Overview

Please find the link at the bottom of the page to access the consultation questions.

Ofqual is seeking views on proposed updates to the End-Point Assessment Qualification Level Guidance. The proposed guidance, if adopted, is intended to help end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) in their understanding of our regulatory framework and how it applies to end-point assessments (EPAs).

The following updates are proposed to the current EPA Qualification Level Guidance:

• terminology: amended guidance to explain and provide examples of how terms used in our Conditions apply in the context of EPAs
• arrangements with Centres: amended guidance to explain the arrangements EPAOs must have in place with Centres that deliver part of a qualification on an EPAO’s behalf
• publication of a qualification specification: amended and reordered guidance to make it clear that our Conditions require an EPAO to publish a specification for any EPA that they offer
• marking the assessment: amended guidance to explain the different forms that marking can take and clarifies that other approaches apart from numerical marks may constitute marking in this context
• Assessment Plans: new guidance to explain how Assessment Plans interact with Ofqual’s Conditions and the factors an EPAO is likely to need to consider when designing a specific EPA approach in line with the requirements set out in the Assessment Plan
• transitioning between Assessment Plans: new guidance to explain how to manage the transition to updated versions of Assessment Plans while protecting the interests of apprentices
• Third Parties: new guidance to explain how Ofqual’s third party Conditions apply where other bodies deliver aspects of an EPA on behalf of an EPAO
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): new guidance to explain how Ofqual’s RPL requirements apply in the context of EPAs.

Where updates have not been proposed to the guidance currently in place, the existing guidance will continue to apply. We recommend that you read the proposed guidance, which is available in full alongside this consultation document.

Why is the EPA Qualification Level Guidance being updated?

The EPA Qualification Level Conditions and Guidance have been in place since 2018 and over that time we have gained more insight into EPAOs’ understanding of our regulatory framework. We have learned that there are areas where EPAOs would benefit from further support in understanding and complying with our Conditions.

Ofqual is now looking to provide that further support, through this updated EPA guidance. We are not proposing to change the Conditions or what is required of EPAOs but instead to clarify how to meet our requirements.

The proposed updated guidance addresses the main themes identified in the course of our regulatory activity and monitoring of EPA delivery and aims to:

• help EPAOs understand our Conditions and how to comply with these
• provide some practical examples to demonstrate how the Conditions apply to EPAs
• help EPAOs understand those areas where they have the flexibility to make design decisions within the requirements of the Assessment Plan and the factors to consider when making such decisions

We have done this either by introducing new sections in the guidance or by making changes to the existing wording in the guidance to provide further clarification. Where updates have not been proposed to guidance currently in place, those parts of the existing guidance will remain in place as they are.

Why your views matter

We look forward to hearing your views on the proposed updates to the guidance. The consultation will also provide you with an opportunity to tell us if there are any areas where further guidance would be helpful

What happens next

Your response has been submitted - thank you for completing the consultation

This information will now be analysed and the findings will be published on our website.

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