The short answer
At the end of an apprenticeship in England, an independent organisation checks you can do the job, using at least two methods such as a practical test, a project or an interview. You can't complete your apprenticeship without passing, but if you don't pass first time you can resit or retake it.
Key figures
- Minimum number of distinct assessment methods in an end-point assessment
- 2
- Source: GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
- Minimum share of normal working hours apprentices get for training and study
- 20%
- Source: GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
At the end of an apprenticeship in England, you’re assessed to check you can actually do the job. This guide explains how that works, based on the GOV.UK pages listed below. The other UK nations do things differently, so see apprenticeships across the UK. New to apprenticeships? Start with what is an apprenticeship?
What is end-point assessment?
GOV.UK says every apprentice in England is assessed at the end of their training to check they’re competent in their job. It covers the knowledge, skills and behaviours you’ve learned. It’s independent, and you can’t complete your apprenticeship without passing it.
It’s also a regulated qualification. That means you can expect a fair, consistent assessment at the right time, and protection if something goes wrong.
Because at least 20% of your working hours are spent on training throughout the apprenticeship, the assessment tests what you’ve learned over the whole thing, not just the last few weeks.
Who runs it?
An independent organisation called an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO). It’s separate from your training provider. The details are different for every apprenticeship, and they’re set out in that apprenticeship’s assessment plan.
What is “gateway”?
Before the assessment, your employer and training provider decide whether you’re ready. This check is called gateway. Once you meet the gateway requirements, the EPAO books your assessment. GOV.UK says the requirements can include English and maths, depending on the assessment plan.
Before gateway, GOV.UK says you should:
- give the EPAO written permission to apply for your certificate
- check your personal details are right
- finish any required work, like a project, report or presentation
How you’re assessed
End-point assessment has to use at least two different methods. GOV.UK’s examples:
- practical assessments
- projects
- interviews and presentations
- written or multiple-choice tests
- being observed at work
What if you don’t pass?
You get another go. GOV.UK describes two options:
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Resit | Doing one or more parts of the assessment again, without extra training |
| Retake | Doing more training first, then being reassessed |
One thing to know: if you’ve passed, you can’t resit or retake just to get a better grade.
After you pass
Passing means you’ve completed your apprenticeship. GOV.UK says you can view, download and share your certificate online, or ask for a printed copy.
Assessment is changing
GOV.UK says a newer system, apprenticeship assessment, is gradually replacing end-point assessment. It lets assessment happen throughout the apprenticeship instead of only at the end. Some apprentices will still do end-point assessment, so ask your training provider which applies to you.
Who to ask
- Your EPAO, about results and assessment arrangements.
- Your employer and training provider, about gateway, next steps and any adjustments you need.
- Apprenticeship service support, if you need help or you’re unhappy with your EPAO.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.