What is an end-point assessment organisation?

This organisation must be separate from the employer or the training provider, as their assessment of any apprentice must be completely impartial. Only once the End-Point Assessment has successfully been completed will an apprentice be able to receive their apprenticeship certificate. 

When do we need to appoint an EPAO for the apprenticeship?

The EPAO should be appointed before the apprenticeship begins. The parameters and format of the assessment is defined by the Trailblazer group that puts together the Apprenticeship Standard.

It’s then simply a case of choosing an EPAO for your apprenticeship. The EPAO should be listed on the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations.

Once appointed, your training provider should manage the relationship with the EPAO on your behalf and they should also be responsible for paying them. Indeed, the cost of the End-Point Assessment should be included in the overall cost of the training that you agree with your training provider. 

Can I choose my own EPAO?

Yes, you can! Many employers will be guided by their training provider on which EPAO to select for these assessments, but the employer is ultimately in control, and if you’re not keen on the EPAO your training provider recommends, you can select your own one, as long as they are listed on the Register.

Is the cost of the End-Point Assessment covered by the Apprenticeship Levy?

Yes, the End-Point Assessment is covered by your levy contributions and shouldn’t cost more than 20% of the maximum amount for the apprenticeship training. 

If you’re not a levy-payer, however, the cost of the EPA should be paid separately to the overall training costs. For more info on how this all works, check out the government’s guidance here.