V1.1
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the golf greenkeeper apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Golf greenkeeper apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).
A full-time apprentice typically spends 24 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a golf greenkeeper. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.
This EPA has 3 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are:
Assessment method 1 - test:
Assessment method 2 - practical assessment and questions:
Assessment method 3 - professional discussion:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.
The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA should start as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think their apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
These are:
Portfolio of evidence requirements:
The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 10 pieces of evidence in the form of evidence packs. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.
Evidence sources may include:
workplace documentation and records, for example:
This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.
The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the professional discussion and facility walk.
It is expected that each evidence pack will contain a number of the evidence sources. It is expected that the portfolio will contain one evidence pack for each of the following:
The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.
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.
In the test, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because the criteria may not naturally occur during everyday business activities and it is important to demonstrate knowledge recall and understanding. It will ensure consistency and enables direct comparisons between apprentices. The multiple choice test is reliable and affordable to deliver and mark.
In relation to K21 and K30 the paper must include the following number of questions The scope of the paper will cover common names only for:
2 questions focussed on trees: Scots Pine, English Oak, Silver birch, Beech, Common Ash, Hawthorn
3 questions focussd on shrubs: Cherry laurel, Siberian Dog Wood, Gorse, Broom, Heather, Cotoneaster, Photinia
5 questions focussed on Herbaceous/bedding/wildflowers/invasive plants: Field poppy, Bluebells, Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Marsh marigold, Polypody fern, Ornamental Yarrow, Purple loosestrife, Marigold, French marigold, Fuchsia, Busy lizzy, Petunia, Ornamental Daisy, Ragwort, Harebell
2 questions focussed on pests: Earthworm, Chafers, Leatherjackets, Bibionid Flies, Frit Fly, Moles.
5 questions focussed on disease and disorders: Microdochium Patch, Grey Snow Mould, Red Thread, Pink Patch, Dollar Spot, Take-all Patch, Anthracnose, Brown Patch, Leaf Spot/ Melting Out, Rust, Powdery Mildew, Yellow Tuft, Fairy Rings, Red Leaf Spot, Rapid Blight..
2 questions focussed on turfgrass disorders: Dry patch, Drought, Scorch, Nutrient Imbalance, Black Layer, Cold Stress, Heat Stress.
3 questions focussed on weeds: Daisy, Dandelion ,Yarrow, Bryophyta (Mosses), Procumbent pearlwort, White Clover, Greater (Broad leaved) Plantain , Ribwort (Narrow leaved) Plantain ,Knotgrass, Creeping buttercup, Creeping cinquefoil, Slender speedwell.
The remaining questions should then be distributed across the remaining knowledge statements mapped to the test.
The test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The test can be computer or paper based.
The test will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.
The apprentice must be given at least 14 days’ notice of the date and time of the test.
The apprentice must have 75 minutes to complete the test.
The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.
The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.
The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example, with 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
The EPAO is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the test.
The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.
A correct answer gets 1 mark.
Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test.
The apprentice must take the test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.
The test can take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice.
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 should 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 test:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides in which of the simulated environments it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The method allows the practical testing of knowledge, skills and behaviours holistically. The independent assessor will observe the apprentice undertaking work under controlled conditions. The method enables pre determined independent assessor training and resources to be developed and guarantees the required demand and challenge appearing during assessment.
reduces the assessment burden on the apprentice
The practical assessment and questions 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 practical assessment and questions.
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 an apprentice 14 days' notice of the practical assessment and questions.
The practical assessment and questions must take 3.5 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment and questions by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.
The practical assessment and questions cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks or to allow apprentices to move from one location to another. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.
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 practical assessment and questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:
Task 1 - Switch or brush and mow a golf green. The golf green should have a minimum surface area of 300 metres squared (50 minutes).
Task 2 - Change golf hole to a new position and determine the green speed (30 minutes).
Task 3 - Repair damaged golf turf and position tee markers (20 minutes).
Task 4 - Maintain a bunker and present it for play in accordance with the golf course requirements (45 minutes).
Task 5 - Carry out pre start checks on a tractor, attach a trailer and reverse into a loading bay. Demonstrate lifting and lowering (35 minutes).
Task 6 - Physically inspect grass plants on the golf course to correctly identify 4 grasses from the 5 listed below. Also carry out grass seed inspection to correctly identify 3 seeds from the 5 grasses listed below (30 minutes)*.
Grass types can include:
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Fescue
• Bentgrass
• Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass
• Annual Meadow Grass
*The independent assessor will ensure that seeds and sample grasses are available in pots to support assessment where necessary.
Each individual task must be completed in the commercially acceptable times stated above. The independent assessor can increase the time of each task combined with questions by up to 10%.
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 assess and confirm knowledge and understanding of the apprentice and ensure full coverage of the KSBs. Questions can be asked during the practical assessments. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 1 question for each task.
Questioning must occur during the practical assessment. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time.
The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions during the practical assessment. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural breaks in work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training.
The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical assessment and questions.
The apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end the assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the practical assessment and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The practical assessment and questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s premises, a training provider’s premises, a training facility in the employer’s premises, a test centre or a similar simulated environment. This simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment and questions must be confirmed to be available by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these. They must be in good and safe working condition.
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 tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment and questions:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In the discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their competency across the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.
This assessment method is being used because it:
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 test knowledge and understanding of the themes mapped to this method.
The professional discussion supported with a portfolio and the supplementary questions then carried out during a facility walk will last 90 minutes in total and consist of 2 parts.
The first part will take place in a room free from distractions and the second part (supplementary questions and answers) will take place alongside a facility walk. Travel time between locations will not count towards the total duration; the clock will be stopped. This length of time should allow for all relevant parts of the facility to be visited.
The independent assessor will specify what they wish to discuss during the facility walk and agree with the apprentice the areas they need to visit following part 1.
Part 1
In the first 30 minutes of the assessment, the independent assessor will conduct the discussion in a room free from distractions and allow the apprentice to refer to their portfolio. They will also agree on a route through the facility in the preparation for the supplementary questions carried out during a facility walk.
Part 2
The independent assessor will ask supplementary questions whilst walking around the pre-selected areas of the facility on a one-to-one basis with the apprentice (it is not necessary to visit the whole facility). Part 2 will last 60 minutes.
Part 1 and part 2 will be combined in order to cover the following distinct areas of work.
a.) continuing professional development
b.) communication and working relationships
c.) irrigation systems
d.) marking out and maintenance
e.) ground preparations, integrated pest management and application of fertilizers
f.) mowing and monitoring soil/ plant condition
g.) maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 2 week(s) 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 90 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 10 questions and there should be at least one question per theme listed above. Follow-up questions are allowed where required. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises).
Part 1 of the professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. Part 2 should take place during a facility walk.
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 should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting 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 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:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.
Performance in the EPA determines the apprenticeship grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the: practical assessment and questions and professional discussion in line with this EPA plan.
The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.
If the apprentice fails one or more assessment methods, they will be awarded an overall fail.
To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA merit the apprentice can achieve a merit in the test and a distinction in the remaining two methods or the apprentice can achieve distinction in two assessment methods and a pass in either the professional discussion or the practical. Alternatively, the apprentice can achieve a merit in the test and one distinction and one pass in either the professional discussion or the practical. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in three assessment methods.
Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
If the apprentice fails one or more assessment methods they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does.
The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.
The employer and EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.
Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.
Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.
The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to how the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section:
The EPAO must also:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). Completion of the apprenticeship will enable qualified apprentices to apply for full membership
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | End-point assessment plan, standard and funding band revised | 01/11/2023 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 26/03/2015 | 31/10/2023 |
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