Contents
Contents
- Introduction and overview
- EPA summary table
- Duration of end-point assessment period
- EPA gateway
- Order of assessment methods
- Written project report with presentation and questioning.
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
- Grading
- Overall EPA grading
- Re-sits and re-takes
- Roles and responsibilities
- Reasonable adjustments
- Internal quality assurance
- Value for money
- Professional recognition
- KSB mapping table
- Mapping of KSBs to grade themes
- Version log
End-point assessment plan
V1.4
Introduction and overview
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the associate project manager apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Associate project manager apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
A full-time associate project manager 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 5 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 providers and assessment register (APAR).
This EPA has 2 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are below.
Assessment method 1 - written project report with presentation and questioning.:
- fail
- pass
- distinction
Assessment method 2 - professional discussion 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
- distinction
EPA summary table
Duration of end-point assessment period
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 5 months.
The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.
EPA gateway
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 project scoping document for the written project report with presentation and questioning.
To ensure the project allows the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade, the EPAO should sign-off the project’s title and scope at the gateway to confirm it is suitable. A brief project scoping document must be submitted to the EPAO. It should be no more than 500 words. This needs to show that the project will provide the opportunity for the apprentice to cover the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. It is not assessed. The agreed project will present a typical business task, appropriate for demonstrating the skills and knowledge on the standard. The agreed project will be comparable in terms of content and complexity for all apprentices - it is the context within which the knowledge, and skills must be demonstrated that will vary. The project is undertaken and completed on programme and pre-gateway to the EPA. The project itself is not part of the EPA. The project will typically be undertaken on the employer’s premises.
- submit a portfolio of evidence for the professional discussion 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 professional discussion. It will typically contain 20 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.
Evidence sources may include:
- workplace documentation and records, for example:
- workplace policies and procedures
- reports
- presentations
- 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 professional discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the professional discussion. 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.
Order of assessment methods
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.
Written project report with presentation and questioning.
Overview
A written project report involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. The written project report must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship.
This assessment method has 2 components:
-
written project report
-
presentation with questions and answers
Together, these components give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. They are assessed by an independent assessor.
Rationale
This assessment method is being used because:
- the written project report is designed to demonstrate the application of knowledge, skills, and behaviours as they would occur in occupational practice. Producing a written project report reflects normal practice in the workplace for an associate project manager, so this assessment method is appropriate.
- it is a significant and relevant piece of work that thoroughly tests both higher and lower order knowledge, skills, and behaviours.
- it demonstrates the apprentice’s understanding of their organisation and the project management function.
Delivery
Examples of the types of written project report an apprentice could submit include:
- Work as part of an integrated project team to produce the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and handover of a piece of equipment to be replaced on a nuclear site. Engaging with stakeholders on a regular basis to ensure their requirements are safely met to time and cost, whilst abiding to the appropriate laws and legislations.
- Deliver a major infrastructure project by defining customer requirements, determining if they are feasible and develop a business case to enable the project to commence. Work with subject matter experts to conduct surveys and undertake risk analysis. Produce a health and safety file throughout the stages of project delivery to be handed to the asset owner upon project completion.
- Manage the supply chain to develop a new piece of software, producing, and completing the testing schedule for the software prior to implementing it into the organisation. Evaluate the learning from this project and apply it into the recommendations to ensure continuous improvements are made.
- Plan and deliver a project to improve outcomes in a challenged organisation area based on initial evaluation of performance. Engage with stakeholders to develop buy in and create working relationships to enable you to be embedded within the site. Identify appropriate improvement interventions and create schedule for delivery. Keep updated records to enable reporting within governance structure at appropriate level of detail and provide updates to central teams where required.
To ensure the written project report allows the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade, the EPAO must sign-off the written project report's title and scope at the gateway to confirm it is suitable. The EPAO must refer to the grading descriptors to ensure that written project reports are pitched appropriately.
The written project report output must be in the form of a written project report and presentation.
The apprentice must start the written project report after the gateway. The employer should ensure the apprentice has the time and resources, within the written project report period, to plan and complete their written project report. The research and project will be completed before the gateway.
The apprentice may work as part of a team to assist in the completion of a project or elements of a project, which could include internal colleagues or technical experts. The project may be of any size such as a large or small project. The apprentice must however, complete their written project report and presentation unaided and they must be reflective of their own role and contribution. The apprentice and their employer must confirm this when the written project report and any presentation materials are submitted.
The apprentice may choose to end any 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.
Component 1: Written project report
The written project report must include at least:
- an executive summary (or abstract)
- an introduction
- the scope of the project (including key performance indicators, aims and objectives)
- an outline project delivery schedule
- an estimate of cost
- learning from change outcomes
- project outcomes, did it deliver the benefits included? was it completed to time and cost?
- identification of findings
- recommendations and conclusions
- references
- appendix containing mapping of KSBs to the report.
The written project report must have a word count of 3500 words. A tolerance of 10% above or below is allowed at the apprentice’s discretion. Appendices, references and diagrams are not included in this total. The apprentice must produce and include a mapping in an appendix, showing how the written project report evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice must complete and submit the written project report and any presentation materials to the EPAO by the end of week 12 of the EPA period.
Component 2: Presentation with questions
The presentation 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.
The apprentice must prepare and deliver a presentation to an independent assessor. After the presentation, the independent assessor must ask the apprentice questions about their written project report and presentation.
The presentation should cover:
- an overview of the project
- the project scope
- how this scope was delivered (including schedule, milestones and key resources)
- summary of delivery tasks undertaken by the apprentice
- project outcomes
The presentation with questions must last 60 minutes. This will typically include a presentation of 20 minutes and questioning lasting 40 minutes. The independent assessor must use the full time available for questioning. The independent assessor can increase the time of the presentation and questioning by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete their last point or respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions. They must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions is:
- to verify that the activity was completed by the apprentice
- to seek clarification where required
- to assess those KSBs that the apprentice did not have the opportunity to demonstrate with the report, although these should be kept to a minimum
- to assess level of competence against the grading descriptors
The apprentice must submit any presentation materials to the EPAO at the same time as the report - by the end of week 12 of the EPA period. The apprentice must notify the EPAO, at that point, of any technical requirements for the presentation.
During the presentation, the apprentice must have access to:
- audio-visual presentation equipment
- flip chart and writing and drawing materials
- computer
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the written project report and any presentation materials, to allow them to prepare questions.
The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks’ notice of the presentation with questions.
Assessment decision
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. They must assess the written project report components holistically when deciding the grade.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
- the KSBs demonstrated in the written project report and presentation with questions
- the apprentice’s answers to questions
- the grade achieved
Assessment location
The presentation with questions must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises. It should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The presentation with questions 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 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.
EPAO must produce the following materials to support the project:
- independent assessor EPA 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.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
Overview
In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. 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 show case their depth of understanding relating to the KSBs.
- it allows the independent assessor to consider the context and sector that the apprentice operates within, giving flexibility to ensure that all the KSBs can be assessed appropriately.
- it allows scope for the apprentice to demonstrate the depth and breadth of KSBs.
Delivery
The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.
- Business requirements and objectives
- Regulations and legislation
- Project management tools and techniques
- Managing information
- Managing stakeholders
- Research and analysis
- Evaluation
The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the professional discussion.
The portfolio of evidence is submitted to the independent assessor at the Gateway. 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 professional discussion.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The professional discussion must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions. 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. 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 professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
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 professional discussion 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.
Grading
Overall EPA grading
Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:
- fail
- pass
- distinction
An independent assessor must individually grade the written project report with presentation and questioning. and professional discussion 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 distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in both assessment methods.
Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
Re-sits and re-takes
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 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.
If the apprentice fails the project assessment method, they must amend the project output in line with the independent assessor’s feedback. The apprentice will be given 4 weeks to rework and submit the amended report.
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 passif they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
Roles and responsibilities
Reasonable adjustments
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
Internal quality assurance refers to how EPAOs ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. EPAOs must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section and:
- have effective and rigorous quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent EPA regardless of employer, place, time or independent assessor
- appoint 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 6 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
- operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery and/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. In all instances, including when the EPAO is the training provider (for example a higher education institution)
Value for money
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
- utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods
- using the employer’s premises
- conducting assessment methods on the same day
Professional recognition
This apprenticeship aligns with:
- Association for Project Management for Associate Membership
KSB mapping table
Mapping of KSBs to grade themes
Version log
Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
---|---|---|---|
1.4 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band has been revised. | 22/04/2024 | Not set |
1.3 | The funding band for this standard has been reviewed as part of the apprenticeship funding band review. The new funding band is £6000 | 04/03/2019 | 21/04/2024 |
1.2 | End-point assessment plan revised | 16/03/2018 | 03/03/2019 |
1.1 | Standard revised | 08/03/2018 | 15/03/2018 |
1.0 | Retired | 19/08/2016 | 07/03/2018 |
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