Apprenticeship end-point assessments

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Apprenticeship External Quality Assurance (EQA)

Ofqual provides EQA of apprenticeship end-point assessments (EPAs) through the regulation of end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs).

Following a consultation to simplify and strengthen the EQA system, we are working with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to transfer standards from the Institute and other EQA providers.

The Office for Students will be the EQA provider for integrated degree apprenticeships and Ofqual will EQA most other standards.

Each apprenticeship standard comprises an occupational standard and an assessment plan developed by a trailblazer group of employers. EPAOs use the assessment plan to develop their EPA, which measures the competence of apprentices. All apprentices must take an independent EPA at the end of their training to confirm that they have achieved occupational competence.

We approach the regulation of apprenticeship EPAs with the same seriousness and focus as other qualifications that we regulate. If you want to offer an EPA where we provide external quality assurance, you will need to be recognised by us.

Learn more about Ofqual’s approach to EQA.

Ofqual recognition of EPAOs

Ofqual recognition ensures that EPAs are only delivered by high‐quality organisations who have the capability to design, develop and deliver EPAs. It’s a consistent and objective process for all applicants, which ensures fairness and provides assurance.

Each organisation is considered for recognition in the context of the number and type of EPAs they want to offer. You can find further details about this process in this briefing pack for EPAOs.

We recognise and regulate EPAOs, and the regulated EPAs that they offer. Ofqual recognised organisations, including those that are working with other EQA providers, are required to comply with the General Conditions of Recognition on an ongoing basis.

Which standards do we provide EQA for?

Standards will transfer to us in 2 phases:

phase 1: standards where the Institute is the EQA provider
phase 2: standards from other EQA providers

Standards will transfer to us at the earliest opportunity. That is when all EPAOs delivering on that standard have either withdrawn, achieved recognition or successfully expanded their scope of recognition.

EQA will continue to be provided by the Institute for phase 1 standards until all EPAOs for the standard have either achieved recognition, had at least two recognition applications rejected, or have decided to withdraw from the standard. Similarly, EQA will continue to be provided by other EQA providers for phase 2 standards.

1 July 2021: final deadline for EPAOs to submit their application for recognition
29 November 2021: final deadline for resubmission of an application for recognition by EPAOs that have received feedback on an unsuccessful application on or before 18 October 2021
7 January 2022: final deadline for resubmission of an application for recognition by EPAOs that receive feedback on an unsuccessful application after 18 October 2021

16 May 2022: deadline for EPAOs to submit their application for recognition
31 December 2022: deadline for EPAOs to achieve recognition

Key documents to support with your application

We assess applications against our Criteria for Recognition. You will need to demonstrate that you can meet these criteria in order to become recognised.

You will also need to demonstrate that you comply with the General Conditions of Recognition and the EPA qualification level conditions on an ongoing basis.

We have published guidance for the criteria and EPA qualification level guidance to support with your application. We have also published a YouTube playlist, EPAO recognition: guidance and webinars where you can find more information.