Roles & Responsibilities of an IEPA – New Framework

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The apprenticeship reform hasn’t just changed the entire structure of apprentices; the introduction of the End Point Assessment has meant the traditional role of the Assessor has also changed. Now there are two Assessors involved with an apprentice: an On-Programme Assessor, and an Independent End-Point Assessor (IEPA). The addition of an End-Point Assessment at the end of an apprenticeship is the most significant change with the introduction of the new framework.

Independent End-Point Assessment

With the old standard, there were learning outcomes and assessment criteria that had to be met in order for the apprentice to pass their qualification. The new standard has 3 different elements: on-programme, the gateway, and then the End-Point Assessment.

We have explored the gateway phase in quite a bit of detail; but just to summarise, this is where the apprentice is signed off by their employer. It is the acknowledgement that the apprentice has met all of the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviour criteria to proceed to the End Point Assessment. It also demonstrates the apprentice has all of the evidence and qualification certificates have been achieved.

The EPA itself will test that the apprentice is occupationally competent and can apply the KSBs they have learnt to the role itself. The assessment will be graded by an Independent End-Point Assessor. This person must not have had any relation to the training provided by both the provider and the employer.

Roles & Responsibilities of an IEPA

The main role of an IEPA is to decide whether the apprentice is competent enough to carry out their role. And, therefore, pass their apprenticeship. They must be independent of the registered apprenticeship training provider where the apprentice completed their on-programme element. Here are some of the key roles of the IEPA:

  • Take part in regular training and standardisation activities (minimum of 1 or 2 a year)
  • Maintain and provide evidence of ongoing, relevant CPD
  • Assessing the performance of candidates in accordance with the relevant Assessment Plan
  • Follow the protocol set out in the assessment materials and quality assurance protocols
  • Ensure all EPA reports and assessment evidence are recorded accurately
  • Must be able to manage bookings and schedulings of EPAs (they are time-sensitive)
  • Experience of using a wide range of assessment methods and evidence

Background & Additional Skills

As well as these key responsibilities, an IEPA must also be a very competent, professional person who is self-motivated and driven. They will often have a busy workload, so time management and organisational skills are essential.

With regards to qualifications, an IEPA must hold an Assessor qualification (the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement) is the most highly regarded. They will usually report to the Lead IQA on a regular basis. So, if you are looking to progress your assessing career, this could be a great natural step after becoming an IEPA.

If you would like more information on how to become an Independent End-Point Assessor, please call the team at Brooks and Kirk on 01205 805155 or email training@brooksandkirk.co.uk.