Apprenticeship glossary

End-point assessment organisation (EPAO)

What does End-point assessment organisation (EPAO) mean?

The independent organisation that runs your end-point assessment in England. It's separate from your training provider.

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
End-point assessment (EPA)
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.
Assessment plan
In England, the document that sets out how an apprenticeship's end-point assessment works. It's different for every apprenticeship.
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.
Training provider
The college, university or training company that delivers the learning part of your apprenticeship. Some employers choose it for you.
Entry requirements
The grades, qualifications or experience an employer asks for before you can start a particular apprenticeship. They're set for each programme, not just each employer.

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.