BCS end-point assessment

What is end-point assessment?

End-point assessment (EPA) is the process for assessing the digital apprenticeship standards. To successfully complete their apprenticeship, the apprentice needs to pass their end-point assessment demonstrating that they have the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard. 

Employer trailblazers are responsible for writing the apprenticeship standards and for setting out the methods for the assessment. End-point assessment for the original digital apprenticeships comprises a portfolio, a project, an employer reference and online interview. For the new digital apprenticeships (and those currently in development) end-point assessment incorporates a variety of different methods.

Digital apprenticeships are being updated

The Digital Trailblazers have updated most of the digital apprenticeships standards, which are now available. Apprentices will be registered on these updated apprenticeships.

If you need guidance on transferring apprentices to revised standards, you should seek advice from the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

End-point assessment for new and updated digital apprenticeships

End-point assessment for these standards is unique to each apprenticeship. Take a look at the summary of digital standards to find out more.

What is the employer’s role in end-point assessment?

You play an important role in the assessment process. Together with your training provider, you’ll decide when your apprentice has met all the competencies in the apprenticeship standard and is ready to begin the end-point assessment process. You will then support them in preparing the various elements they’ll need to submit for assessment.

Preparing your apprentice for end-point assessment

End-point assessment methods vary across each digital apprenticeships standard. Please refer to the assessment plan for each standard for information on assessment methods.

Choosing your end-point assessment organisation

End-point assessment must be carried out by an independent assessment organisation unconnected to your business or training provider. As the employer you choose which organisation you want to work with. Whoever you select, it’s important that they become a trusted partner alongside your training provider, able to provide a positive experience for you and the apprentice.

Why choose BCS?

BCS is the leading standards body for IT and a registered end-point assessment organisation for digital apprenticeships - providing best-in-class service and added value to your apprenticeship journey. All our assessors are specialists in their field, undergo rigorous training and moderation, and share a common goal: to draw out the best from apprentices.

That’s why employers across every sector continue to choose BCS for their apprenticeship end-point assessment.

Making your choice easy

We’ve channelled our 60 years’ experience raising professional standards and performance across the IT industry into developing an unrivalled end-point assessment service for digital apprenticeships. We offer practical, accessible support from start to finish - for you, apprentices and training providers. Here’s what makes it so good:

• the latest online technology platforms for easy submission and feedback
• independent, consistent, high-quality standards of assessment
• experienced assessors trained to put apprentices at ease
• access to impartial guidance and advice from IT industry specialists
• dedicated BCS apprenticeship support team available whenever you need us
• professional development package to support apprentices’ next career steps
• BCS employer community where you can share best practice, perspectives and challenges

What happens at the end of the apprenticeship?

Once your apprentice completes their end-point assessment with BCS it’s not the end, in fact it’s just the beginning! Our end-point assessment is mapped to the international Skills Framework for the Information Age, and aligned with BCS membership and professional registration.

This means your qualified apprentices gain entry to the RITTech register of IT professionals and we welcome them into the BCS professional community with free Associate membership. They’ll enjoy letters after their name and instant access to a wealth of exclusive CPD opportunities - great for them, great for your business!