EPA – Frequently Asked Questions

It is usual that the training provider selects the assessment organisation, although the employer can also do so.

To register apprentices for apprenticeship assessment with South West Councils, please email apprenticeships@swcouncils.gov.uk. One of our specialist advisors will guide you through registration, confirm the applicable standard and assessment plan version, and explain the next steps for evidence, gateway/completion requirements and assessment scheduling.

Once all required assessment components have been completed, quality assured and confirmed as passed, the employer, apprentice and training provider are notified of the outcome. We then claim the apprenticeship certificate from the apprenticeship assessment service. Certificates are sent to the address we are provided with (either the employer or the apprentice’s home address) and may take several weeks to arrive following successful completion.

Assessment costs are usually paid to the Assessment Organisation by the training provider on behalf of the employer, in line with the apprenticeship funding rules and the agreement between the employer and provider. The funding approach may differ depending on whether the employer uses levy funds, co-investment or other eligible funding arrangements. Resits and retakes usually involve additional costs and should be agreed by the employer, provider and apprentice before re-assessment is scheduled.

The assessment timescale depends on the assessment plan for the apprentice’s standard and version. Some assessment may take place during the apprenticeship where the revised assessment plan allows, while other assessment may still take place towards completion. Once we receive the required documentation and evidence, we work with the employer, training provider and apprentice to plan assessment activities realistic timescales.

We aim to issue results within 10 working days of the final assessment component, subject to internal quality assurance and any standard-specific requirements. Results are issued to the apprentice, employer and training provider confirming the outcome for each assessment activity, where applicable, and the overall apprenticeship assessment outcome.

If an apprentice does not pass an assessment component, we provide clear feedback linked to the assessment criteria or assessment outcomes. The employer and training provider should use this feedback to support the learner for the re-assessment. Our assessors decide whether a resit or retake is appropriate. A retake will normally require further learning or preparation before reassessment.

The reforms are moving from a single end-point assessment model to a flexible apprenticeship assessment model. Assessment plans are being updated standard by standard, with the aim of reducing duplication, simplifying assessment, and allowing some assessment to take place during the apprenticeship where appropriate. 

Employers are expected to confirm that apprentices have demonstrated the required behaviours in the workplace. Assessment organisations now focus on assessing the knowledge and skills set out in the assessment plan, unless the plan requires otherwise. 

The applicable assessment plan will depend on the apprentice’s standard, version and start date, as well as any transition arrangements. During the reform period, some apprentices will continue under existing end-point assessment arrangements while others will move to revised apprenticeship assessment plans.

For revised assessment plans, some assessment may be permitted during the apprenticeship where it is valid, reliable and appropriate for the occupation. We will set out timing and method of assessment details in the qualification specification following the publication of each reformed assessment plan.

Training providers may have a greater role in delivering or marking some assessment activities where the assessment plan allows. We, as the assessment organisation remain responsible for assessment materials, quality assurance and ensuring assessment is valid and reliable.