The End-Point Assessment (EPA) is your opportunity to demonstrate everything you have learned on your apprenticeship. It comprises two equally weighted parts that decide your final grade (Fail, Pass or Distinction). To achieve a Distinction, you must meet the Pass and Distinction criteria across all assessed elements. Aim high, prepare thoroughly, and show excellence in every component.
Presentation with Questions
The first part of your EPA is a presentation followed by a Q&A session, assessed by an independent assessor. You will then deliver a 20-minute presentation on a title set by CMI (your End-Point Assessment Organisation) after Gateway approval. The topic will be based on one of the following themes and reflect the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) you’ve developed during your apprenticeship:
- Reviewing ways to reduce cost and increase efficiency in a business environment
- Using data and technology to support organisational goals
- Improving team performance to support organisational goals
- Leading and supporting a team through a period of change within the organisation
Your presentation should demonstrate your ability to explain and evaluate data collection, problem-solving, working with people, and identifying future business opportunities.
After your presentation, the independent assessor will ask a minimum of five questions in a 30-minute Q&A. The purpose of these questions is to seek clarification and assess how well you have demonstrated the required KSBs.
The presentation and questioning together will last 50 minutes (plus up to 10% additional time if needed to finish your response).
Your presentation materials must be submitted via the Skilsure portal by the end of Week 4 of the EPA period. Your Skilsure login will be issued after Gateway. The independent assessor must have at least two weeks to review your materials before the presentation takes place.
Professional Discussion (underpinned by portfolio)
The remaining 50% of your grade is a 60-minute professional discussion based on your portfolio. Your assessor will ask five competency-based questions that reference specific pieces of evidence within your portfolio, each mapped to the relevant KSBs.
You will discuss how you have:
- Built and supported high-performing teams.
- Communicated and delivered operational plans.
- Led or adapted to change.
- Used technology effectively.
- Contributed to projects and continuous improvement.
Your portfolio should contain no more than 16 carefully selected evidence items, clearly mapped to the KSBs. Choose items that best demonstrate your role, decisions, impact and learning in practice.
Order of Assessment Methods
Both assessment methods can be completed in any order. The result of one does not need to be known before starting the other.
When Does Your EPA Happen?
Your End Point Assessment takes place after the Gateway Review. You’ll be ready to move forward once:
- You’ve been on the programme for at least 8 months.
- You have evidenced all your knowledge, skills and behaviours, and your portfolio is signed off by your line manager and KnowledgeBrief.
- You have achieved your off-the-job hours.
- You have provided evidence of English and Maths Functional Skills at the required level.
EPA Timeline
The timeline is as follows:
- Week 1: Once your Gateway Review is approved, CMI will set your presentation title.
- Weeks 2 and 3: You will complete your presentation.
- Week 3: You will submit your presentation to CMI.
- Week 4: CMI will review your portfolio and presentation.
- Week 5: You MUST sit your live assessments within 4 weeks of the presentation title being set.