Choosing an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO)

When it comes to apprenticeships, your end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) will play a key role in determining success or failure - so like with any partnership, it's important you find a good match.  

Government introduced EPAOs to maximise the rigour and credibility of end-point assessments (EPA) - where apprentices are assessed and graded objectively and consistently for their work.  

In keeping with this commitment to fairness, EPAO organisations and their staff must not have any affiliation with the apprentice they're assessing - they have to be completely independent. Training providers and employers can register as EPAOs, but they're not allowed to assess any of their own apprentices. 

Here's five more 'top tips' from experts at OneFile, on how to choose the right EPAO: 

1. Are they registered?

All EPAOs must be registered on the RoEPAO - the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations. It's a great head start, because to be accepted, budding EPAOs must prove they are financially stable, and are robust in terms of delivery models, assessment capacity, and corporate governance - for example, have a conflict of interest policy. 

2. Are they relevant? 

It's important that any EPAOs and assessors have experience working in the sector relevant to your apprenticeships and standards so they can deliver the best work. Assessors aren't just 'adjudicators'; they should be experts in their field with practical experience of occupations and industries. 

3. Are they ready?

Even though an EPAO is registered, that's just one part of building a strong working relationship. Check they're a good fit with your organisation by giving them a call, chatting to staff, and asking to see mock tests, project topics or interview questions. This will help you to identify if they're ready to support you or in need of more experience. It may also generate useful material to support your apprentice through the gateway.  

4. Are they independent?

This is the big one. Your EPAO must be completely independent. This means that neither the organisation nor the individual assessor can have any affiliation with the apprentice, employer or training provider. In short, the person making the grading decision can't have anything to gain from the outcome of the assessment - if they do, it's seen as a conflict of interest. 

5. Are they right for you?

At the end of the day, it's up to you who you choose. As long as you stick to these rules and make sure your EPAO delivers fair, quality end-point assessments, you're on to a winner. 

Make sure your new end-point assessment organisation ticks all the right boxes with our EPAO checklist. There's space to fill in details about potential providers, and a selection of must-ask questions to help you find the perfect EPAO.