Apprenticeship glossary

End-point assessment (EPA)

What does End-point assessment (EPA) mean?

In England, the independent assessment at the end of an apprenticeship that checks you can do the job. It uses at least two methods, such as a practical test, a project or an interview.

Find out more

Guide End-point assessment explained How you're assessed at the end of an apprenticeship in England: who runs it, what "gateway" means, what happens if you don't pass, and how assessment is changing. Applies to: England
Assessment plan
In England, the document that sets out how an apprenticeship's end-point assessment works. It's different for every apprenticeship.
End-point assessment organisation (EPAO)
The independent organisation that runs your end-point assessment in England. It's separate from your training provider.
Gateway
In England, the check near the end of an apprenticeship when your employer and training provider agree you're ready for your end-point assessment.
Resit and retake
Your options in England if you don't pass your end-point assessment first time. A resit means doing one or more parts again without extra training; a retake means more training first.
Apprentice
Someone doing an apprenticeship: an employee who is paid to work and train towards a recognised qualification at the same time.
Apprenticeship
A real, paid job where you also train towards a recognised qualification. In England at least 20% of your normal working hours are spent training, and you don't pay tuition fees.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.