Order of assessment methods
The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.
The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.
Observation with questioning
Overview
In the observation with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice in their workplace and asks questions. The apprentice completes their day-to-day duties under normal working conditions. Simulation is not allowed. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
Rationale
This assessment method is being used because: it is a valid assessment as it is the observation of live assessment practice that can be followed up by question and answer. The questioning by the assessor ensures the accuracy of the assessment decision made by the apprentice during the observation. The assessor can clarify elements of the observation, add context to what was observed, and reinforce evidence against KSBs not fully evidenced during the observation.
Delivery
The observation with questioning must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the observation with questioning.
The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.
The EPAO must give the apprentice 3 weeks’ notice of the observation with questions. The observation with questioning must take 1.5 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the observation with questions by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.
The observation may be split into discrete sections held on the same working day to cover:
- two 30 minute live observations
- 30 minutes of questioning
The EPAO must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations.
The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the observation with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor should observe the following during the observation:
Two 30-minute observations of assessment practice that must be undertaken in a live assessment environment. This may include where the apprentice is assessing recorded evidence provided by the candidate being assessed by the apprentice, as required by the employer.
These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The independent assessor must ask questions.
The purpose of the questions is to clarify information observed during the assessment, and to allow the apprentice to add depth and detail to their evidence against the KSBs.
Questions must be asked after the observation. The total duration of the observation assessment method is 1.5 hours and the time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The total time for the observation element is 60 minutes, split into two 30 minute sections. The time allocated for questioning is 30 minutes. The independent assessor must ask at least 5 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must ask questions about KSBs that were not observed to gather assessment evidence. These questions are in addition to the set number of questions for the observation with questions and should be kept to a minimum.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the observation and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
- the KSBs observed
- the apprentice’s answers to questions
- the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
- the grade achieved
Assessment location
The observation with questioning must take place in the apprentice’s normal place of work for example, their employer’s premises or a customer’s premises. Equipment and resources needed for the observation must be provided by the employer and be in good and safe working condition.
Question and resource development
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the observation with questioning:
- independent assessor assessment materials which include:
- training materials
- administration materials
- moderation and standardisation materials
- guidance materials
- grading guidance
- question bank
- EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Overview
In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.
Rationale
This assessment method is being used because: this will allow the assessment of KSBs which may not naturally occur in all live assessment practice. This method gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their depth of understanding of the KSBs and engages the apprentice in detailed and technical discussions. It is authentic as the apprentice will discuss assessment practice undertaken in their workplace.
Delivery
The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.
The purpose of the independent assessor’s questions will be to assess the following 6 themes:
- Key concepts
- Assessment practice
- Communication
- Quality assurance
- Recording
- Professional development
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days’ notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation. The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The professional discussion must last for 75 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 12 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
- the apprentice’s answers to questions
- the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
- the grade achieved
Assessment location
The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
Question and resource development
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
- independent assessor assessment materials which include:
- training materials
- administration materials
- moderation and standardisation materials
- guidance materials
- grading guidance
- question bank
- EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.