Hair Professional L2 Apprenticeship

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.

Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.

The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.

The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

• fail

• pass

• merit
• distinction

When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

EPA gateway

The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.

The gateway requirements for your EPA are:

• achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
• for the professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence , you must submit a portfolio of evidence
• passed any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard

For the hairdressing professional, the qualification required is:

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals - Hairdressing 603/1379/1

TQUK Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing) (RQF) 603/3101/X

VTCT - Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing) 603/1323/7

Assessment methods

Multiple-choice test

You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.

The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.

Practical assessment with questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 5.5 hours. They will ask you at least 3 questions.

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 35 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.

The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.