The EPA comprises three components.
- Multiple Choice Test
- Demonstration of Practice
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Multiple Choice Test (MCT) – 45 mins
The Test will be primarily delivered as computer based online test in a suitably controlled environment. It can take place at employer premises, or any suitable venue selected by us as an EPAO. Remote invigilation is available as an option for employers. Paper-based test will be available as an alternative where online test is not possible.
Apprentices will have 45 minutes to complete, and the test will consist of 30 standard multiple-choice questions covering 20 knowledge statements. Apprentices must achieve 24 marks for a pass.
Grading is Fail/Pass
Demonstration of Practice (Face-to-Face/Remote) -100 mins
The demonstration of practice will be primarily delivered on one-to-one basis.
The demonstration of practice will be carried out as per the assessment plan, that is station based for learners to demonstrate KSBs through three different stations.
Station 1 – Service User issue: The apprentice will work alongside a service user (actor/ station assessor), for whom this is the first meeting, to assess and identify what their issues are, make appropriate notes, and work with the service user to coproduce an action plan to address their priorities.
At this station the apprentice will have:
5 minutes:
- be presented with an unseen case-based scenario
- Read the scenario
20 minutes:
- discuss the issue with the service user (actor)
- co-produce an action plan to address the service user’s priorities
- work safely within their scope of practice
5 minutes:
- participate in a question-and-answer session with the independent assessor (a minimum of 2 questions)
Station 1 will take a total of 30 minutes:
Station 2 – Community issue: Based on a scenario, involving community groups or organisations, the apprentice will present to the independent assessor the actions that they would take to deliver on agreed community outcomes and, drawing on their experience in their area of practice, how they would collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders and partner agencies explaining the reasons behind their actions.
At this station, the apprentice will have:
20 minutes
- be presented with an unseen scenario involving a community
- read the scenario
- prepare to present to the independent assessor
15 minutes
5 minutes
Station 3 – Service user issue: The apprentice will work alongside a service user (actor/ station assessor) who is already partway through their action plan to follow up on issues and actions taken that have been discussed in an earlier appointment.
At this station the apprentice will have:
5 minutes
- Be presented with an unseen case-based scenario of somebody who is already partway through their chosen course of action
- Read the scenario
20 minutes
- Discuss the issue with the service user (actor)
- Discuss progress against their action plan
- Work safely within their scope of practice
5 minutes
Station 3 will take a total of 30 minutes:
The scenarios for each station:
- Stations 1 and 3: 300 – 350 words
- Station 2: 600 – 650 words
Grading- Fail/Pass/Distinction
Each station will be graded fail, pass or distinction by the station independent assessor to determine the overall grade for this method.
Professional discussion (PD) underpinned by portfolio of evidence - 60 mins
The Professional Discussion can be held face to face of remotely
The apprentice will be given at least two weeks’ notice of the PD. The PD will last 60 minutes (with discretion to increase by up to 10%) and will be delivered as required in the assessment plan.
The PD is underpinned by the portfolio (submitted as a gateway requirement). The IEA has a minimum of 2 weeks to review the portfolio and can use the contents of the portfolio to identify discussion topics. The professional discussion will have a minimum of 12 questions (with follow-up questions for clarification purposes as necessary).
Grading- Fail/Pass/Distinction
