The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. The EPA confirms that the Apprentice has gained the knowledge, skills, and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard. This article explains what the EPA is, the order events happen in, and what each grade means.
For the date of a specific EPA, the Apprentice should speak to the assigned Coach. EPA timings depend on the apprenticeship standard, so the Coach holds the most accurate information for an individual programme.
What the End Point Assessment Is
The End Point Assessment is an independent assessment taken at the end of the apprenticeship. An external organisation called an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) arranges and marks the EPA. The EPAO is independent of Multiverse and of the employer, which keeps the assessment fair for every Apprentice.
The EPA uses more than one assessment method. The exact methods depend on the apprenticeship standard. Methods can include a work-based project, a presentation, a practical test, or a professional discussion.
The Order of Events Leading to the EPA
The EPA follows a set sequence. The Apprentice moves through each stage in order.
The Apprentice completes the learning and the off-the-job hours required by the apprenticeship standard.
The Apprentice and the Coach confirm readiness at the Gateway meeting.
The Apprentice approves and signs the Gateway documents.
The EPAO schedules the EPA after Gateway is complete.
The Apprentice attends the EPA.
The EPAO releases the result.
Note: The EPA cannot be scheduled before Gateway is complete. Gateway is the trigger that allows booking to begin.
What Gateway Means
Gateway is the readiness check before the EPA. At the Gateway meeting, the Apprentice, the Coach, and a representative from the employer confirm that the Apprentice is ready for assessment. The Apprentice must also have the required Gateway documents approved.
The Apprentice cannot book the EPA until Gateway is complete. For the Gateway date on a specific programme, the Apprentice should contact the assigned Coach.
When Results Are Released
The EPAO releases EPA results within 15 working days of the assessment. The result includes the final grade. The way the grade is calculated depends on the apprenticeship standard and follows guidance from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE).
What Each EPA Grade Means
The table below explains every possible EPA grade.
Grade | Meaning |
Distinction | The Apprentice completed the EPA and passed with Distinction. |
Merit | The Apprentice completed the EPA and passed with Merit. |
Pass | The Apprentice completed the EPA and passed. |
Fail | The Apprentice attempted the EPA and did not pass. The Apprentice will not appeal or resubmit. The apprenticeship is complete. |
Referral | The Apprentice attempted the EPA and did not pass. Next steps, such as an appeal or a resubmission, are still to be confirmed. |
Resubmit | The Apprentice attempted the EPA and did not pass. The Apprentice will resubmit under another assessment date. |
Did Not Attend | The Apprentice did not attend the scheduled EPA. |
Note: "Completion" is an older grade used only for framework apprenticeships. Current apprenticeship standards do not use it.
What Happens If the Apprentice Does Not Pass
A result that is not a pass is not the end of the journey. Multiverse supports the Apprentice through the next steps.
If the Apprentice does not pass the EPA, a Success Coach contacts the Apprentice to discuss the result and the options. The Apprentice may be able to resit or retake the EPA. The right option depends on the Apprentice's circumstances and on which part of the EPA needs reassessment.
For a full explanation of resit and retake, see the article "What is the EPA Resit/Retake Process?".
Where to Get Help
The table below shows who to contact for common EPA questions.
Question or issue | Who to contact |
The date of an individual EPA or Gateway | The assigned Coach |
A problem with EPA booking or with a released result | Multiverse Support through the Support Hub |
Concerns about the conditions during an assessment, for example a technical problem on the day | The assigned Coach, or the assessments team |
The next steps after a result that is not a pass | The Success Coach, who makes contact after the result |