Becoming an End-Point Assessor
The job of an End-Point Assessor (EPA) depends on the organisation they work for and the standard they’re assessing. It can be a rewarding role for people in many industries. Teachers, Tutors and Assessors can become End-Point assessors. Most End-Point assessments can be completed from home. Making it a great job to fit around family life. Or as a part-time role to earn extra money. However, sometimes you’ll need to do face-to-face assessments. This means having to travel around or go to different centres.
As an EPA, you can work on a contract or freelance basis. Many EPAOs work with freelance End-Point Assessors. EPAs can accept work as and when it’s available. Meaning when an End-Point assessment is needed, it can be given to a suitable EPA.
Role of an End-Point Assessor
The role of an End-Point assessor involves various tasks. Such as reviewing work submitted, creating questions, overseeing tests, and answering questions online. As well as, conducting interviews or discussions, determining grades, attending training sessions, and staying up to date with industry changes through CPD. The End-Point assessment organisation (EPAO) provides the assessors with the necessary information, training, and guidance to do their job well.
To become an EPA you need to be professional and friendly. In addition, you need to have a thorough understanding of the standards and assessment criteria you’ll be assessing. That’s not all! To succeed in the role, you’ll need to have reliable Wi-Fi and top-notch IT systems. Especially when working from home. In order to meet standards you need to be precise and consistent when marking assessments. It’s a challenging but highly rewarding role for those who are up for the task!
What you need as an EPA
To become an end-point assessor, you’ll need to have knowledge and experience in the sector you’ll be assessing. Meaning you’ll need to have worked in your sector for a significant period. So that you can confidently assess the skills and knowledge of apprentices. As occupational competence is extremely important. It’s also important that you have excellent communication skills, be able to work independently and possess a high level of attention to detail.
In addition, many EPAOs require end-point assessors to hold the relevant qualifications. Such as the CAVA (the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement). The CAVA qualification is specifically designed for those who want to assess occupational competence in the workplace or the classroom. The CAVA qualification covers the key principles of assessment and enables assessors to effectively assess competence in a variety of contexts.
Completing the CAVA?
To gain the CAVA qualification, you’ll need to complete the qualification with a training provider. Which covers topics such as assessment planning, making assessment decisions, and providing feedback to learners.
It’s also necessary for you to demonstrate your understanding of different assessment methods. Including observation, questioning, and professional discussion. To demonstrate your competence as an assessor, you must complete a portfolio of evidence. Having the CAVA qualification not only enhances your knowledge and skills as an assessor. But also demonstrates to employers and EPAOs that you have the expertise to conduct assessments effectively and fairly.
You can complete the CAVA course with us! When completed, you’ll be a fully qualified assessor. You’ll also be qualified as an EPA! If you already have the CAVA and want a bit more professional development, you can complete the Award in End-Point Assessment Principles and Practice. This is an exclusive qualification for Brooks and Kirk. Which gives you 6 hours of verified CPD.
If you have any questions about completing the CAVA or EPA courses, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we would be happy to help guide you on the right path. You can call the office on 01205 805 155, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6.30 pm.
Steve is a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
He provides Educational Consultancy to the 19+ sector as well as being an Assessor, IQA, EPA and Digital Marketing Professional. When not doing any of these he finds time, every now and then, to write blogs and articles.