End-Point Assessment Organisation Expands into Qualifications

National EPA (NEPA), previously focused solely on delivering end-point assessment services, has expanded its offering to include regulated qualifications through the launch of its Awarding Organisation, NQual.

This development marks an important step in supporting training providers across both apprenticeship assessment and qualification delivery.

From End-Point Assessment to Awarding Organisation

Since its launch, National EPA (NEPA) has operated as an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), supporting training providers, employers, and apprentices through the final stage of the apprenticeship journey.

End-point assessment plays a critical role in confirming that apprentices have developed the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required within their role, forming a key milestone in completing an apprenticeship programme.

Building on this experience, the organisation has now expanded into the awarding of qualifications through NQual, enabling a broader support offering across the learner journey.

A Strategic Step Forward

Reflecting on the launch, Managing Director Ashley Robertson said:

“Previously working solely as NEPA an EPAO, this is a great achievement and exciting move in the right direction for our organisation. To match the change we will now be formally known as NQual, however End-Point Assessment, NEPA, will still very much exist but be a department within NQual. I am extremely proud of those who came together to make this a successful launch. The NQual team have been busy designing and developing some great qualifications which are current and relevant to today’s changing industries. In the past three weeks, we have really kicked NQual off the ground and had a fantastic response from providers. A special thanks to our new centres, who we have already developed some great partnerships with, we are looking forward to supporting you through your delivery of NQual qualifications!”

This transition reflects a clear direction of travel—from a specialist EPAO to a broader organisation supporting both assessment and qualifications.

Why Expand into Qualifications?

The move into qualifications reflects the evolving needs of training providers.

By introducing an awarding organisation alongside EPA services, providers can:

• access both qualification delivery and end-point assessment within one organisation

• benefit from greater consistency across learning and assessment

• streamline processes across the learner journey

This approach supports a more joined-up model of delivery, reducing complexity and improving alignment between on-programme learning and assessment.

Developing Qualifications That Reflect Industry Needs

The introduction of NQual qualifications has been driven by a focus on relevance and quality.

As Head of Qualifications Leonie Walker highlights, the development of qualifications has been a key priority for the team, ensuring they are aligned with sector needs and current industry demands.

This ensures that training providers can deliver programmes that are both compliant and meaningful for learners, supporting progression into employment or further development.

Supporting Training Providers Across the Full Learner Journey

With the introduction of NQual, the organisation is now positioned to support:

• On-programme learning through regulated qualifications

• End-point assessment for apprenticeship completion

• Ongoing support and guidance for training providers and centres

This creates a more holistic offering, enabling providers to work with a single organisation across multiple stages of delivery.

What This Means for Training Providers

For training providers, this development offers greater flexibility and alignment when planning provision.

Working with an organisation that delivers both qualifications and end-point assessment can:

• improve consistency across delivery and assessment

• reduce administrative complexity

• provide clearer communication and support throughout the learner journey

As apprenticeship delivery continues to evolve, having access to both services within one organisation can support more efficient and effective programme delivery.

Looking Ahead

The launch of NQual represents the next stage in the organisation’s development, building on its experience as an EPAO while expanding into the wider qualifications landscape. This progression reflects a continued commitment to supporting training providers, employers, and learners across all stages of education and assessment.

Launching in October 2021, as an End-Point Assessment Organisation National EPA (NEPA) conducts End-Point Assessments in 23 standards covering sectors such as Adult Care, Education, Business and Administration.

Ashley Robertson, Managing Director commented - “Previously working solely as NEPA an EPAO, this is a great achievement and exciting move in the right direction for our organisation. To match the change we will now be formally known as NQual, however End-Point Assessment, NEPA, will still very much exist but be a department within NQual. I am extremely proud of those who came together to make this a successful launch.”

Initially introducing a selection of qualifications in Early Years, Health and Social Care, First Aid, Leadership & Management and Coaching & Mentoring. NQual hope that their dedication to collaborating with providers, employers and learners ensures that our qualifications reflect the latest trends in your field of interest.

As NQual continues to develop its qualification offering, NQual would like to hear from training providers who have ideas on new qualifications that would fulfil employer and learner needs.

“The NQual team have been busy designing and developing some great qualifications which are current and relevant to today’s changing industries. In the past three weeks, we have really kicked NQual off the ground and had a fantastic response from providers. A special thanks to our new centres, who we have already developed some great partnerships with, we are looking forward to supporting you through your delivery of NQual qualifications!” Leonie Walker- Head of Qualifications.

Success begins with the right qualification.