End point assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. It's used by the awarding body to check in with apprentices at the end of their training, and it's important to make sure you're ready for this assessment.

The purpose of an end point assessment is to ensure that learners have achieved their learning outcomes. The assessment will be conducted by a qualified assessor who is independent from any personal or professional relationship with the learner.

At the end point assessment stage, you will be tested to show your assessor how well you have learned the skills, knowledge, and behaviours throughout your apprenticeship. It's your chance to show off what you've gained and how much you've grown during your time with your employer!

End Point Assessments can be conducted online or face-to-face. The length, format, content and timing will be set by the awarding body. Depending on what subject you are studying your EPA will be different and details of each are set out in the apprenticeship standard.

The assessment will be specific to the training you've received, so it's important that you take advantage of any opportunities for practice or preparation.

What support do I get?

Your employer can support you in preparing for the end point assessment, and may also offer training sessions as well as one-to-one support from a senior member of staff.

Your training provider should also have some tips and resources to help you be prepared for this stage.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, communicate this with your training provider so that you can work together to notify your end point assessor in advance.

What happens after completion?

After completing your end point assessment, it's likely that you'll have a few options:

• You could continue working in your current position with the same employer. This might mean switching jobs within your company or moving on to another company entirely. It could also mean taking on new responsibilities in your current role or becoming a supervisor of others in your department.
• Depending on what level you have studied, you could pursue further education such as a degree at university.

At Swift Childcare, 100% of apprentices achieve timely achievements and completion of their End Point Assessment (EPA). This shows that they are well-prepared and able to meet the standards required for their chosen apprenticeship pathway. Click here to find out more.