Licensed conveyancer or licensed probate practitioner

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

This apprenticeship has integrated qualifications which are used for EPA purposes.

The awarding body (AB) is accountable for the integrated assessment method. The end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) must take responsibility for the presentation with questions and answers and the interview. EPAOs and ABs must work collaboratively to manage the delivery of the EPA.

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers is one of the regulatory bodies for conveyancing and probate within the UK and specifies the qualifying requirements for Licensed conveyancers and probate practitioners. Those requirements are defined within the respective regulations for the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, Licensing Framework Section 1.

Licensed conveyancer or licensed probate practitioner apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must be trained and assessed against the core and one option. The options are:

• Licensed Conveyancer

• Licensed Probate Practitioner

A full-time licensed conveyancer or licensed probate practitioner apprentice typically spends 56 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 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 from the apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR). The EPAO and AB must be on the apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR).

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - presentation with question and answers:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - interview:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 3 - knowledge and skills test:

• fail

• pass

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

• fail

• pass

• 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
• have achieved the Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice and the L6 diploma excluding the module from the L6 diploma to be assessed in this plan. The excluded module is either:

Conveyancing Law and Practice, for apprentices taking the Licensed Conveyancer option

OR

The Administration of Estates, for apprentices taking the Licensed Probate Practitioner option.

The L4 and L6 diplomas in conveyancing law and practice are required for the Licensed Conveyancer option.

The L4 and L6 diplomas in probate law and practice are required for the Licensed Probate Practitioner option.

Licensed Conveyancer option

Apprentices undertaking the Licensed Conveyancer option need to have achieved the Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice in entirety and undertaken and passed the L6 diploma modules excluding the module from the L6 diploma to be assessed in this plan.

The excluded L6 module to be taken as part of this EPA is:

• Conveyancing Law and Practice (L6)

The modules to be taken on programme are as follows:

L4 Diploma Conveyancing law and practice:

• The English Legal System
• Law of Contract
• Land Law
• Understanding Accounting Procedures for Conveyancing Transactions

L6 Diploma in Conveyancing law and practice:

• Landlord and Tenant
• Managing Client and Office Accounts (conveyancing)

Probate Practitioner option

Apprentices undertaking the Probate Practitioner option need to have achieved the Level 4 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice in entirety and undertaken and passed the L6 diploma modules excluding the module from the L6 diploma to be assessed in this plan.

The excluded L6 module to be taken as part of this EPA is:

• The Administration of Estates (L6).

The modules to be taken on programme are as follows:

L4 Diploma Probate law and practice:

• The English Legal System
• Law of Contract
• Land Law
• Understanding Accounting Procedures for Probate Transactions

L6 Diploma in Probate Law & Practice:

• Wills, Succession and Grants of Representation
• Managing Client and Office Accounts (probate)

The presentation with questions and answers and the interview assessment methods must be delivered before the integrated qualification element (knowledge test).

Overview

In the presentation with questions, the apprentice delivers a presentation to an independent assessor on a set subject. The independent assessor must ask questions after the presentation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it assesses understanding of a subject.
• it assesses knowledge and skills that cannot be directly observed in practice.
• it allows the apprentice to directly demonstrate KSBs relating to communication and presentation.
• it provides the opportunity to use authentic workplace contexts which increases assessment validity in relation to the occupational role.
• it allows for the presentation of evidence and testing of responses where there are a range of potential answers.
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost.

Delivery

The presentation with question and answers 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 presentation with questions.

The presentation must cover: a client interaction undertaken by the apprentice within the business, after the gateway period has commenced.

The interaction and presentation must include the following topics:

- taking new instruction from a client

- identification of client needs

- know your client activity and assessment of client care

- initial actions taken such as anti-money laundering checks, source of funds and wealth checks and sanctions checks

- the scale and scope of the legal matter

- risks

- potential solutions

The presentation should be delivered as if to a member of the general public including explanations of legal terms as necessary. Any information which could identify the client, must be anonymised.

The purpose of the presentation is to allow the apprentice to demonstrate their competence against the grading descriptors.

The apprentice must submit any presentation materials to the EPAO by the end of week 4 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 or access to an online video conference facility with presentation functionality
• computer.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review any presentation materials, before the presentation is delivered by the apprentice, to allow them to prepare questions. The EPAO must give the apprentice at least 21 days' notice of the presentation assessment.

The independent assessor must ask questions after the presentation.

The purpose of the questions is:

• to seek clarification where required
• to assess the level of competence against the grading descriptors

The presentation and questions must last 50 minutes. This will typically include a presentation of 30 minutes and questioning lasting 20 minutes. The independent assessor must use the full time available for questioning. The independent assessor can increase the total 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 3 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 independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the presentation and answers to questions holistically when deciding the grade.

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.

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

• the KSBs demonstrated
• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• the KSBs demonstrated in 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.

The presentation with questions can be delivered remotely 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.

Whether the presentation with questions is delivered face-to-face or remotely, it should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

The presentation with question and answers 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.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the presentation with question and answers:

• 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.

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.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it assesses KSBs holistically and objectively
• it allows for the assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis
• it allows for assessment of responses where there are a range of potential answers
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost.

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 in administration and management.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 21 days' notice of the interview.

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 6 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

The apprentice may take notes to aid their recall into the interview. These are not scored.

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.

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 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:

• 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.

This is an integrated assessment method.

This integrated assessment method forms part of the apprenticeship’s EPA as well as the awarding of the qualification.

The KSBs aligned to this integrated assessment method will be assessed and graded by the awarding body or their delegated person or organisation and contribute to the overall outcome of the apprenticeship and the qualification.

The knowledge statements aligned to this assessment method will be assessed by the apprentice passing one of the qualifications listed below in relation to their chosen option:

Either:

Council for Licensed Conveyancers Level 6 Diploma HG1F 86 - Conveyancing Law and Practice

OR

Council for Licensed Conveyancers Probate Level 6 Diploma HG1C 86 - The Administration of Estates

Overview

In the knowledge and skills 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 assesses KSBs holistically and objectively
• it allows for the assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis
• it allows for assessment of responses where there are a range of potential answers
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost
• it reduces the assessment burden on the apprentice

Delivery

The delivery of the test must align with the conditions set out by the Awarding Body (AB) for the integrated qualification.

The test can be computer or paper based.

The apprentice must be given at least 21 days notice of the date and time of the test.

Test administration

The test must be taken in the presentce of an invigilator who is the responisbility of the AB, or their delegated person or organisation.

Their must be 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 apprentice's identity must be verified.

The AB, their delegated person or organisation is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for online testing, and they must ensure their security arrangements maintain the calidity and reliability of the test.

Marking

The responsibility for the marking of the test is with the AB. They must produce a marking scheme to be followed. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.

The AB is responsible for overseeing the marking, standardisation and moderation of the test.

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 AB or their delegated person or organisation must select and check the venue is suitable. The test can take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice.

Question and resource development

The AB must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers or subject matter experts for this occupation.

The AB should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed 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 AB must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

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

• assessment materials for markers which includes: administration materials guidance on moderation and standardisation materials to aid the delivering centres guidance materials
• grading guidance
• test specification
• sample test and mark schemes
• live tests and mark schemes
• question bank

The AB must ensure that the 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 presentation with questions and answers and the interview in line with this EPA plan.

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

If the apprentice fails one 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 achieve a pass in the integrated method (knowledge and skills test), a pass in one of the remaining assessment methods and a distinction in the other assessment method. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a pass in the integrated method (knowledge and skills test) and a distinction in both of the remaining 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 of the presentation with questions and answers or the interview. For the integrated qualification, arrangements should be made between the candidate and the delivery centre. 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 2 months of the EPA outcome notification.

If the apprentice fails the presentation with questions and answers assessment method, they must amend the presentation in line with the independent assessor’s feedback. The apprentice will be given 4 weeks to rework and resubmit the amended presentation before the question and answer session.

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 distinction for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

The EPAO and AB must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a 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.

Special considerations

The EPAO and AB must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a special consideration
• what special considerations will be given

Special considerations 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 6 gained in the last 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector

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 assessment method permits this

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship aligns with:

• Council for Licensed Conveyancers and Probate Professionals for Licensed Conveyancer

This apprenticeship aligns with:

• Council for Licensed Conveyancers and Probate Professionals for Licensed Probate Practitioner