To ensure a fair and secure End-Point Assessment (EPA), strict rules govern what materials and devices you can have in your assessment environment. Your assessor will conduct a "room sweep" at the start to verify compliance. This article outlines precisely what is permitted and what is strictly prohibited.
Permitted Materials & Aids for Remote End-Point Assessments
The general principle is that you should rely on your knowledge, skills, and behaviours, not unauthorised external aids.
Notes (Digital Only, with Strict Conditions):
Notes are intended as a guide or prompt, not as a script to read from. Over-reliance on notes can hinder your ability to demonstrate your genuine understanding. You cannot read out full sentences from your notes in place of answering the assessor's questions.
Accelerate People (AP) EPAO: Digital notes (e.g., in MS Word, Notes application) are permitted on-screen. These notes do not need to be submitted beforehand. Printed notes are not allowed unless a specific reasonable adjustment has been formally approved.
1st for EPA EPAO: Notes must be digital and shared on screen with your assessor. You must declare their use to the assessor at the start of your EPA. Crucially, these notes should only contain short bullet points; full or partial answers are strictly prohibited.
Strictly Prohibited Materials & Devices for Remote End-Point Assessments
Any item that could provide an unfair advantage or interfere with the assessment's integrity is forbidden unless an approved reasonable adjustment is in place.
Unauthorised Electronic Devices: This is a critical rule. You must not have any mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, smart speakers, or other similar electronic devices in your assessment area. Ensure they are out of sight and reach.
Unauthorised Physical Aids: Printed or handwritten notes (unless specifically approved as a reasonable adjustment), textbooks, training guides, or any other study materials are prohibited within your assessment environment. Your desk and immediate area must be clear of such items.
Other People: You must be alone in the room for the entire duration of your EPA. No other individuals are permitted in the assessment space.
Headphones/Earbuds (1st for EPA Specific): If your EPA is with 1st for EPA, headphones or earbuds are generally not allowed, unless an approved reasonable adjustment is in place or they are explicitly required for certain assessment methods (e.g., workplace observation).