Scaffolder

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

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

Due to the safety critical nature of the role, the practical assessment with questions assessment method must be carried out in a construction industry scaffolders record scheme (CISRS) approved environment and all independent assessors must be CISRS registered.

A full-time scaffolder apprentice typically spends 18 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

Assessment method 2 - practical assessment with questions:

• fail

• pass

Assessment method 3 - interview:

• fail

• pass

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

• fail

• pass

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 the EPA should start as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think their apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.

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

These are:

• The apprentice must have achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

• achieved CISRS Part 1a, 1b

• achieved CISRS Part 2a, 2b, 2c

• achieved CISRS Foundation

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 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 an objectively correct answer.
• it allows for flexibility of delivery
• it allows for larger volumes of apprentices to be assessed at one time

Delivery

The test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The multiple-choice test can be computer based.

The multiple-choice test must consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.

Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.

The apprentice must be given at least 7 days notice of the date and time of the multiple-choice test.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 60 minutes to complete the test.

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

The multiple-choice test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator under the responsibility of the EPAO.

The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the multiple-choice test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.

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

Marking

The multiple-choice test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question type supports this.

A correct answer gets 1 mark.

Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.

The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the multiple-choice test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of multiple-choice test.

Assessment location

The apprentice must take the multiple-choice 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 multiple-choice test may take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.

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 and professional body for this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the multiple-choice 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, training, and moderation.

Overview

In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing scaffolding practical assessment tasks, individually and as part of a group, this allows the apprentice to demonstrate competence in the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.  Practical assessments tasks are set by the EPAO and must be conducted at a simulated offsite venue. The offsite venue selected must be an approved CISRS centre due to the safety critical nature of the scaffolding role and closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment.

The practical assessment with questions is spilt into two components:

• Component one: individual practical assessment with questions
• Component two: group practical assessment with questions.

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 the testing of related underpinning knowledge and or skills and behaviours where an opportunity to observe them has not occurred;
• the activities replicate industry scaffolding practices
• 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.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 7 days notice of the . practical assessment with questions

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.

EPAOs must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations during the working day. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The practical assessment and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the pass or fail grade. 

Component one: individual practical assessment with questions

The individual practical assessment with questions involves an independent assessor observing an apprentice undertaking a scaffolding practical assessment task in a controlled CISRS approved environment. This must be complemented by questioning from the independent assessor during or after the observation or a combination of both.

Independent assessors may observe up to a maximum of 6 apprentices at any one time, to allow for cost effective use of resources while maintaining quality and rigour.

The individual practical assessment with questions must take 4 hours.

Apprentices must be provided with both written and verbal instructions on the tasks they must complete, and the independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the individual practical assessment with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The individual practical assessment with questions must allow assessment against the assessment criteria annexe and the grading descriptors.

The individual practical assessment with questions must include the following:

• construct, inspect, and dismantle an independent scaffold with a cantilever section to a maximum 2m high working platform.
• installation of spurs.

The following must be observed during the practical individual activity:

• compliance with, risk assessments, methods statements and safe systems of work.
• reading and Interpretation of drawings and specifications.
• determining components
• inspection, use and storage of tools, components and equipment.
• organisation of materials
• safe use of lifting equipment and access equipment
• carrying, raising, and lowering materials.

Component two: group practical assessment with questions

The group practical assessment with questions involves an independent assessor observing up to two groups of apprentices undertaking a scaffolding practical assessment task in a controlled CISRS approved environment. This must be complemented by individual questioning from the independent assessor during or after the observation or a combination of both.

Scaffolding groups must contain 2 or 3 apprentices to allow the assessment to link closely to standard industry scaffolding practice. It is the responsibility of the EPAO to design a range of scaffolding assessment tasks that align to the practical specification and group size. The tasks must ensure each apprentice has equal challenge and equal opportunity to demonstrate individual competence against the assessment criteria annexe and grading descriptors. The independent assessor must rotate the roles of the apprentices to ensure equal challenge and opportunity. The apprentice is not to be told the group size or task in advance of the assessment.

Independent assessors may observe up to two groups of 2 or 3 apprentices (maximum 6 apprentices) at any one time, to allow for cost effective use of resources while maintaining quality and rigour.

The group practical assessment with questions must take 8 hours.

The practical assessment with questions may take place in parts, the working day is typically 7.5 hours. The reason for this split is to provide sufficient time for the apprentice to complete all elements of the practical assessment.

Apprentices must be provided with both written and verbal instructions on the tasks they must complete. 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 group practical assessment with questions must allow individual assessment of the assessment criteria annexe and the grading descriptors.

The group practical assessment with questions must include the following:

• construct, inspect and dismantle an independent scaffold with one feature, the feature must be one of the following:

• birdcage
• tower
• chimney stack
• truss outs with beams
• loading bay with or without beams
• splay
• gantry scaffold
• bridging sections with beams

Each apprentice in the group must be observed carrying out the following during the practical group activity:

• complying with risk assessments, methods statements, and safe systems of work.
• reading and interpreting drawings and specifications
• determining required components
• inspection, use and storage of tools, components and equipment
• organising materials
• safely using lifting equipment and access equipment
• working as a Team and communicating with others
• ensuring the protection of others with the working vicinity
• carrying, raising, and lowering materials

Questioning

The independent assessor must ask questions in components one and two of the practical assessment with questions. The purpose of the questions is to allow the assessor to adapt a holistic view of the apprentice's competence in the KSBs. The assessor will choose the timing of the questions to suit the candidates progress with the tasks. Questions must vary between apprentices to ensure individual responses.

Questioning can occur both during and after the practical assessments. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 3 questions in the individual practical assessment with questions and at least 3 questions in the group practical assessment with questions. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural stops between tasks and after completion of work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from the 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 and should be kept to a minimum.

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

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The practical assessment and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade. 

Assessment location

The practical assessment with questions will take place in a CISRS approved simulated environment selected by the EPAO. The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the group practical assessment must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with employers 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 and professional body relevant for this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment 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

Overview

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

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 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.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to assess competency in the knowledge, skills and behaviours assigned to this assessment method.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 7 days notice of the interview.

The interview may follow on from assessment method 2 to reduce the burden on the apprentice and be delivered in a more informal way.

The interview must last for 10 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 3 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

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

• the 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 may take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

The interview may take place in the practical environment immediately following the practical assessment providing separation from other apprentices is achieved to prevent distractions and collusion.

It is the responsibility of the EPAOs to interview apprentices in an environment that allows them to feel at ease.

The interview can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

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 and professional body of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the interview:

• 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, training, and moderation.

Performance in the EPA determines the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

The assessment methods are graded pass or fail only as scaffolding is a safety critical role, carrying out the operation of erection, alteration and dismantling of scaffolding structures at height. The pass or fail grading structure aligns with other existing non-apprenticeship routes to becoming a competent scaffolder, detailed in the annex.

An independent assessor must individually grade the: practical assessment with questions and interview 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 or more assessment methods, 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.

Assessment Criteria Annex

A = Fault

B = Major Fault

The assessment criteria annex is in line with the current CISRS scheme core skills test, which is used for the qualification and achievement of CISRS scaffolder status.

If the apprentice fails one or more assessment methods 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 EPAO 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 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take.

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 how the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section:

The EPAO must also:

• have quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent EPA regardless of employer, place, time or independent assessor
• appoint CISRS registered independent assessors who are competent to deliver the EPA and who:
  • have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 2 gained in the last 10 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
  • meet the following minimum requirements:
    • Hold a CISRS scaffolder card for more than 10 years with verifiable industry experience
    • CISRS accredited registered assessor
    • Competent to assess – have achieved a relevant recognised assessor qualification such as a Level 3 award in assessing competence in the workplace and continue to practice to that standard. Assessors who hold earlier qualifications (D32 or D33 or A1 or TQFE or TQSE) should have CPD evidence to the most current standards.

• operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery or assessment of the EPA
• provide training for independent assessors in good assessment practice, operating the assessment tools and making grading decisions
• provide ongoing training for markers and invigilators
• provide standardisation activity for this apprenticeship standard for all independent assessors:
  • before they conduct an EPA for the first time
  • if the EPA is updated
  • periodically as appropriate (a minimum of annually)
• conduct effective moderation of EPA decisions and grades
• conduct appeals where required, according to the EPAO’s appeals procedure, reviewing and making final decisions on EPA decisions and grades
• have no direct connection with the apprentice, their employer or training provider.

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

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship aligns with:

Construction Industry Scaffolder Record Scheme (CISRS) for Scaffolder

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship the Scaffolder will be eligible to apply for a CISRS Scaffolder card.