This is not the latest approved version of this apprenticeship. View the latest version
This apprenticeship is in revision
This revised version of the occupational standard and end-point assessment plan has been agreed and is available for information. It will be approved for delivery and replace the current version for new starts from 01 May 2025. It will have a funding band of £15,000.
Proposal approved
Occupational standard approved
End-point assessment plan approved
Funding approved
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the land-based service engineering technician apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Land-based service engineering technician apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
The land-based service engineering technician apprentice typically spends 24 months on-programme. The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.
Upon completion of the gateway requirements, the EPA should be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 6 months.
The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.
An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must work with the training provider to select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR).
This EPA has 3 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are below.
Assessment method 1 - knowledge test:
Assessment method 2 - practical tasks with questions:
Assessment method 3 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
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 6 months.
The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
They must:
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 evidence relating to 15 jobs. 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. The jobs should demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills mapped to the method. Jobs are likely to relate but are not limited to work carried out on:
• Engines
• Transmissions
• Electrical work
• Hydraulics
• Exhaust emissions after treatment systems
• PDI (pre delivery inspection and preparation)
• Land-based machinery and equipment
• GPS / Guidance / Telematics / Technology
• Service and maintenance operations
For each job the following should be provided:
1) Job card showing the instructions given
2) A company risk assessment – workshop and/or on site dynamic assessment
3) Photographs of the apprentice carrying out the job from start to finish
4) Service manual information related to the job
5) Recorded data from the job (Error codes, software versions, parameter logs etc)
6) Check sheets (where appropriate e.g. PDI / Service)
7) A description of the job and tasks undertaken, the parts used, and the challenges encountered and how they were overcome
Evidence sources may also include:
• Annotated workplace documentation and records, for example:
•workplace policies and procedures
•details of the employers' main business activities/ area of interest
•witness testimonies
•annotated photographs
•video clips (each having a maximum total duration 3 minutes duration); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable • an individual apprenticeship achievement plan
• progress review records (training provider, employer/ mentor)
• a continuing professional development (CPD) record
• achievement record
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 to be the case.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures 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 knowledge 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.
Short answer questions (SAQs) are open-ended questions. SAQs are used to assess basic knowledge in a test. SAQs need a brief factual or interpretive answer. Long answer questions (LAQs) are open-ended questions. LAQs are used to assess depth of knowledge in a test. LAQs need an extended written response or an evaluative answer.
This assessment method is being used because:
The knowledge 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 apprentice must be given at least 14 days’ notice of the date and time of the test. The test must consist of 16 Short Answer Questions (SAQs) questions and 2 Long Answer Questions (LAQs) and always total 44 marks. To support comparability, the distribution of marks will be allocated at theme level (see mapping of KSBs to themes) using the design detailed below.
Each theme must include the following:
Responses to SAQs may be one word, a phrase, a sentence or a paragraph and should be reflective of the mark allocation in terms of expected demand. For example, a 1 mark SAQ will typically require either a one word or single sentence response. A 2 mark SAQ will typically require a phrase or a few sentences, whereas a 6 mark LAQ will typically require several sentences, forming a longer paragraph.
Marking scheme and grading guidance
The grading descriptors show both the numerical grade boundaries required for each level of achievement for the written test and the required level of demand for competency. The grading descriptors should be used by EPAOs to create valid and reliable mark schemes. The marks scheme design and approach can be determined by the EPAO (e.g. either levels based, points based or a mixture). EPAOs should ensure that the questions within the knowledge test mirror the level of demand set by the grading descriptors at the pass level. This should be done by using the same command verb where possible (or a comparable verb, in terms of demand, where not). The grading descriptors should inform the question writing whilst also providing EPAOs with the numerical outcomes required for each level of attainment.
The apprentice must have 70 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 EPAO must develop a marking scheme based on the grading descriptors for this assessment method. The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow the marking scheme produced by the EPAO.
Any missing answers get zero marks. Incomplete or incorrect answers will be marked as per the EPAO marking guidance for the question.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of tests with written answers.
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 the practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a 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 and be resourced to reflect the apprentice’s natural working environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because it:
The practical tasks with 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 tasks with questions.
The independent assessor may observe a maximum of 3 apprentices at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.
Suitable control measures should be in place to ensure consistency, reliability and authenticity of work and that there is no interference or security issues as a result of assessing 3 apprentices at a time.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice prior to the . practical tasks with questions taking place
The series of 3 practical tasks with questions are to be completed within a total of 4.5 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical tasks with 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 tasks with 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 tasks with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:
*5 days advance notice of the machine used for each task can be given to the apprentice by the EPAO. The equipment must be relevant to the sector in which the apprentice is employed. Advance notice of the machine type or manufacturer’s model, specification and year of manufacture should be provided to the apprentice. Machines can be new or used. This reflects the practice in industry that the individual would be aware of the machine type prior to commencing work.
The EPAO must ensure that the machines are configured in such a way that the assessment can function. This should not exclude the use of used machinery and equipment.
Task 1 installation and handover (90 mins)
The apprentice is required to perform installation and handover of self propelled machinery or prime mover, explaining their safe operation, the settings required for the environmental conditions and application, the maintenance and warranty requirements.
The apprentice is required to establish the level of customer understanding following installation and handover and communicate findings to stakeholders.
Task 2 diagnose and report repair recommendations (90 mins).
The apprentice is required to consider mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic symptoms to diagnose the root cause of a mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic fault. The symptoms should indicate that the root cause of the fault could be a mechanical or hydraulic or an electrical fault.
The fault should require the consideration of mechatronics. For example:
• a controller area network (CANBUS)
• local interconnect network (LINBUS)
• ISOBUS
• potentiometer
• speed or proximity sensor
• proportional solenoid
• linear actuator
Diagnosis equipment must include the use of a multi-meter and/ or an oscilloscope. The apprentice will be required to reference a schematic drawing and carry out the diagnosis and report repair recommendations to the independent assessor.
Task 3 Verification of a reported Engine, Transmission or Hydraulic symptom (90 mins)
The apprentice is required to investigate reported underperformance of land-based machinery, equipment or prime mover using logical problem-solving techniques.
The apprentice is required to consider symptoms and measure inputs and outputs to determine a diagnosis and present their findings to the assessor.
The use of one or more of the following diagnostic tools must be used; diagnostic / scan software, oscilloscope, pressure gauges, flow meter, multi-meter to verify the findings.
The presented findings must be supported by manufacturer documentation, schematics, flow diagrams or drawings as found in the appropriate service manual.
Examples of symptoms are:
• Low engine power.
• Engine will not start.
• Jerky transmission shifts.
• No drive.
• Poor hydraulic performance.
• Poor bale density.
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:
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 in total during the practical assessment (at least 2 per task). 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 tasks with 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 the apprentice commits a serious breach of health and safety or there is 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 tasks with questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO for example, the training provider’s premises, the EPAO's or 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 tasks with questions must be available. The EPAO, has responsibility for ensuring that the equipment and resources are suitable and are available and may liaise with the employer/ provider to supply these.
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 occupational sector of the apprentice 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 task or tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.
If a task is failed, it is only a requirement to resit or retake that specific task rather than the entire method.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical tasks with questions:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.
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 professional discussion will cover the following themes:
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks 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 60 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 15 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
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 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 training provider's or employer’s premises.
The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
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 questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the knowledge test, practical tasks with questions and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence 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 assessment method or more, 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.
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 assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer is required 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 the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 1 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 each assessment method(s) that require a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
A re-sit or re-take only limits an apprentice's achievement in the assessment method(s) retaken/sat and does not prohibit higher achievement for the apprenticeship as a whole.
The apprentice is not required to retake or resit all of the tasks that form part of the practical assessment but just those that they fail.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different task or tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.
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.
Special considerations
The EPAO must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Special considerations must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.
EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.
They must also appoint independent assessors who:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revised version awaiting implementation | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised | 01/05/2025 | Not set |
| 1.1 | Standard, funding band and end-point assessment plan revised | 10/05/2018 | 30/04/2025 |
| 1.0 | Retired | 23/12/2015 | 09/05/2018 |
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