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This apprenticeship standard has been approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. However, starts on the apprenticeship will only be possible once a suitable end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) has obtained Ofqual recognition. Once the EPAO has obtained Ofqual recognition, funding for apprentice starts will be permitted and this message will be removed.
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This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the craft painter and decorator apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Craft painter and decorator apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
A full-time craft painter and decorator apprentice typically spends 18 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 3 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 - multiple-choice test:
Assessment method 2 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Assessment method 3 - practical assessment with questions:
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 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 the interview 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:
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 interview The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. 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 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 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 following equipment is allowed to be used during the test:
The test administrator should provide this equipment in readiness for 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 the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions. 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:
The interview 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 interview.
The purpose is to assess the apprentice's competence against the following themes:
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the interview.
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 interview.
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 interview must last for 70 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the interview by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
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 any 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 any assessment early.
The independent assessor must ask at least 8 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, remotely, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The interview 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 interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
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.
This assessment method is being used because:
The practical assessment 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 assessment with questions.
The independent assessor must observe no more than three apprentices 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 with questions
The practical assessment with questions must take 24 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment 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 assessment with questions may take place in parts but must be completed over 4 consecutive working days. A working day is typically considered to be 7.5 hours long. The reason for this split is to provide sufficient time for the apprentice to complete all elements of the practical task, including drying time for coatings.
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 with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:
Practical work area must include the following:
The work area details are provided to ensure that common constructional complexities are included in the practical assessment. Where the EPA is administered at the employer's or training provider's premises, the EPAO may liaise with the employer or training provider to provide resources, set up and equipment requirement information, in preparation for the practical assessment. Where this is the case, the EPAO must put measures in place to prevent malpractice and reduce predictability.
The tasks must ensure 24 hours of practical time comparable to the work of a competent painter and decorator, and the apprentice will plan their own sequence of work to complete the activities within the allocated time.
The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the work area prior to the practical assessment is comparable for all apprentices.
The independent assessor must observe the following as a minimum, during the practical assessment:
General:
Activity 1: Apply solvent-borne coatings
Activity 2: Apply water-borne coatings by brush and roller
There must be clear colour contrasts between each of the ceiling, walls, trim - architrave and skirting, window and door
Activity 3: Apply water-borne coating using HVLP spray painting equipment
Activity 4: Hang non-woven lining paper to ceiling
Activity 5: Hang standard width drop match finishing paper to wall with chimney breast
Activity 6: Apply broken colour effects using acrylic scumble
Tolerances and criteria
Activity 1: Apply solvent-borne coatings - tolerances and criteria
Defects are defined as: bits, nibs and atmospheric dust, visible brush marks and ropiness, runs or sags, misses or grinning and defects caused by poor preparation.
• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the moulded spindles with handrail
• distinction: no defects to the moulded spindles with handrail
Activity 2: Apply water-borne coatings - tolerances and criteria
Defects are defined as: bits, nibs and atmospheric dust, visible brush or roller marks and ropiness, runs or sags, misses or grinning and defects caused by poor preparation.
• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the ceiling
• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the walls
• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the skirting boards and architrave
• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the moulded dado rails
• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the casement window and frame
• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the 4 panelled door panels and mouldings
• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the 4 panelled door rails, stiles and muntins
• distinction: no defects to the ceiling
• distinction: no defects to the walls
• distinction: no defects to the skirting boards and architrave
• distinction: no defects to the moulded dado rails
• distinction: no defects to the casement window and frame
• distinction: no defects to the 4 panelled door panels and moulding
• distinction: no defects to the 4 panelled door rails, stiles and muntins
Cutting in accuracy:
• pass: cutting in between adjacent surfaces and fittings + or - 2mm
• pass: window glass must be sealed, cutting in maximum 2mm onto glass
• distinction: cutting in between adjacent surfaces and fittings + or -1mm
• distinction: window glass must be sealed, cutting in maximum 1mm onto glass
Activity 3: Apply water-borne coating using HVLP spray painting equipment - tolerances and criteria
Defects are defined as: runs, sags, dry spray, banding, overspray, orange peel, evidence of creep when protection materials removed
Activity 4 Hang non-woven lining paper to ceiling tolerances and criteria
Defects are defined as tears, delamination, staining or surface marking, blisters, loose edges, chewing or shear or knife marks and defects from poor preparation.
Cut lengths of lining paper:
Application of lining paper:
Joints in lining paper:
Trim paper at ends and around ceiling rose:
Activity 5: Hang standard width drop match finishing paper to wall with chimney breast -tolerances and criteria
Defects are defined as tears, delamination, staining or surface marking, blisters, loose edges, chewing or shear or knife marks and defects from poor preparation.
• pass: maximum of 2 defects to the chimney breast wall
• distinction: no defects to the chimney breast wall
Cut lengths of finishing paper:
• pass: lengths cut between 101mm and 125mm excess paper
• distinction: cut lengths no more than 100mm excess paper
Accuracy to plumb:
Pattern correctly matched and within tolerance in two pattern repeats at eye level:
Pattern centred and balanced on face of chimney breast:
Joints in finishing paper:
Turn internal and external angles standard :
• pass: overlap of internal and external angles+ or - 2mm (of the standard)
• distinction: overlaps of internal and external angles + or - 1mm (of the standard)
Trim finishing paper top and bottom and around fitting:
• pass: cut within + or - 2mm, and no score marks on socket or switch
• distinction: cut with no gaps and no score marks on socket or switch
Activity 6: Apply broken colour effects - tolerances and criteria
Rag rolling defects are defined as: banding or tracking, slip or skid marks, regular pattern, dry edges, uneven application of scumble, discernible brush marks in scumble, unsuitability of ground coat, evidence of creep when protection materials removed
Vertical dragging defects are defined as: broken, interrupted or not continuous vertical lines particularly near top and bottom, scumble residue on adjacent surfaces, wavy vertical lines, loss of wet edge, edges of dragging not clean and sharp, unsuitability of ground coat, evidence of creep when protection materials removed
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 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 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 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 with 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 with questions must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide 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 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 with questions:
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 interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and practical assessment with questions 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. To achieve an overall EPA merit, the apprentice must gain a distinction in the practical with questions assessment as well as a distinction in one other assessment method, and a pass in the remaining assessment method. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must gain a distinction in the practical assessment with questions, a distinction in the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and a distinction in the multiple-choice test.
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.
For the practical assessment only the activity, or the individual task within the activity which has not produced the minimum grade of a pass will need to be re-sat or re-taken.
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 if pass they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, 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.
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 is not aligned to professional recognition.
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