Low carbon heating technician

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

Low carbon heating technician apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

A full-time apprentice typically spends 36 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a low carbon heating technician. 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 assessment method are:

Assessment method 1 - practical assessment with questions:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - professional interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 3 - multiple-choice test:

• 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 4 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:

• achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
• for the practical assessment with questions the EPAO must discuss with the employer the types of low carbon heating and hot water systems installed and serviced by the apprentice in the workplace in the normal course of the role. The EPAO will then use this information to select an appropriate assessment task from a bank of tasks. It is recommended the tasks are developed in consultation with employers. The apprentice and employer are not to be told the specific low carbon heating and hot water system(s) that will be installed and serviced in advance of the assessment

• for the professional interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence the apprentice must submit 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 this assessment method. 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 (maximum total duration 10 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the interview. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

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

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.

The rationale is that the outcome of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.

Overview

In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. 

Rationale

• while this occupation involves practical tasks best assessed through observation on-the-job, the opportunity to demonstrate the transferable skills required may be limited in a real work context due to accessibility and scheduling issues
• a practical assessment has been selected as this enables all apprentices to have the same opportunity to demonstrate their competence against the KSBs
• questioning allows for the assessment of the breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge against the grading descriptors
• it is a holistic assessment method

Delivery

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

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

The independent assessor must 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 2 weeks notice of the practical assessment with questions.

The practical assessment with questions must take 29 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 5 working day(s). 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 assessment.

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.

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:

Component 1 – Installation (Typically 24 hours)

The apprentice will be provided with a written brief detailing a customer's low carbon heating and hot water installation specification. The specification will include a low carbon heating and hot water system, that could include but is not limited to:

• ground source heat pump
• air source heat pump
• water source heat pump
• solar thermal system

The apprentice will carry out planning and installation practices, including the following:

• compliance with health and safety regulations
• production of a work programme, risk assessment and method statement
• planning, sizing and selecting the system
• installing the system
• testing and commissioning the system
• conducting a customer handover

The independent assessor will play the role of the customer when the apprentice conducts the customer handover.

Component 2 – Maintenance (Typically 5 hours)

The independent assessor will pre-install two commonly found faults on a low carbon heating and hot water installation that could include but is not limited to:

• ground source heat pump
• air source heat pump
• water source heat pump
• solar thermal system

The apprentice will carry out maintenance practices on the low carbon heating and hot water installation, including the following:

• safe isolation of electrical supply
• compliance with health and safety regulations
• servicing the system
• diagnosis of a minimum of two commonly found faults (for example, wrong pipe size, wrong type of insulation, etc.)
• rectification of two commonly found faults

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 independent assessor's questions is to explore aspects of the KSBs not demonstrated in the practical assessment and show depth of understanding.

Questioning can occur both during and after the practical assessment. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 5 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 simulated environment selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises). The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment with questions must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO 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. The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.

Rationale

• it allows for testing of responses where there are a range of potential answers that cannot be tested through the multiple-choice test
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost
• it allows for assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis

Delivery

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

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to draw out contextualised examples relating to the KSBs allocated to this assessment method.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks notice of the interview.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 week(s) 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 75 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 8 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 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 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 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 professional 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, training, and moderation.

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 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 2 weeks 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 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 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.

Performance in the EPA determines the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the: practical assessment with questions and professional 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 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. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in all three assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA merit, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the practical assessment and one other assessment method, as well as a pass in the remaining assessment method.

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 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 4 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 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 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 4 gained in the last 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
• 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:

• completing applicable assessment methods online (for example computer-based assessment)

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

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

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.