 6: Apply broken colour effects - tolerances and criteria

Rag rolling defects are defined as: banding or tracking, slip or skid marks, regular pattern, dry edges, uneven application of scumble, discernible brush marks in scumble, unsuitability of ground coat, evidence of creep when protection materials removed

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the surface
• distinction: no defects to the surface

Vertical dragging defects are defined as: broken, interrupted or not continuous vertical lines particularly near top and bottom, scumble residue on adjacent surfaces, wavy vertical lines, loss of wet edge, edges of dragging not clean and sharp, unsuitability of ground coat, evidence of creep when protection materials removed

• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the surface
• distinction: no defects to the surface

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 seek clarification where required
• to assess the level of competence against the grading descriptors

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 6 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 apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end the assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.

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 premises, a training provider’s premises, a training facility in the employer’s premises, a test centre or a similar simulated environment. This 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.

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 must 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.

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and practical assessment with questions 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 with questions assessment as well as a distinction in one other assessment method, and a pass in the remaining assessment method. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must gain a distinction in the practical assessment with questions, a distinction in the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and a distinction in the multiple-choice test.

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.

For the practical assessment only the activity, or the individual task within the activity which has not produced the minimum grade of a pass will need to be re-sat or re-taken.

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.

The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of if pass they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, 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 a 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.

Special considerations

The EPAO must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a special consideration
• what special considerations will be given

Special considerations 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

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the assessment method permits this

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship is not aligned to professional recognition.