Domestic electrician

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the domestic electrician apprenticeship. The end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) must follow this when designing and delivering their EPA.

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

National Electrotechnical Training (NET) is the sole EPAO for this EPA and must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship.

NET is the industry charity whose purpose is to independently assure electrotechnical competence. It owns and delivers AM2 which is the competence assessment for the electrical industry. A modified version of AM2 will form the EPA for the domestic electrician apprenticeship standard.

Their responsibilities include:

• external quality assurance of the domestic electrician apprenticeship standard

• the production of all assessment material

• provision of the premises in which all assessment takes place (via the NET licensed centre network)

• provides the licence for NET approved and qualified assessors to undertake the independent assessment of the EPA

• confirming competence via the EPA which confers eligibility for the award of an ECS gold card by the Joint Industry Board (JIB)

The EPA will be conducted under controlled conditions by NET licensed independent assessors and will be available through NET’s licensed centre network of over 50 centres across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

A full-time apprentice typically spends 36 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a domestic electrician. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each EPA method are:

EPA method 1 - observation of practical competence in a controlled environment:

• fail

• pass

EPA method 2 - scenario based interview:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

EPA method 3 - online knowledge assessment:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

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

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The EPA will be taken within the EPA period. The EPA period begins when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements are met and is typically 6 months.

The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements are met and the EPA begins as quickly as possible.

All assessment methods for the EPA will take place over 3 consecutive days.

The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard as a domestic electrician. They will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision. In making this decision, the employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the decision must ultimately be made solely by the employer and confirmed through the Readiness for Assessment checklist.

NET as the EPAO determines when all other gateway requirements have been met, and the EPA period will only start once the EPAO has confirmed this.

Apprentices must meet the following gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

These are:

• achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• achieved an electrotechnical in dwellings qualification
• the employer, apprentice and training provider must complete and sign the Readiness for Assessment checklist.

Apprentices must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.

The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms all gateway requirements have been met. The expectation is they will do this as quickly as possible.

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.

All assessment methods for the EPA will take place over 3 consecutive days. It is recommended that the apprentice does not exceed a 7.5 hour working day and breaks should be permitted as per NET guidance.

Overview

In an observation of practical competence in a controlled environment, a NET licensed independent assessor observes an apprentice carrying out a range of simulated electrical exercises which reflect typical electrical work carried out in the workplace.

The observation of practical competence in a controlled environment must be assessed holistically by the NET licensed independent assessor when they are deciding the grade for the observation of practical competence in a controlled environment.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

The practical installation reflects the scope of a domestic electrician’s work as set out in the KSBs, and is typical of the apprentice’s work, ensuring that they can demonstrate the range specified within the occupational standard in practice. As part of a domestic electrician’s role, they will be expected to carry out an installation to a specification and test and inspect using the appropriate British Standards and associated guidance notes, with an awareness of net zero/green technologies. Therefore, this method of assessment is deemed as the most appropriate for this occupation as it accurately reflects all environments and current workplace tasks of the apprentice, which may not be available in a timely, standardised manner to the apprentice, if observed in the real working environment.

AM2 is the benchmark required for all domestic electricians. This is the agreed competence standard for the industry. This will be a modified competence assessment sampled from the current Industry Assessment of Competence AM2, the apprenticeship covers the professional recognition required for a domestic electrician.

Delivery

The observation of practical competence in a controlled environment must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.

The observation will take place in controlled conditions within a NET licensed assessment centre. NET licensed independent assessors can observe up to 4 apprentices at a time for each component as specified by NET guidance.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 10 days notice of the observation. 

The observation must take 19 hours.

The observation of practical competence in a controlled environment must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The observation may take place in parts but must be completed within 3 working days. A working day is typically 7.5 hours. The reason for this split is to accommodate the

different components that take several hours to complete.

The EPAO must manage invigilation of apprentices at all times to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations. 

The NET licensed independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the observation before it begins. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The NET licensed independent assessor should observe the following during the observation:

Component 1 - planning, safe isolation and risk assessment (1 hour)

Apprentices will prepare and complete a risk assessment for the assessment area work environment. Associated to this will be an observed exercise of safely isolating the domestic installation and net zero/green technologies before working on the installation.

Component 1 includes:

• a completed risk assessment

• NET Licensed independent assessor undertaking visual observation of the apprentice completing the preferred isolation procedure (safety critical to include PV array)

• planning for installation.

Component 2 - domestic installation observation (10.5 hours)

Apprentices will install a domestic installation with respect to a set specification, including circuits for net zero/green technologies. Monitoring of the installation for safe practice will be conducted by the NET licensed independent assessor and then assessed when the installation is complete. If this section is not completed within the component assigned time, then the assessment will be recorded as ‘out of time’ and this component will be deemed to have been failed.

Including:

• lighting circuits
• power circuits
• equipotential bonding
• sub-main circuit
• smoke/heat detection circuit
• installation within specialised functions
• circuit installation provision for net zero/green technologies
• PVC containment
• data circuit
• smart heating.

Component 3 - domestic testing and associated regulatory documents. (5.5 hours)

Overview

Apprentices will test the installed domestic installation in accordance with the British Standard and associated guidance documents, which will be available for reference. Due to the sensitivity and safety critical nature of this element, it must be fully observed by the NET licensed independent assessor. The NET licensed independent assessor will monitor to ensure safe practice throughout this component and the assessment will be stopped and graded as a fail, should unsafe practice occur. If this section is not completed within the specified time, then the assessment will be recorded as ‘out of time’ and this component will be deemed to have been failed.

This will include

• dead testing in correct sequence
• live testing supervised by a Net licensed independent assessor
• completion of an Electrical Installation Certificate
• functional testing.

Component 4 - fault finding and condition reporting on domestic circuits (2 hours)

Apprentices will use their knowledge and skills to interrogate a domestic installation and identify faults on simulated faulty circuits commonly found in domestic premises. It will be observed by a NET licensed independent assessor for the apprentice to undertake tasks on a simulated domestic installation. The assessment will be stopped and graded as a fail, should unsafe practice occur. If this section is not completed within the specified time, then the assessment will be recorded as ‘out of time’ and this component will be deemed to have been failed.

This will include:

• identify faults on simulated faulty circuits
• test the installed domestic installation in accordance with BS7671
• complete a condition report on a simulated domestic installation with faults introduced by NET licensed independent assessor following the EPAO specification.

These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs as shown in the mapping.

The NET licensed independent assessor conducts and assesses the observation of practical competence in a controlled environment. They must record the KSBs observed.

The NET licensed independent assessor makes all grading decisions.

Assessment location

The EPA will take place under controlled conditions in a NET licensed assessment centre.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the observation of practical competence in a controlled environment:

• Net licensed independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and employer

Overview

In the interview, a NET licensed independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their competency across the KSBs as shown in the mapping.

This assessment method has 1 component. The interview consists of an NET licensed independent assessor asking an apprentice a series of scenario-based questions to assess their responses against the KSBs for this method. The NET licensed independent assessor leads this process to obtain information from the apprentice to enable a structured assessment decision-making process.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

• it allows for testing of responses where there are a range of potential answers that cannot be tested through the practical observation or knowledge assessment.

Delivery

An NET licensed independent assessor will conduct and assess the interview. The interview will last 90 minutes. The NET licensed independent assessor has the discretion to increase the time of the interview by up to 10% to allow the apprentice to complete their last answer. The interview will have a minimum of 12 scenario based questions. During this method, the NET licensed independent assessor must use questions from the question bank derived on typical domestic installation scenarios.

The purpose of the questions will be to cover the following themes:

• communication

• customer service

• safety

• commercial awareness (defined as: a sustainable and economic approach to work)

• quality and continuous improvement

• continuous professional development.

Questions will be open and designed to elicit responses against the KSBs prescribed for this method. NET licensed independent assessors must use the question bank as a source for questioning and marking materials supplied by NET. KSBs met and answers to questions, must be recorded by the NET licensed independent assessor. The interview will be recorded to aid moderation and quality assurance.

Assessment location

The interview will take place in a NET licensed centre incorporated within the allocated 3 days of EPA time.

The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

A question bank will be developed by NET as the EPAO.

The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs shown in the mapping. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. The assessment specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The EPAO must develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place, for example, considering standardisation, training and moderation. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.

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

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

• Net licensed 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 employer

Overview

A test is an assessment for asking questions in a controlled and invigilated environment.

Rationale

This EPA 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 administration in terms of when and how it is taken
• it allows for larger volumes of apprentices to be assessed at one time.

Delivery

This method must be appropriately structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method to the highest available grade.

The online knowledge assessment will be computer based.

The online knowledge assessment will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.

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

Apprentices must be given at least 10 days notice of the date and time of the online knowledge assessment.

Test administration

Apprentices must have 90 minutes to complete the test.

The following equipment is allowed to be used during the online knowledge assessment:

Computer with online facilities.

The online knowledge assessment is open book which means that the apprentice can refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.

In the test, the apprentice will be permitted to have:

• BS7671 current Edition

• IET Guidance note 3

• Short Guide to Building Regulations.

NET will provide these materials, the apprentice is not permitted to use their own copies in the assessment.

The online knowledge assessment 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 online knowledge assessment 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 identity of the apprentice.

The EPAO is responsible for the security of the online knowledge assessment. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the online knowledge assessment.

Marking

The online knowledge assessment must be marked by NET licensed independent assessors or markers 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 online knowledge assessment. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of written response test.

Assessment location

Apprentices must take the online knowledge assessment in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

The online test will take place in a NET licensed centre.

The invigilator will be the NET licensed independent assessor.

The EPAO is required to have an invigilation policy that will set out how the test is to be carried out. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the security of any multiple-choice tests they administer to ensure the test remains valid and reliable (this includes any arrangements made using online tools). The EPAO is responsible for verifying the identity of the person taking the test.

Question and resource development

Questions will be written by NET as the EPAO and must be relevant to the occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of their questions. The EPAO must develop test specifications and question banks of sufficient size to prevent predictability and review them regularly (and at least once a year) to ensure they, and the questions they contain, are fit for purpose. The specifications, including questions relating to underpinning KSBs must be varied, yet allow assessment of the relevant KSBs. The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs shown in the mapping. 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 employers. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. The test specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The EPAO must ensure that apprentices have a different set of questions in the case of re-sits and re-takes. The EPAO will produce the following material to support this assessment method:

• a question bank

• test specification

• outline of the assessment method’s requirements

• sample tests and mark schemes

• live tests and mark schemes

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

The EPA methods contribute equally to the overall EPA grade.

Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

NET licensed Independent assessors must individually grade the: observation of practical competence in a controlled environment and scenario based interview according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.

The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

Apprentices who fail one or more assessment methods will be awarded an overall EPA fail.

Apprentices must achieve at least a pass in all the EPA methods in order to achieve an overall pass. In order to achieve an overall EPA distinction, apprentices must achieve a pass in the observation of practical competence assessment method and distinctions in the scenario based Interview and online knowledge test assessment methods. The EPAO must combine the assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade. Apprentices who fail one or more assessment methods will be awarded an overall EPA fail.

Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA as a whole.

Apprentices who fail one or more EPA method(s) can take a re-sit or a re-take at the 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.

Apprentices 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 EPA 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 apprentices wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

An 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 how the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO 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 NET licensed independent assessor
• appoint NET licensed 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 3 gained in the last 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
  • hold, or are working towards, an assessor qualification
  • have professional body membership with:

    JIB (gold card)

    meet the following minimum requirements:

    current wiring regulations and full inspection and test certificate

• operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery and assessment of the EPA
• provide training for NET licensed 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 NET licensed 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:

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the method of assessment permits this

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship standard is recognised by the Joint Industry Board as conferring eligibility for recognition via an ECS Domestic Electrician Gold Card. As part of the application process the appropriate Health and Safety components will be recognised. for This apprenticeship standard is recognised by the Joint Industry Board as conferring eligibility for recognition via an ECS Domestic Electrician Gold Card. As part of the application process the appropriate Health and Safety components will be recognised.

This apprenticeship standard is recognised by the Joint Industry Board as conferring eligibility for recognition via an ECS Domestic Electrician Gold Card. As part of the application process the appropriate Health and Safety components will be recognised