What is a final assessment?

Every apprenticeship no matter the subject has a final assessment at the end of the programme. It is a way of formally assessing that an apprentice is working at, or above, the standard relevant for their job and can transfer the skills, knowledge and behaviours to their work.

What does the final assessment entail?

There are three assessments within the final Assessment for the Revenues and Welfare Benefits Practitioner Apprenticeship, which must be completed and passed to achieve the qualification.

The first assessment method is a project. The apprentice will need to produce a written assignment on the appeals process and answer three questions around this subject. This must be completed within three weeks.

The second assignment is a professional discussion. The apprentice will be asked questions around the skills and behaviours listed within the standard.

The third and final assessment will be a presentation of five cases covering eight real-life scenarios they have encountered and dealt with personally.

How do I prepare for the final assessment?

The tutor will give the apprentice hints and tips on how to best prepare during the course. Towards the end of the programme the apprentice will be offered the opportunity to do mock assessments to help gain a deeper understanding of what to expect when they commence their final assessment.

How do I know when I am ready for the final assessment?

When an apprentice completes their portfolio their tutor will organise a meeting known as the 'Gateway'. This is where the mentor / employer, tutor and apprentice review the portfolio and decide if they feel the apprentice is ready to undertake the final assessment. If all are in agreement, a declaration is signed by all parties and the apprentice moves on to the final assessment.

What do I need to pass the Gateway?

To pass the Gateway an apprentice must have completed their portfolio, which will ensure they have demonstrated all of the skills, knowledge and behaviours within the standard. They must have completed the minimum 'off the job' training hours requirement for the 'Practical' period they have been on the course. If they are aged 16 to 18, they must also have either provided their maths and English Level 2 exam certificates showing that they have attained a grade C or above or alternatively completed functional skills qualifications in these subjects.

What support will I be given through the final assessment?

An apprentice will be assigned an assessment advisor who will support and guide them through this process.

How long do I have to complete the final assessment?

An apprentice will have a maximum of three months to complete the final assessment.

How is the final assessment conducted?

The final assessment is conducted remotely using videoconferencing technology. The assessment organisation will ensure an apprentice has what they need to complete their final assessment.

What will an apprentice need on the day?

An apprentice must have photo Id to show the independent assessor. They must also have any notes they wish to use and anything they need in order to deliver their presentation.

Are any reasonable adjustments offered to accommodate learning needs?

Where an apprentice requires reasonable adjustments, they must raise this with the tutor who will organise the adjustments with the assessment granisation.

How is the final assessment graded?

An apprentice can achieve a pass or distinction for their assessments. To obtain a distinction overall, they will need to receive this mark on the Professional Discussion and the Presentation. If they fail any of the three assessment methods, after resits, they may only achieve a pass mark as their final grade.

What happens after the assessments are completed?

If all assessments are successfully achieved the assessment organisation issue a 'statement of assessment' i.e. the results, to the training provider and a certificate is claimed from Department for Education (DFE), who will issue it to the employer.

If one or more assessments are failed, the assessment adviser will organise retakes.

Where can I find further information on the final assessment?

Further details can be requested by emailing: melissa.oliver@irrv.org.uk    

Further details are also available on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. See link below.

Level 4 End-Point Assessment Plan

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Final Assessment - Information for Employers

What is a Final Assessment Organisation (FAO)?

An FAO in an independent organisation to your training provider, who will assess your apprentices against the standard once they have completed their apprenticeship portfolio. They will tell you if your apprentice has passed and advise you on what grade they have achieved or, if a re-sit is necessary.

Who chooses the FAO?

As the employer it is your responsibility to select an FAO. Here at the IRRV we will recommend an FAO for you. This is to ensure a consistent approach is delivered to all our apprentices. However should you wish to use an alternative we will work closely with your chosen FAO to ensure we can maintain a similar approach.

How do I choose an FAO?

All FAOs must be listed on the Apprenticeship Providers and Assessment Register (APAR). A link to this is given below.

Find an end-point assessment organisation for your apprentice (education.gov.uk)

Once you have selected a suitable FAO you must let us know. This must be done as soon as possible. Once we have received this information we will look to register your apprentice with the FAO.

What happens next?

We, as the training provider, will be working behind the scenes with the FAO to make sure everything is in place for when the time arrives for the apprentice to do their final assessment.

The next stage for you and your apprentice will not take place until nearer the end of the course. The next stage is known as the 'Gateway'. This is where all essential criteria to progress to the final assesment is checked. If all is satisfactory, we will notify the FAO that your apprentice is ready. The FAO will contact the apprentice to organise the start of the final assessment and assign them their first task.

During this time you must make sure your apprentice has ample time to complete each assignment and has access to a quiet room where they won’t be disturbed.