Ofqual
Detail of outcome
Ofqual has decided to implement the following updates to the EPA guidance as proposed in the consultation.
- terminology: amended guidance to explain and provide examples of how terms used in Ofquals Conditions apply in the context of EPAs
- arrangements with Centres: amended guidance to explain the arrangements AOs must have in place with Centres that deliver part of a qualification on an AOs behalf
- publication of a qualification specification: amended guidance to make it clear that Ofquals Conditions require an AO to publish a specification for any EPA that they offer
- marking the assessment: amended guidance to explain the different forms that marking can take and clarifies that other approaches apart from numerical marks may constitute marking in this context
- Assessment Plans: new guidance to explain how Assessment Plans interact with Ofquals Conditions and the factors an AO is likely to need to consider when designing a specific EPA approach in line with the requirements set out in the Assessment Plan
- transitioning between Assessment Plans: new guidance to explain how to manage the transition to updated versions of Assessment Plans while protecting the interests of apprentices
- third parties: new guidance to explain how Ofquals third party Conditions apply where other bodies deliver aspects of an EPA on behalf of an AO
Feedback received
Detail of feedback received
Respondents were broadly supportive of the proposed updates to the guidance, stating that it added clarity and would support a consistent approach across AOs in developing EPAs. There were also calls for Ofqual to be more prescriptive in guidance and to provide more detailed scenarios and examples to aid understanding of Ofquals requirement.
The consultation ran from 19 July to 11 October 2022. Twenty-five responses were received to the consultation.
Original consultation
Consultation description
Ofqual is seeking views on proposed updates to the End-Point Assessment Qualification Level Guidance. The proposed guidance, if adopted, is intended to help end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) in their understanding of our regulatory framework and how it applies to end-point assessments (EPAs).