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FAQs

SIAS Assessment

What is an End Point Assessment (EPA)?

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.

What is the gateway?

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.

When should an Apprentice be registered with SIAS

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.

What is assessed during an EPA?

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

Who conducts the EPA?

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.

What is required if an apprentice needs reasonable adjustments/special considerations to be put in place?

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.

Who can be a Registered Assessor/Technical Expert

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.

Can the Registered Assessor/Technical Expert be involved with the apprentice’s training?

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.

Time and place for End-Point Assessment?

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.

What happens if an apprentice fails their EPA?

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.

How is the EPA graded?

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

How can I prepare for the EPA?

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.

Can I appeal my EPA result?

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.

What should I bring to my EPA?

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.

How soon will I get my EPA results?

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.

SIAS Awarding & SIAS Accredited

How do I become an Approved Centre?

As a prospective SIAS Approved Centre, you can complete our Expression of Interest Form available on the SIAS website. We will then guide you through the completion of a Centre Application Form. For further information, please refer to the “How to become a SIAS Centre” page.

What support does SIAS offer to approved Centres?

SIAS prides itself on the comprehensive support we provide to approved Centres, including:

  • Onboarding Session: We provide an initial onboarding session to familiarize you with our processes and Centre Management system, Pinacle, ensuring a strong start.
  • Dedicated Centre Relationship Manager: Each Centre is assigned a dedicated Centre Relationship Manager who serves as the main point of contact, providing personalized guidance and support through regular touch-point meetings.
  • Growth and Partnership Manager: Our Growth and Partnership Managers work closely with Centres to explore future opportunities and maximize your potential. To get in touch, please email partnerships@siasuk.com.
  • Guidance Materials: We supply detailed guidance materials, including Qualification Guides and support on effectively using the Pinacle system, ensuring Centres have all the resources they need to operate effectively.

How do I register learners?

After receiving approval as a SIAS Centre, you can begin registering learners on Pinacle using the Registration Booking Form. Guidance will be provided during your onboarding, and you will have access to support materials on Pinacle, including videos and user guides. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Centre Relationship Manager.

How do I request to offer additional SIAS qualifications/products?

If you are an approved Centre looking to expand your offerings, please reach out to your Growth and Partnership Manager for more information (partnerships@siasuk.com). You can apply to offer additional qualifications directly through our Pinacle system. This process will be covered during onboarding, and training materials will be available to support you.

What is Pinacle?

Pinacle is SIAS’s user-friendly, secure online awarding system that offers comprehensive support to Centres through a range of integrated modules designed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Training on how to use Pinacle is provided during the onboarding process to ensure you are fully supported.

How do I get access to Pinacle?

Pinacle is SIAS’s user-friendly, secure online awarding system that offers comprehensive support to Centres through a range of integrated modules designed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Training on how to use Pinacle is provided during the onboarding process to ensure you are fully supported.

How can I access the Centre Handbook?

The Centre Handbook is available in the Documents Library of SIAS’s Pinacle system. If you are unable to access it, please contact:

Awarding

What qualifications do you offer?

We offer a range of science, engineering, and technical qualifications. For a complete list of our qualifications, please visit our [Qualifications page].

How are exams invigilated?

Exams for SIAS qualifications can be invigilated in two ways:

  • Remote Invigilation: SIAS offers a remote invigilation option through Integrity Advocate, fully integrated with our testing platform, XAMS. This provides greater flexibility in scheduling exams, allowing candidates to sit exams at the time and location that suits them best. For details on any additional fees for remote invigilation, please refer to the SIAS Fees List.
  • Centre-Based Invigilation: Alternatively, exams can be invigilated on-site by a Centre staff member.

A comprehensive Invigilation Policy and guidance materials are available on our Centre Management system, Pinacle, for Centres to consult.

How does SIAS ensure the quality assurance of qualifications?

We employ a team of External Quality Assurers (EQAs) to ensure that our approved Centres meet all requirements for delivering and assessing SIAS qualifications. Their responsibilities include approving Centres and qualifications, conducting Centre visits, sampling learners’ assessments, and performing other quality assurance activities.

How are SIAS qualifications assessed?

All our qualifications are assessed through a rigorous and structured process that ensures learners can demonstrate and evidence the required skills and knowledge relevant to the qualification. Details of how each of our qualifications is assessed are provided in the Specification. These assessments can include, but are not limited to:

  • Coursework
  • Portfolio of evidence (including records of professional discussions)
  • Written tests/essays in a controlled environment
  • Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examinations
  • Practical demonstrations/assignments
  • Observations
  • Interviews
  • Projects with presentations and questioning

Where do I find the details of how to deliver a qualification?

Details relating to how to deliver qualifications are provided in our Qualification Guides and are available to download from the Pinacle system. Our Qualification Specifications are also available on our website. For more information, please reach out to your Growth and Partnership Manager (partnerships@siasuk.com).

Accredited

What is the difference between SIAS Accredited and SIAS Endorsed products?

SIAS Endorsed products do not require formal assessments. Examples include inductions, participation in workshops, webinars, and similar events. The focus is on participation and engagement rather than testing or grading. These activities are externally quality-checked by SIAS annually.

SIAS Accredited products involve a formal assessment of a learner’s knowledge and/or skills. The learning objectives are clearly defined and mapped to specific assessment methodologies. SIAS Accredited programs are reviewed by the SIAS Product Team and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), with external quality assurance (EQA) by SIAS before certification is released.

What are the advantages of offering a SIAS Accredited or SIAS Endorsed product?

Offering a SIAS Accredited or SIAS Endorsed product provides flexible solutions that meet the specific needs of training providers and employers while empowering learners with certifications that formally recognize their achievements. Our rigorous quality assurance processes ensure consistency, fairness, and trust in meeting defined learning outcomes. Additionally, we support and recognize specialist and short programs that might otherwise lack formal recognition.

I’m not currently working with SIAS. How do I apply to offer a SIAS Accredited or Endorsed Product?

To offer a SIAS Accredited or Endorsed product, the first step is to become a SIAS Approved Centre. Begin by engaging with our Centre Approval process, which includes submitting an application and fulfilling certain criteria. For more details and support on starting this process, please explore the Centre Approval section on our website or reach out to us through the enquiry form provided.