Ofqual-recognised EPAO | End Point Assessment

Excellence in assessment

We’re proud to be a trusted partner across the sector. Providers rely on us for our assessment quality, focus on long-term success and tangible value for apprentices, employers and training providers alike.

We work towards long-term goals, giving every apprentice a fair opportunity to succeed in their apprenticeship.

What’s on offer

Value gained from long-term partnerships.
Access to exclusive support materials for every standard.
Ongoing support for your staff and your apprentices.
Short lead times for processing, assessment bookings and results.

“When apprentices win, we all win”

Find out what’s possible

Leading the sector

Our leadership team have the unique combination of subject expertise and in-depth knowledge of the assessment landscape.

We use this expert-led approach to support providers and employers through sector challenges.

This includes supporting outcomes as we move from EPA to apprenticeship assessment.

Value through partnerships

Effective relationships with assessment organisations add value and allow providers to build stronger relationships with employers. Together, we support providers to maximise achievements and reduce risk.

The diagram below shows how 1st for Awarding adds value at every stage.

Build assessment into curriculum design

Create a path for your delivery team to follow, with achievable targets and assessment preparation built in. Embed our support materials and include clear direction so apprentices take ownership of their learning.

Build a package for employers

Create a solid, long-term plan that includes progression routes. The offer should include the assessment organisation and show employers the long-term value add for their business.

Get team buy-in

Embed understanding within your teams. Your sales team should know how to effectively position the offer to employers. Delivery teams should understand assessment requirements and how to inspire action. Quality teams use key insights to improve outcomes. Together, we place apprentices on the path to success.

Assessment preparation

Preparation must go beyond the duties of the apprenticeship standard. Apprentices should understand assessment and how to demonstrate their competency. Our exclusive resources and webinars humanise assessment and give apprentices confidence.

Pre-completion support

Pre-completion or post-gateway support has a significant impact on outcomes. Pastoral check-ins combined with our assessment resources give assurance and keep apprentices on track to achievement.

Evaluate and refine

There may be several areas to address to get your outcomes where they need to be. Our insights on curriculum alignment, fail rates, late stage withdrawals and more all allow you to implement tangible solutions.

Find out what’s possible

Standards we assess

How assessment works

Apprenticeship assessment or end point assessment (EPA) is the process of assessing an apprentice against the outcomes defined in the standard’s assessment plan. Apprentices must meet set requirements to go through the gateway to completion.

Assessment organisations, also known as EPAOs, are responsible for upholding the quality of the assessment, and in doing so protect the integrity of apprenticeships.

The training provider chooses an assessment organisation (AO), unless the employer wishes to choose.

The training provider registers apprentices with the AO at the start of the apprenticeship, giving an expected completion date.

Assessment preparation should be built into the curriculum.

New-style apprenticeship assessment plans may allow some apprenticeship assessment to be carried out on-programme.

Any pre-completion requirements must be met and evidenced.

The apprentice goes through the gateway to completion, and the final assessments are scheduled.

The final assessment(s) are carried out with a qualified assessor from the AO.

Quality checks are carried out, then results are released and the completion certificate is claimed.

Throughout the process, 1st for Awarding provides full support and guidance to providers and apprentices.