You're probably wondering how you actually get to the End Point Assessment (EPA). This will quickly cover the steps leading up to the EPA and what you can do to prepare. If you're interested in what happens during EPA, then check this article.


How do I get to EPA?

EPA can only start once the employer and training provider are satisfied that the apprentice is working at, or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard. Your planned EPA dates will not take place until you are formally approved. To verify this you will undertake a Final Gateway Review with your training provider. This Gateway Review has 2 parts:

  • Group session (ideally for a whole day) with your trainer to:
    • Ensure all documentation is complete.
    • Ensure you have collected all evidence required for your EPA.
    • Ensure you have completed and at least passed a mock exam (you may do this on the day).
    • Give some insight on the professional discussion.
    • Perform open coaching for any remaining work.
    • Answer any remaining questions you may have.
  • Individual Project/Portfolio Presentations with your trainer, another Capella Colleague, and your manager:
    • To confirm all requirements have been met before going through to EPA
    • Your manager must attend this.
    • The typical time allotment for this is as follows:

Your training provider will then confirm that you have met all requirements to go through to EPA. If you miss out on any of these requirements (including failing mock exams), you will not be approved until this is rectified. This will be agreed during your review with Capella and your manager.


The point of the Gateway Review is to verify that you are ready for independent assessment. You can treat the Gateway Review as your final deadline. 

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What needs to be completed for this Gateway Review?


By completing all of the above, you will be satisfying all of the KSBs set out in the apprenticeship standard.


What happens after this Gateway Review?

Once you have had formal confirmation by your trainer that you are being passed onto EPA, you will be contacted directly by an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) representative who will request that you submit your evidence to them by a deadline. 


All evidence must be submitted to your EPAO within 1 month, so you can expect them to contact you fairly swiftly. Once they have received this, they will pass all of this on to the person who will be formally assessing you, this person may be the person who contacted you, or it may be someone else.


The EPAO representative will also ask you to select relevant times for you to complete your assessment(s). For example, if completing the L4 Improvement Practitioner program, you will be asked to select 2 different times to complete your Exam, Project Report, and Professional Discussion. Once you have confirmed these slots, your EPAO will confirm when these are booked in. 


Remember, once you have submitted your evidence to the EPAO, you should not change it as this can adversely affect your assessment.


Once all booked, you just wait for the day to arrive to go through the End Point Assessment Process.