End-point assessment guide for apprentices
This guide will help apprentices find out what to expect from the end-point assessment (EPA), an independent assessment at the final stage of an apprenticeship.
Applies to England
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Changes to end-point assessment
In February 2025, changes were announced to the way apprenticeships are assessed. These changes replace end-point assessment (EPA) with a new approach, called apprenticeship assessment, which allows assessment to take place throughout the apprenticeship rather than only at the end.
These changes are being introduced gradually, so some apprentices will complete an EPA, while others will complete apprenticeship assessment. If your apprenticeship includes EPA, you will continue to complete EPA as planned. If your apprenticeship has moved to the new assessment model, you will complete apprenticeship assessment instead.
Your training provider will be able to tell you which assessment approach applies to your apprenticeship.
About this guide
This guide is for apprentices enrolled on an apprenticeship assessed through an end-point assessment (EPA). It will help you find out about what to expect from your end-point assessment. EPA is an independent assessment at the final stage of your apprenticeship. It tests the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have gained during your apprenticeship programme. You will not be able to achieve your apprenticeship without passing your EPA.
Your EPA is a regulated qualification. This means you can expect timely, fair and consistent assessment at the end of your training, and protection if things go wrong. Regulated qualifications include GCSEs, A Levels and vocational and technical qualifications including Functional Skills Qualifications and EPA.
Updates to this page
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This guide has been updated to reflect changes to the way apprenticeships are assessed.
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First published.