IT Solutions Technician - 1st for Awarding

Overview
Assessment
Useful to know
Resources
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Overview

What is an IT Solutions Technician?

An IT Solutions Technician develops, implements and maintains IT solutions that address business challenges or improve existing systems. They analyse root causes, consider alternative approaches and ensure solutions are effective, sustainable, and aligned with existing infrastructure.

View the v1.0 apprenticeship standard View the v1.0 assessment plan View the v1.1 apprenticeship standard View the v1.1 assessment plan

Typical EPA period 4 months

ST Code ST0505

Ofqual qualification number 610/4289/4

Method

Remote

EPA is usually carried out remotely, with video calling. This allows flexible booking for apprentices throughout England.

EPA fee

£1400

What’s the difference between a re-sit and a re-take in end point assessment?

Assessment

What does end point assessment involve for IT Solutions Technician level 3?

For version 1.0

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test is split into four units. All apprentices will undertake Unit 1 Methodologies and Principles, Unit 2 Core Technical IT Knowledge, and Unit 4 Security and Legislation. For Unit 3, apprentices can choose the appropriate option: Software or Hardware. All questions are multiple choice and the tests are taken online.

Project and Interview

A portfolio of evidence should be submitted at gateway. Apprentices will carry out a business-related project, before undergoing the 90-minute interview with the assessor. The interview will assess the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours which will be demonstrated across the project and the portfolio.

For version 1.1

Project with Presentation, and Questioning

The apprentice must complete a project report based on their involvement in technical solutions across the solution delivery lifecycle. They must submit a 2,000 word report, deliver a 20 minute presentation and undergo 40 minutes questioning with an assessor.

Professional Discussion underpinned by Portfolio

A portfolio of evidence is submitted at gateway. The discussion then takes place as a video call between the apprentice and assessor, lasting 60 minutes.

Useful to know

For v1.0, apprentices have 20 hours to complete the project and produce the project rationale.
For v1.1, the portfolio is submitted at gateway. The project is started after gateway and the report and presentation materials must be submitted by the end of week 4 of the EPA period.
There must be a 1-week gap between submission of assessment materials and the assessment for v1.0, and a 2-week gap for v1.1, to allow the assessor to review the materials.
For v1.0, both assessment methods must be successfully passed within a three month period of each other, otherwise the entire EPA must be re-sat/re-taken. There is no cap on the grade that can be achieved in a re-sit or re-take.
For v1.1, re-sits are typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome date. Grades achieved in a re-sit or re-take are capped for the assessment that is re-sat/re-taken.