Photographer

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the photographer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Photographer 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 18 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a photographer. 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 2 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are:

Assessment method 1 - photographic project:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - professional discussion:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

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 be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. 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:

• confirm they are ready to take the EPA
• have achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• submit a portfolio of evidence for the professional discussion

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 25 pieces of evidence including at least 20 images (each image would count as a single piece 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:

• workplace documentation and records, for example:
• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips they have created (maximum total duration 5 minutes)

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 independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including 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.

Overview

The project assessment method involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. This process may include for example, research, analysis and the completion of tasks or activities to achieve the outcome. The assessment method will have an output at the end of the defined piece of work. The work completed for the project assessment method 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:

• completion of the defined piece of work for the project with a project output

• completion of the defined piece of work for the presentation with questions and answers

Together, these components give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. They are assessed by an independent assessor.

Rationale

• The project-based approach is the most valid method as it allows the demonstration of professional competence. Producing a product in response to a project brief reflects normal practice in the workplace.
• This occupation involves practical tasks best assessed through observation, however, the opportunity to demonstrate the skills required may be limited in a real work context due to scheduling of projects.

• Questioning allows for the assessment of the breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge against the grading descriptors.

• It is a holistic assessment method.

Delivery

The apprentice must complete a project based on the customer or client brief.

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 photographic project.

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 photographic project and presentation unaided and they must be reflective of their own role and contribution. The apprentice and their employer must confirm this when the photographic project and any presentation materials are submitted.

Component 1: A photographic project

The photographic project must include at least:

• Photographic project interpreting the brief with 10 images in a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 genres. Each photograph must have annotations describing composition, equipment, camera settings and lighting used. Each photograph's annotations would typically be 150 words. The photographic project's annotations have a total word count of 1500 words. A tolerance of 15% above or below the word count is allowed at the apprentice’s discretion. The photographic project must map, in an appendix, how it evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
• Presentation of 15 minutes. Images, tables, sketches and graphs can be used to support the presentation.

The photographic project must have a word count of 1500 words. A tolerance of 10% above or below the word count 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 output evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The apprentice must complete and submit the photographic project and any presentation materials to the EPAO by the end of week 8 of the EPA period.

Component 2: Presentation with questions

The presentation 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.

The apprentice must prepare and deliver a presentation to an independent assessor. After the presentation, the independent assessor must ask the apprentice questions about their photographic project and presentation.

The presentation should cover:

• an overview of the project
• the project scope (including key performance indicators)
• summary of actions undertaken by the apprentice
• project outcomes and how these were achieved

The presentation with questions must last 60 minutes. This will typically include a presentation of 15 minutes and questioning lasting 45 minutes. The independent assessor must use the full time available for questioning. The independent assessor can increase the time of the presentation and questioning by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete their last point or respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 8 questions. They 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 purpose of the independent assessor's questions is:

• to verify that the activity was completed by the apprentice
• to seek clarification where required
• to assess those KSBs that the apprentice did not have the opportunity to demonstrate with the photographic project, although these should be kept to a minimum
• to assess level of competence against the grading descriptors

The apprentice must submit their presentation materials to the EPAO at the same time as the photographic project - by the end of week 8 of the EPA period. The apprentice must notify the EPAO, at that point, of any technical requirements for the presentation.

During the presentation, the apprentice must have access to:

• audio-visual presentation equipment
• flip chart and writing and drawing materials
• computer

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the photographic project and any presentation materials, to allow them to prepare questions.

The apprentice must be given at least 7 days’ notice of the presentation with questions.

The apprentice may choose to end the presentation 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.

Assessment decision

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 KSBs demonstrated in the photographic project and presentation with questions
• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• the grade achieved

Assessment location

The presentation with questions 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 presentation with questions can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

Question and resource development

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:

• independent assessor EPA materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

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.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because it provides a synoptic assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours. It also helps to assess the apprentice's in-depth understanding of their work and covers aspects of the occupation that are difficult to observe and take place in restricted and confidential settings. This is a consistent assessment that applies across work settings in the industry. It is reflective of industry best practice for reporting orally on projects and justifying decisions taken. It also replicates the approach taken to reviewing candidate performance used in industry..

Delivery

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 authenticate evidence, experience and competence.

The portfolio will be reviewed by the Independent Assessor to enable them to select appropriate questions to ask during the professional discussion.

The apprentice must have access to their portfolio during the professional discussion.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with examples from their portfolio, however the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' 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 10 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 apprentice’s answers to questions
• the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.

The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

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:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Performance in the EPA determines the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the: photographic project 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 must achieve a distinction in one assessment method and a pass in the other. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in both 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 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 4 months of the EPA outcome notification.

If the apprentice fails the project assessment method, they must to amend the project output in line with the independent assessor’s feedback. The apprentice will be given 8 weeks to rework and submit the amended other.

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:

• how an apprentice qualifies for reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments 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:

• have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 5 gained in the last 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
• meet the following minimum requirements:

  the independent assessor needs to be a professional photographer currently working in industry.

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.