Assessment
We are the leading end-point assessment organisation for science, manufacturing, engineering and low carbon apprenticeship standards nationally.
We believe that end-point assessment starts from the moment apprentices begin their programme, not just at gateway.
This innovative approach to EPA support and planning allows us to redefine traditional assessment models, working creatively with employers and providers to deliver maximum impact.
Working
with SIAS
We invest in our relationships, understanding and aligning with your opportunities and challenges to create positive impact for both your organisation and your learners. This collaborative approach helps us deliver real value, making SIAS a genuine trusted partner!
We provide a comprehensive support model that covers the entire learner journey, from registration through to gateway, assessment, and certification. This holistic approach guarantees that employers, providers and apprentices receive consistent, top-tier specialist support always.
Working together
From minute one, our dedicated Partnership & Growth Managers will invest in understanding your strategic needs, and will ensure our solutions are tailored to meet your specific requirements.
On board as a SIAS provider partner
Efficient and supportive provider on-boarding led by your designated Centre Manager, inclusive of but not limited to; EPA system set-up and support, agreed ways of working and communication, access to support resources, key relationships established.
Apprentice registrations
Easy and early registration of learners through our EPA system, from day one of registration provider, employers and apprentices gain full access to support resources and bespoke competence trackers and logs.
On-programme
Ongoing support for all employer and providers from start-point to end-point. The SIAS team will work in a bespoke way to meet your needs, this can be through regular planning meetings, provider and employer technical workshops and EPA inductions for apprentices. Our aim is to ensure that through on-programme support all apprentices are fully prepared for their assessment.
The Gateway process
Gateway submission is simple through our EPA system, with quick turnaround of gateway approval. Our bespoke booking forms, guidance materials and regular support from your Centre Relationship Manager results in a stress-free gateway experience.
Booking assessments
Post gateway approval, employers and apprentices will be invited to a bespoke planning meeting, where our Centre Relationship Managers will discuss in detail the assessment day and will confirm the date and time of assessment. Through our model we are always upfront in planning assessments, so we can understand operational challenges and any specific apprentice reasonable adjustments that may need to be considered.
Assessments and results
SIAS have a world-class assessor team that are sector experts and our approach to assessment will ensure that all assessments are fair and consistent, allowing the apprentice to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behaviours and reach their full potential. Upon completion of assessment, results and structured feedback will be provided through our EPA system within 15 working days.
Certification
SIAS will make the claim for certification through Ifate upon release of results. Employers and providers will have full visibility of their apprentice’s profile through our EPA system.
Find out more
Download our brochure to find out more about SIAS Assessment.
Find the right standard for you
Policies
Download policies relevant for training providers and employers regarding our awarding qualifications.
Assessment frequently asked questions
The EPA is a final assessment that an apprentice must pass to complete their apprenticeship. It evaluates whether the apprentice has gained the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for their specific apprenticeship standard.
The gateway is the point at which the employer, training provider, and apprentice agree that the apprentice has met all the requirements of the standard and is ready to undertake the end point assessment. This includes formal sign-off of the SIAS Competence Evaluation Log and submission of all other gateway required documentation/evidence to SIAS via our EPA Pro system.
All apprentices should be registered at the start of their apprenticeship to enable SIAS to send out the competence evaluation log and to enable access to all other supporting guidance materials. This also ensures that our designated Relationship Managers, and Growth and Partnership Managers can provide full end-to-end support across the entire apprenticeship journey.
The EPA can include multiple methods of assessment dependant upon the specific requirements of the apprenticeship standard being followed, this could include:
- Practical observations in the workplace
- Professional competence discussions or interviews (can be supported by submission of a portfolio of evidence)
- Projects, reports and presentations
- Exams in the form of case studies, and/or multiple-choice knowledge tests
A SIAS Independent End Point Assessor will carry out the EPA. Dependent upon the apprenticeship standard, there may also be a requirement for a Technical Expert or Registered Assessor from the employer to support elements of the assessment.
Requests for adjustments are to be submitted to SIAS using the appropriate form (Request for Reasonable Adjustments Form). It is advised this is done as soon as possible to allow for adequate preparation to be made. The latest a reasonable adjustment can be applied for is at gateway, and a decision will be made as to whether the adjustments are reasonable and will not affect the result of the assessment.
Only certain standards require a registered assessor or technical expert. The specific requirements for each standard are given in the assessment plan and within our guidance materials, and they must be occupationally competent in the area being assessed. Usually, they work for the host employer.
Yes, Registered Assessors and Technical Experts are often supervisors and mentors for Apprentices. We do ask that they remain impartial during the assessment and full training will be given prior to assessment in the form of an induction. They do not make any decisions on the outcome of the assessment and overall grade. The role of the registered assessor/technical expert will vary dependant upon the apprenticeship assessment plan guidance.
Dependent upon the requirements of the apprenticeship standard, EPA will typically take place at the location of the apprentice’s host employer. Some assessment components can take place remotely if the standard allows. As part of the gateway process we will request preferred EPA dates via our EPA booking form. These will then be confirmed in your planning meeting which will take place soon after gateway approval. A SIAS Relationship Manager will work closely with your training provider to understand any specific requirements so that all assessments can be delivered timely.
If an apprentice fails the EPA, they will be given detailed and structured feedback and the opportunity to resit/re-take the assessment. Dependent upon the apprenticeship standard, there may be limits on how many re-sits are allowed and certain conditions for retaking. Resit costs can be found on the SIAS website. Our Relationship Managers will work closely with all parties on notification of a fail grade to offer full support and plan any resit as required.
The EPA is graded based on the apprentice’s performance. However, this may differ based on the apprenticeship standard. Common grading scales include:
- Fail
- Pass
- Merit
- Distinction
Preparation is key, and SIAS provide a wide range of guidance and support materials which can be used to prepare for assessment. These typically include:
- Apprentice Guide to EPA (specific to the standard)
- Mock case studies and knowledge tests
- Preparation guides for observations, competence discussions and interviews including mock assessment records
Your employer and training provider will support you in preparation for EPA.
If you believe your EPA was not assessed fairly, you can appeal through the SIAS formal appeals process. The Appeals Policy and Form can be found on the SIAS website.
Depending on the assessment method, you may need to bring:
- ID for verification
- A portfolio of work or evidence
- Any materials required for practical observation assessments.
You will be invited to a planning meeting prior to EPA, with a SIAS Relationship Manager where all the requirements will be discussed and confirmed. Your training provider will also support in relation to specific requirements.
Results will be issued via our EPA Pro system within 15 days of completing your EPA. SIAS will then claim the apprenticeship certificate via the ESFA who will issue the certificate.