Plasterer

ST0096, plasterer 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 6 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 6 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 plasterer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Plasterer 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:

• solid Plasterer

• fibrous Plasterer

A full-time plasterer apprentice typically spends 24 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 select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship provider 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 - 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.

Gateway should only start once the employer is confident that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard and ready to undertake an 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 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 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

• 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 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.

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 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 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 to provide sufficient time for the apprentice to complete all elements of the practical task.

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.

Practical work area must include the following:

Solid Plasterer: solid plastering area (solid plastering activity 1 – 4):

A non-plastered, dense blockwork bay with timber joist ceiling, measuring 2.4m height x 2.2m width x 2.6m depth. The dense blockwork bay must consist of the following:

• timber joist ceiling with joists spaced at equal centres. Joists should run parallel with one wall and the first joist should not exceed 75mm from the adjacent wall (activity 1)
• three unfinished dense blockwork walls:
  • wall 1: must include a window opening of minimum 0.9m x 0.9m size, with soffit and window reveals (activity 2)
  • wall 2: must include scratch coat render and bell cast bead pre-applied. This wall must include a dense block pillar, measuring 2.4m height x 0.3m width x 0.2m depth, (the pillar must be located at the far end of the wall to allow for the formation of one external hard angle) (activity 3)
  • wall 3: must include one double plug back box and one single light switch back box (activity 4)

Fibrous plasterer: fibrous plastering area (fibrous plastering activity 1 – 3):

A Fully plastered bay or similar area with wall and ceiling, which must consist of the following:

• two internal and one external corner (activity 1, 2 and 3)
• allow for a total of 4m of continuous fibrous plaster cornice to be applied (including angles, stop ends and one length a minimum of 2.4m) (activity 1, 2 and 3)
• a minimum 3m length, fully sealed, plasterer's bench with straight running rule and vice (activity 1, 2 and 3)

The work area details are provided to ensure that common constructional complexities are included in the practical assessment and to ensure reliable assessment. Where the EPA is administered at the employers or training providers 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.

For the solid plasterer option only, an additional person should be present to mix plaster products as and when requested by the apprentice.

The EPAO is responsible for ensuring work area is comparable in quality for all apprentices, prior to the practical assessment with questions taking place.

Activities:

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

General (applies to all activities):

• interpretation and use of drawings, specifications or work instructions
• compliance with health and safety standards and guidance
• selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• estimate material requirements
• select and use tools and equipment

Solid plasterer only activities:

Activity 1: Plaster timber joist ceiling area

• mechanical attachment of square edge 1200mm x 900mm (12.5mm thickness) plasterboard, with screws at 150mm spacings
• cut plasterboard
• apply joint reinforcement
• apply setting coat plaster

Activity 2: Plastering dense block wall area with window opening

• fix beads
• apply floating coat plaster to wall area, window soffit and all reveals
• apply setting coat plaster to wall area, and window soffit and all reveals

Activity 3: Render dense blockwork wall and dense blockwork two-sided pillar with plain face render and form hard angle

• apply plain face render to wall area and pillar
• form one hard angle to pillar external corner

Activity 4: Install plasterboard 2400mm x 1200mm (12.5mm thickness) with adhesive to dense blockwork wall

• set out plasterboard
• cut around switch and socket
• apply plasterboard to wall area with adhesive

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 solid plasterer 12 hours to complete. A range of different scenarios may be incorporated into the alternative versions; for example, switch and socket positions, bead types, joint reinforce type and size, render thickness and joist centres.

Fibrous plasterer only activities:

Activity 1: Construct and prepare reverse mould ready to produce cornice

• construct reverse mould, including cutting and shaping a metal template and horsing up running mould complete with metal template stock, horse or slipper and brace
• prepare reverse mould to include coring out
• seal reverse mould and apply release agent

Activity 2: Produce cornice

• gauge and mix casting plaster
• cut canvas and laths ready for casting
• produce casts from reverse mould
• remove and store, ready for fixing

Activity 3: Fix and stop 4m total length of cornice.

• prepare ceiling and wall line
• measure and cut mouldings to lengths including mitres and stop ends
• fix 4m total length of cornice moulding in position with adhesive and mechanical fixings. The total length of 4m must include fixing of two internal mitres, one external mitre, two stop ends and one length of cornice a minimum of 2.4m long
• fix two stop ends check moulding details for alignment and match at intersections
• stop and finish all joints, walls and ceiling lines

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 fibrous plasterer 12 hours to complete. A range of different scenarios may be incorporated into the alternative versions; for example: layouts, lengths to angles and stop ends, component patterns and component size.

Activity tolerances and criteria

The independent assessor must use the following tolerances and criteria in conjunction with the grading descriptors to make grading decisions.

Solid plasterer only: tolerances and criteria

Activity 1: Plaster timber joist ceiling area:

Plasterboard:

• plasterboards staggered to span joists (pass only)
• cut edge against walls, bound edge to bound edge: Pass, + or – 4mm or Distinction, + or – 2mm
• gaps in plasterboard not greater than: Pass, 4mm or Distinction, 2mm
• screw spacings (150mm): Pass, + or – 15mm or Distinction, + or – 10mm
• joint reinforcement covers all joints including ceiling and wall joint (pass only)

Setting coat plaster:

• flatness of setting coat plaster, bumps and voids when tested with a 2m straight edge, no greater than: Pass, + or – 4mm or Distinction, + or – 2mm
• setting coat plaster, visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3 or Distinction, no more than 1

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 25mm in diameter or length, such as trowel marks, fat marks, gauls, or blemishes.)

Activity 2: Plaster dense block wall area with window opening:

Angle beads:

• reveal and soffit beads plumb and level: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm
• parallel margins: Pass, + or - 3 mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm

Floating coat plaster:

• plumb and level at soffit: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm
• angles square at reveal: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm
• flatness of floating coat plaster, bumps and voids when tested with a 2m straight edge, no greater than: Pass, + or – 4mm or Distinction, + or – 2mm
• consolidated and keyed in line with industry standard (Pass only)

Setting coat plaster:

• flatness of setting coat plaster, bumps and voids when tested with a 2m straight edge on each flat edge, no greater than: Pass, + or – 4mm or Distinction, + or – 2mm
• setting coat plaster, visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3 or Distinction, no more than 1

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 25mm in diameter or length, such as trowel marks, fat marks, gauls, or blemishes.)

Activity 3: Render dense blockwork wall and dense block work two-sided pillar with plain face render and form hard angle:

• flatness of plain face render coat, bumps and voids when tested with 2m straight edge on each flat edge, no greater than: Pass, + or – 4mm or Distinction, + or – 3mm
• thickness of render to specification: Pass, + or – 3mm, Distinction, + or - 1mm
• render coat visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3 or Distinction, no more than 1

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 25mm in diameter or length, such as trowel marks, gauls, or blemishes.)

Hard angle:

• plumb: Pass, + or - 3mm, Distinction, + or - 1mm

Activity 4: Install plasterboard 2400mm * 1200mm (12.5mm thickness) with adhesive to dense blockwork wall:

Board installation:

• adhesive dabs in line with manufacturer’s instructions (Pass only)
• gaps in plasterboard and around obstacles not greater than: Pass, 4mm or Distinction, 2mm
• sealed around services in line with industry standards (Pass only)
• flatness of board application, bumps and voids when tested with 2m straight edge no greater than: Pass, + or – 3 mm or Distinction, + or – 1mm
• plasterboard visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3 or Distinction, no more than 1

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 15mm in diameter or length, such as adhesive marks or damaged boards)

Fibrous plasterer only: tolerances and criteria

Activity 1: Construct and prepare reverse mould, and produce cornice:

Running mould:

• moulding outline is transferred accurately to metal template: Pass, + or - 3mm at any point or Distinction, + or - 1mm at any point
• metal template is cut and shaped to moulding profile accurately: Pass, + or - 3mm at any point or Distinction, + or - 1mm at any point
• timber stock is the correct shape and splayed back for clearance: Pass, + or - 3mm at any point or Distinction, + or - 1mm at any point

Reverse mould materials:

• mould is straight throughout its length: Pass, + or – 5 mm or Distinction, + or – 3mm
• mould is cut square across its width at both ends: Pass, + or – 3 mm or Distinction, + or – 1mm
• finished surface is smooth: Pass, no more than 3 visual discrepancies: or Distinction, no more than1 visual discrepancies:

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 10mm in diameter or length, such as chattering, scratch lines or sealant runs, tears or misses)

Activity 2: Produce cornice:

Casting:

• casting plaster mixed in line with manufacturer’s instructions (pass only)
• casting visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3 or Distinction, no more than 1

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 10mm in diameter or length, such as face free from canvas, free from air holes, grease marks, cockling or shelling casts)

Activity 3: Fix and stop 4m total length of cornice:

Setting out:

• mark ceiling and wall lines to receive cornice: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm
• wall and ceiling keyed to industry standard (pass only)

Fixing:

• cut cornices to length, including internal and external mitres: Pass, + or - 5mm or Distinction, + or - 2mm
• fix using adhesive and mechanical fixings cornice with moulding sections to backgrounds in line with industry standard (Pass only)
• joints to ceiling and wall lines are flush: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm
• cornice fixed to specified length: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm

Joints and stop ends:

• internal mitres are aligned with true mitre lines: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1 mm
• external mitres are aligned with true mitre line: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1 mm
• mitres flush: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1 mm
• stop ends are aligned: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1 mm
• stopping in completed with no gaps exceeding Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1 mm

Appearance:

• cornice fitting visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3 or Distinction, no more than 1

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 15mm in diameter or length, such as gathering-ons, sinkings and other installation defects)

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 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, training provider'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 or training provider 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.

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 is to assess the following themes:

• (core) environment and sustainability
• (core) health and safety
• (core) power tools and work protection
• (core) team working, communication and equity, diversity and inclusion
• (solid plasterer) solid plastering techniques and repair
• (fibrous plasterer) fibrous plastering techniques and repair
• (core) 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 6 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 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.

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 with questions and a distinction in the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence or the multiple choice test, and a pass in the remaining assessment method. 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 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 4 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.

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.

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.