Standard
Code
ST0229/AP01
Maximum Funding
£6000
Typical
Duration
18 months
Level
4
Standard
EPA Price*
£1100
EQA Provider
Ofqual
End-Point Assessment Requirements
English and maths
Effective from 11 February 2025, the government has removed the mandatory English and maths functional skills requirement for apprentices aged 19 and above who start their apprenticeship training. This change includes apprentices who are currently on the programme.
The new ruling applies to apprentices on programme and all apprentices starting their programmes from February 2025.
Employers and apprentices must agree by 1st April 2025 whether apprentices aged 19 and above on programme will continue studying English and maths.
- Providers must record the decision in the training plan.
- Apprentices must continue their studies until an agreement is made.
It is worth noting that whilst the mandatory requirement for English and Maths has been removed, apprentices and employers can still choose to receive English and Maths training and participate in the associated tests.
For apprentices under the age of 19 at programme commencement, there is still a requirement to undertake Maths and English training and take functional skills tests.
Knowledge Test
- 90 minute on demand multiple choice test
- 35 Scenario based questions with 4 response options per question
- 25 questions will relate to the core within the standard and 10 to the relevant specialism
- The apprentice must pass both sections to achieve a pass overall
- 70% must be achieved to gain a pass
- 85% must be achieved to gain a distinction
- Undertaken either on the employer’s premises or off site under exam conditions
Business project
- Apprentices will undertake a comprehensive project during their 2 month end point assessment period, focussing on an opportunity, challenge or idea that will improve the business.
- 2 page synopsis of the project must be submitted to the End-point Assessor at the initial planning meeting
- Project must demonstrate a wider understanding of the business and how improvements can be implemented
- Recommendations will be made to management based on initial research
- Written project report of 9000 words (+/- 10%) must be submitted a minimum of 7 working days before the professional discussion.
Professional Discussion
The professional discussion provides an opportunity for the apprentice to articulate examples of their competence in relation to the core and specialist standards. To prepare for the discussion the apprentice will collate feedback on their performance from their superior, a peer and direct report. The apprentice will be judged on their ability to utilise and reflect on this feedback.
- 90 minutes discussion between the apprentice and independent assessor
- The discussion will be led by the independent assessor and the agenda will be communicated in advance
- The line manager may be, but is not required to be, present during the discussion.
Available Resources
- Training provider resource library
- EPA Specification (click to view)
- PAL Guide – Making the Apprenticeship Journey Successful (click to view)
How to engage with PAL.
Engaging with PAL couldn’t be easier. Simply contact us at info@professionalassessment.co.uk or on 0800 1601899. Our senior team will contact you to find out about your requirements in more detail and discuss how we might need to adapt our approach to meet your needs. Once you are happy that PAL is the right fit for your programme, we set up your account, share our library of resources and support you to register your apprentices. You can then rest assured that you have a dedicated team on hand to guide you through your EPA journey and provide a responsive service when your apprentices are ready to be assessed.