Floorlayer - textile and resilient

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

Floorlayer - textile and resilient apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

A full-time floorlayer - textile and resilient apprentice typically spends 30 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.

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - multiple-choice test:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - practical assessment with questions:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

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

• fail

• pass

• distinction

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

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.

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

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

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

They must:

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

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

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by 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 allows for the efficient testing of knowledge where there is a right or wrong answer

• it can be conducted remotely and administered to multiple apprentices at the same time, potentially reducing costs

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.

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.

Marking

An independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO must mark the test. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where the types of question support this.

A correct answer gets 1 mark.

Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.

The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of tests with written answers.

Assessment location

The apprentice must take the test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.

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

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.    

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

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

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

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

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

Overview

In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides 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:

• 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

reduces the assessment burden on the apprentice

Delivery

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

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the practical assessment with questions.

The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice 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 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 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.

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:

• interpretation and use of drawings, specifications, work instructions and manufacturer’s information
• compliance with health and safety regulations and using personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
• selection and use of tools and equipment
• preparation and repair of subfloors
• installation of floorcoverings and accessories

Practical work areas must include:

• Area 1 (for activity 1) stable walled area room to be 1.2m+or - 0.1m x 2.3m+or -0.1m with prepared timber-based sub floor to include skirting and doorway (half door shut or door lat). Walls should be a minimum of 0.3m high x 0.018m thick. Doorway (half door shut or door lat) entrance between 0.8m - 0.9m in width, with architrave.
• Area 2: (for activity 2) stable walled area room to be 1.8m+or - 0.1m x 2.3m+ or - 0.1m with prepared timber-based sub floor to include skirting and doorway (half door shut or door lat). Walls should be a minimum of 0.3m high x 0.018m thick. Doorway (half door shut or door lat) entrance between 0.8m - 0.9m in width with architrave.

Area 2 must contain:

• an area of damaged floor of 0.4m x 0.4m (size can vary up to 10% difference).
• one intervention to the impervious area. Intervention could be toilet pan, sink or gully drain.
• two interventions to the LVT area one of which must be the doorway (half shut or door lat). Other inventions could be, pipework, bowed wall, kitchen end panel, white goods, sanitary goods or external corner.

• Area 3: (for activity 3) stable walled area room to be 1.8m+ or - 0.1m x 2.3m+or - 0.1m with prepared timber-based sub floor to include skirting and doorway (half door shut or door lat). Walls should be a minimum of 0.3m high x 0.018m thick. Doorway (half door shut or door lat) entrance between 0.8m - 0.9m in width with architrave.

Area 3 must contain:

• three different interventions, one of which must be the doorway (half shut or door lat). Other inventions could be, pipework, bowed wall raised skirting, loose skirting, fireplace, matting area. white goods, or external corner.

• Area 4: (for activity 4) a section of wood winder staircase, tread lengths between 220-300mm and rise height between 150-220mm per step consisting of one kite winder step and one winding step with nosings.

Note: Practical work area 2 and 3 can be used for activities 2 or 3, where the activity requirements permit this. This is providing the previous activities work is removed and the area re-prepared in accordance with the next activity requirements, prior to the apprentice commencing that activity. It is the responsibility of the EPAO to ensure the work area is appropriately prepared prior to the apprentice commencing activities. Any re-preparation of the area work must not contribute to the overall assessment time.

Activity1: Prepare subfloor

• prepare and prime subfloor to receive smoothing compound
• apply smoothing compound to designated subfloor area

Activity 2: Installation of resilient floorcovering - sheet, and tiles or planks

• repair and make good a damaged section of the timber-based subfloor
• install resilient floorcovering for an impervious function with an appropriate resilient to resilient join, to an area with one intervention to cover approximately 50% of the total available floor space in the bay
• install LVT tiles or planks to an area, including to doorway with a threshold accessory and one other intervention to cover 50% of the total available floor space in the bay. note: there is no requirement to join the LVT and impervious flooring with a join in the installation task.

Note: LVT Tiles should be between 300-350mm in width and 450-500mm in length in brick bond formation or LVT planks between 100-250mm in width and 900-1300mm in length in a 45-degree angle formation to skirting board.

Activity 3: Installation of textile floorcovering: woven secondary backed or broadloom, sheet.

• install textile floorcovering woven secondary backed or broadloom sheet including underlayments – installation must include installing to the door with threshold accessory, two interventions and an appropriate textile to textile joint, to cover the total available floor space in the bay.

Activity 4: Installation of textile or resilient floorcovering to a winder staircase

• install resilient or textile floorcovering with floorcovering underlayments to the wood winder staircase, including accessories to individual winding stairs consisting of two treads and two risers with nosings.

Tolerances and criteria

• Activity 2 Installation of resilient floorcovering - sheet, and tiles or planks Gaps from cuts around skirtings and interventions - Pass - no more than 1mm, Distinction - no gaps.
• Activity 2 Installation of resilient floorcovering - sheet, and tiles or planks Pass - squareness to the skirting between 1mm and 3mm, Distinction - squareness to the skirting less than 1mm.
• Activity 2 Joining of resilient to resilient floorcovering for an impervious function. Pass - preparation and application of the seam results in a clean join and no gaps or overlaps between the 2 pieces of floorcovering.
• Activity 3 Installation of textile floorcovering woven secondary backed or broadloom sheet Gaps from cuts around skirtings and interventions - Pass 1mm or less, Distinction no gaps.
• Activity 3 Installation of textile floorcovering woven secondary backed or broadloom sheet Pass - squareness to the skirting between 1mm and 3mm, Distinction - squareness to the skirting less than 1mm.
• Activity 3 Joining of textile to textile floorcovering woven secondary backed or broadloom sheet. Pass: - preparation and application of the join, no gaps and no disruption to the pattern or pile direction.
• Activities 2 and 3 Threshold accessory installation Pass - gaps 1mm or less, Distinction - no gaps.
• Activity 3 Installation of textile floorcovering woven secondary backed or broadloom sheet Gripper rods installed at all interventions and skirtings Pass: installed at two thirds of the thickness of the carpet with gap of no more than 1mm, Distinction: installed at two thirds of the thickness of the carpet with no gaps.
• Activities 3 and 4 Installation of underlayment of textile floorcovering woven secondary backed or broadloom sheet (activity 4 woven secondary backed or broadloom sheet only) Underlayment gap to gripper rod Pass: gaps 2mm or less, Distinction: no gaps.
• Activity 4 Installation of textile or resilient flooring to a winder staircase (installation of textile floorcovering woven secondary backed or broadloom sheet only) Gripper rods installed where textile sheet meets textile sheet Pass: installed at one and a half times the thickness of the carpet with gap of no more than 1mm, Distinction: installed at one and a half times the thickness of the carpet with no gaps.
• Activity 4 Installation of textile or resilient flooring to a winder staircase (installation of textile floorcovering woven secondary backed or broadloom sheet only) Gaps from cuts around winder staircase - Pass: 1mm, Distinction no gaps.
• Activity 4 Installation of textile or resilient flooring to a winder staircase (installation of textile floorcovering only) Gaps from cuts around winder staircase - Pass: 1mm, Distinction no gaps.
• Activity 4 Installation of textile or resilient flooring to a winder staircase (installation of resilient floorcovering only Pass -gaps 1mm, Distinction - no gaps.

To ensure reliable assessment the tasks will vary but will provide equal challenge within the 12 hour practical assessment.

The practical assessment with questioning must be relevant to the apprentice's day to day duties. The EPAO may liaise with the employer to ensure that practical assessment with questioning relates to the apprentice's role and allows the relevant KSBs to be demonstrated.

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

Typically, 30 minutes should be allocated within the EPA total time to interpret and extract relevant information from drawings, specifications and work instructions. This time will also enable the preparation of resources and initial setting out.

These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The independent assessor must ask questions.

The purpose of the questions is:

• to explore aspects of the KSBs and show depth of understanding

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

The independent assessor must ask at least 5 questions during the practical assessment. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural breaks in work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical assessment with questions.

The 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 confirmed to be available by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these. They must be in good and safe working condition.

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

• communication
• resource planning
• subfloor testing and preparation
• environment and sustainability
• tools and equipment
• continuous professional development (CPD), equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and wellbeing
• option specific content relating to installation and repairs

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 7 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank.

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 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 and a distinction in one other 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 3 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 6 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed assessment methods 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.

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:

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the assessment method permits this

This apprenticeship is not aligned to professional recognition.