V1.1
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the geospatial survey technician apprenticeship. This apprenticeship has an integrated qualification which means both the qualification and apprenticeship need to be completed, passed and awarded during the same period.
The awarding body (AB) is accountable for the integrated assessment method. The end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) must take responsibility for all other assessment methods in the EPA. EPAOs and ABs must work collaboratively to manage the delivery of the EPA.
Geospatial survey technician apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
A full-time geospatial survey 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.
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 select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR). The integrated assessment method must be delivered by the qualification's awarding body.
Occupational competence is outlined by the EPA grade descriptors. The integrated assessment method is the responsibility of the AB and must be administered by them or an independent assessor appointed by the AB. The marking of the integrated assessment method is the responsibility of the AB and whoever they have appointed to administer the integrated assessment method. The EPA outcome is determined by the EPAO. The EPAO must combine the outcomes of integrated and non-integrated assessment methods to determine the apprentice’s overall grade.
This EPA has 3 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are below.
Assessment method 1 - multiple-choice test:
Assessment method 2 - project with questions:
Assessment method 3 - interview underpinned by portfolio of evidence - integrated:
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 the EPA should start 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 10 discrete pieces of evidence. 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:
The above is not a definitive list and 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 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 must be delivered in the following order:
The integrated assessment method must be delivered after non-integrated assessment methods have been attempted.
In the multiple-choice 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 multiple-choice 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 40 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 60 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 could 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.
A project involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. The project must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship.
This assessment method has 2 components:
project with a project output
question and answer session
Together, these components give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. They are assessed by an independent assessor.
This EPA method is being used because in this occupation reports are commonly used in the workplace and this is a typical method of delivering project outcomes. The method was selected as it provides the opportunity to demonstrate a range of knowledge skills, and behaviours that are usually demonstrated in a complex project environment. Other assessment methods would be unsuitable due to the length of time the project takes to complete.
The further rationale for this assessment is:
The apprentice must complete a project based on any of the following:
A typical geospatial survey project. Some example projects could include:
To ensure the project allows the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade, the EPAO must sign-off the project’s title and scope at the gateway to confirm it is suitable. The EPAO must refer to the grading descriptors to ensure that projects are pitched appropriately.
The project output must be in the form of a report.
The apprentice must start the project after the gateway. The employer should ensure the apprentice has the time and resources, within the project period, to plan and complete their project.
The apprentice may work as part of a team to complete the project, which could include internal colleagues or technical experts. The apprentice must however, complete their project report unaided and it must be reflective of their own role and contribution. The apprentice and their employer must confirm this when the report is submitted.
The report must include at least:
The report must also include:
The project report must have a word count of 3000 words. A tolerance of 10% above or below is allowed at the apprentice’s discretion. Appendices, references and diagrams are not included in this total. The apprentice must produce and include a mapping in an appendix, showing how the report evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice must complete and submit the report to the EPAO by the end of week 12 of the EPA period.
The question and answer session must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The apprentice must be questioned about their project and report.
The question and answer session must last for 40 minutes. The independent assessor must use the full time available for questioning and they can increase the total time 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 5 questions. They must use the questions from their 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 purpose of the independent assessor's questions is:
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the project report before the question and answer session, to allow them to prepare questions.
The apprentice must be given at least 7 days’ notice of the question and answer session.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. They must assess the project components holistically when deciding the grade.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The question and answer session must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises. It 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.
EPAO must produce the following materials to support the project:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
This is an integrated assessment method. The integrated assessment method forms part of the apprenticeship's EPA as well as the awarding of the qualification. The integrated qualification is the TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Geospatial Surveying (integrated apprenticeship) QAN: 610/3069/7.
In the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because:
The delivery of the interview must align with the conditions set out by the AB for the integrated qualification.
The apprentice must be given 14 days' notice of the interview.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.
The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the interview. The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with examples from their portfolio.
The independent assessor must use the questions from the AB’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the AB’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
To ensure marking judgements are fair and accurate, and uphold the principles of the EPA, the marking of all integrated or parts of the integrated assessments, must be marked or graded by someone independent. This means that they must be marked by the awarding organisation, an independent person appointed by the awarding organisation, an independent assessor sourced from the EPAO or a combination of the above.
The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the AB for example, the AB’s, training provider’s or employer’s premises.
The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The AB must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers or subject matter experts for this occupation. The AB should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed 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 AB 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 AB must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The AB must produce the following materials to support the interview underpinned by portfolio of evidence - integrated:
The AB 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 project with questions and the interview 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.
ABs should make clear in their marking scheme integrated assessment method what represents a pass grade for the EPA. This pass grade must reflect demonstration of occupational competence in the KSBs.
To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall merit, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the project with questions and a pass in the other two assessment methods. To achieve an overall distinction, the apprentice must gain a distinction in the multiple choice test and project with questions and a pass in the interview.
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 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 the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 3 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 6 months of the EPA outcome notification.
If the apprentice fails the project assessment method, they must amend the project output in line with the independent assessor’s feedback. The apprentice will be given 4 weeks to rework and submit the amended report.
Non-integrated assessment methods must be attempted before the integrated assessment method is attempted. The re-sit or re-take opportunities for the integrated assessment method must fall within the typical EPA period timeframes. This is to ensure that apprentices are not disadvantaged by the assessment of qualifications being available within an assessment window occurring once a year.
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.
Reasonable adjustments
The EPAO and AB must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Special considerations
The EPAO and AB 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 and AB must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.
EPAOs and ABs 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 is not aligned to professional recognition.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised. | 08/01/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 27/02/2018 | 07/01/2024 |
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