The Skills and Behaviours End Point Assessment, or EPA, is part of the significant portion of an apprenticeship. This is utilized for the purpose of confirming if the apprentice learned skills, knowledge, and behaviours to be applied on the job. It is always conducted with an independent verifier attending and in official capacity to check for fairness as well as ensure consistency.

If you are taking an End Point Assessment, having an idea what to anticipate can make you more comfortable and better placed to succeed. In this guide, we will explore the Skills and Behaviours End Point Assessment key points, how it is taken, and how to prepare for it best.

1. Getting to Grips with the End Point Assessment Process

The EPA is the culmination of an apprenticeship and typically generates a combination of different types of assessment. The types ensure an apprentice is able to demonstrate capability in real-world situations. The process of assessment may include:

Practical Observation: A genuine demonstration of competencies in genuine working conditions.

Professional Discussion: A formal conversation with an assessor to decide the knowledge of the apprentice.

Portfolio Review: Work done discussed in relation to work performed on the apprenticeship.

Written or Online Exams: Multiple choice or scenario questions for assessment.

The EPA format will be real based on the apprenticeship standard being pursued, but all the tests attempt to gauge an apprentice's capacity to use his skills to a real working environment.

2. Skills and Behaviours Test

Professional behaviours are also assessed by the EPA, which are obligatory in any position.

Skills: These are job-related skills of the job, i.e., problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and technical skills.

Behaviours: These are related to the attitude and work style of an apprentice, e.g., professionalism, flexibility, and ethics awareness.

Examiners are looking for proof of your competence to the behaviours and skills via the EPA. To be able to provide evidence of applying them on a day to day basis is passing the exam.

3. Getting ready for taking the Skills and Behaviours EPA

Your own preparation is the secret to passing your own End Point Assessment. The below preparation tips will set you ready:

a. Read Your Apprenticeship Standard

Each apprenticeship standard specifies the skills and behaviours required. Check that you know these requirements and how they relate to your job.

b. Practice Professional Discussions

When you have the professional discussion, you must consider your experience and provide good examples of how you have applied your skills. It is worth practicing with a mentor or colleague so you feel more confident.

c. Prepare Your Portfolio

If your EPA is a portfolio review, ensure you have all your work prominently documented, sorted out, and in readiness for presentation. Pick out achievement points and be able to talk about them through. 

d. Enhance Your Time Management

Scheduled tests like written exams and practice viewing could be conducted under timed working. Timed working will condition you and allow you to perform optimally.

e. Be Professional and Positive

The examiners will be evaluating your behaviour while in exam pressure. Remain professional, polite, and answer positively even if you feel nervous.

4. What to Do After the End Point Assessment

When you complete your EPA, the examiner will approach and sit with you and discuss your performance and mark you. Your marks usually come as:

Pass – You worked at the standard you were expected to.

Merit – You performed better than expected.

Distinction – You've demonstrated excellent behaviour and abilities.

Fail – You failed to meet the expected standard (although you may be allowed to re-sit the test).

If you pass, you will be issued with a certificate to demonstrate that you are competent in your apprenticeship occupation. If you fail, don't worry! You will usually receive feedback and be able to re-sit the test.


Skills and Behaviours EPA is one of the outcomes of successful completion of an apprenticeship. Having an idea of what to do beforehand and practicing can be the difference in performance. Practicing conversations, communicating your skills, developing your portfolio, and having faith in yourself, you can approach your EPA with confidence.