Your Complete Guide to Sitting Your Assessments with NQual
- NQual
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
Taking the steps to start an apprenticeship is a big deal and a significant first step toward achieving your career goals. It's a fundamental way to develop your knowledge, skills and experience, as well as your confidence in a job role.
After you’ve completed your apprenticeship programme and developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours for the standard (known as KSBs), it’s time for your End-Point Assessment (EPA). This is where NQual come in, the Assessment Organisation, and this is where this guide will really help.
It’s natural to feel a bit nervous before an assessment or exam, but remember the assessment is not about catching you out. It’s your chance to showcase everything you’ve learned during your apprenticeship. With the right preparation and understanding of the assessment process, you can gain clarity and a calm mindset that can then help you approach the process with confidence.
We’re here to explain what to expect, provide tips for each EPA component, and offer you practical advice to remove stress and keep you on track.
How is My Apprenticeship Booking Confirmed?
In Apprenticeship Standards, Gateway is a formal decision-making point where your employer and Training Provider assess if you have met all the requirements of your apprenticeship and that you are ready to progress to End-Point Assessment (EPA).
Once you are approved for Gateway and your EPA is booked, you will:
Receive an email booking confirmation. This email will:
Outline key dates and times of your assessments.
Outline all dates for submissions (if your apprenticeship standard requires you to submit a piece of work).
Highlight any reasonable adjustments that have been requested at Gateway.
Provide Links to our 'Learners Guide' and support materials.
Provide a link to book an 'EPA Readiness Meeting'. We'll talk more about 'EPA Readiness Meetings' in just a moment.
Get a calendar invite from your Independent End-Point Assessor(s) (IEPA) for your scheduled assessments.
In February 2025, Skills England announced a reform to Apprenticeship Standards and introduced "Gateway to Completion". For new assessment plans, your assessment may take place during the programme, and the "Gateway to Completion" will be the final step in submitting evidence for your apprenticeship results. More information is released as the assessment plans are updated.
What to do if I Need to Cancel my EPA?
If you need to cancel or amend your EPA, please give more than 48 working hours’ notice to NQual by either emailing our admin team at admin@nqual.co.uk or calling on 01925-963-903. This can help avoid your Training Provider incurring a cancellation fee.
How Should I Prepare Before My Assessment?
Preparation is key when it comes to achieving the best possible grade for your assessments. Here’s how to give yourself the best chance of success:
Download Our Assessment Resources - Each apprenticeship standard has dedicated resources to help you prepare. This includes support packs, revision guides, mock questions and examples. Your Training Provider will have access to all these resources. Our support packs, which give an overview of each assessment within a standard and the requirements you must meet, can easily be accessed through our website. Just follow NQual Assessments, and select your apprenticeship standard.
Watch Our Assessment Information Videos - For each apprenticeship standard, we have dedicated videos which walk you through the specific requirements and components for that standard. These videos can be found on our YouTube channel or on our website, NQual Assessments, on each apprenticeship standard page.
EPA Readiness Meeting with NQual – We highly recommend scheduling this session; a link is provided within your booking confirmation email. This is a session between you and NQual, aimed at checking your technology, ensuring you have all the right information before your assessments and making sure there are no hiccups on the day. It's a great opportunity for you to ask questions and gain clarity on anything you are unsure about.
Practise Professional Discussions (PDs) – We provide Professional Discussion Mock Questions, which are distributed to Training Providers we work with. Make sure to make some time with your Training Provider, employer or colleagues to run through these mock questions. Practice under exam conditions and get used to how the assessment is going to be conducted.
Practise Observations – Ask your manager or colleagues to “observe” you carrying out tasks, so it feels natural. The criteria assessed for each standard can be found in our support packs and the Assessment Plans, featured on our website.
Take Online Mock Knowledge Tests – These are available on Rogo, our online platform for knowledge-based exams. You will receive access once your Gateway Documents are completed. These tests are great for giving you an idea of the types of questions you will be asked and what conditions your test will be conducted under.
Test Your Internet Speed – This step is optional, but can definitely give some reassurance for any assessments that are being conducted remotely (aim for at least 4 Mbps, 50 Mbps is advisable) - https://fast.com/en/gb/
Tip: Spread your preparation out over time. Regular short practice sessions are more effective (and less stressful) than last-minute cramming.
Important: Your EPA will not include all forms of assessment, so know which ones you will be assessed on and prepare accordingly.
What Assessment Components Make up the End-Point Assessment (EPA)?
The specific apprenticeship standard will determine the order, type and number of components assessed. Here is a quick look at the main Assessment Methods.
What is a Professional Discussion (PD)?
The Professional Discussion is a structured conversation with your assessor about your role and experiences. It is an opportunity for you to showcase what you have learnt over the course of your apprenticeship. Your Professional Discussion may be supported by your Portfolio of Evidence.
How to Prepare for My Professional Discussion
Practise Mock Discussions - Answering mock questions and going over the criteria is a great way to prepare.
Use Your Portfolio - Your Portfolio of Evidence is there to back up your answers.
Structure Your Responses - Use examples: “In this situation… I did… and the result was…”
Know the Terminology / Methodology - Review the Assessment Plan for your apprenticeship standard and get to know the terminology/methodology. Knowing this allows you to apply the correct terminology to your workplace/experience and understand the assessor's questions while also showcasing your KSBs.
Know the Command Verbs - NQual have created a dedicated command verbs guide to help you navigate what is being asked of you when the assessor uses command verbs like discuss, explain, etc. Download your copy here.
It’s a Professional Conversation - Remember to stay calm and be assured the assessor is there to support you and get the best out of you. If you don't understand a question, they can rephrase or come back to it later.
Additional Notes – You may bring one side of A4 hand-written bullet-pointed notes (not a script) to support discussions. This means you can write little prompts to refresh your memory on a certain piece of information, but you may not write questions with detailed answers. You are also allowed to bring a blank piece of paper to the sessions to write any additional notes; however, these must be destroyed at the end of the assessment.
Tip: Pause... before answering if you need a moment to think. A short pause looks more professional than rushing your answer. Ask your assessor if you need the question to be repeated or rephrased.
How to Prepare for My Portfolio of Evidence
Your Assessment plan will specify if you’ll be able to reference your Portfolio of Evidence. This is a great way of refreshing your memory under pressure. It's only natural to forget when under such conditions, so utilising the Portfolio can be a game-changer.
How to Use the Portfolio of Evidence Effectively
Know Your Portfolio Inside Out - Be familiar with where everything is, so you can quickly reference the right examples.
Portfolio Submission Document - Use the Portfolio submission document provided by NQual to track what has been uploaded. This document will help the assessor refer to what you are referencing.
Don’t Change It - You must use the exact version that was submitted at Gateway. No extra notes, post-its, or edits are allowed.
Digital or Printed? - You may use either. If digital, you’ll simply share your screen with your assessor so they can see what you are referencing. If paper, the assessor will have a copy sent to them before the exam. They will ask to view the paper version before the assessment begins to ensure no additional notes have been added.
Limit Video & Voice Recordings - Accessing the key information quickly and succinctly can be difficult with video/audio. A transcript, highlighted at key points, can be easier to find, read and gives time to answer another distinction question.
One Page of Notes - You may bring one side of A4 hand-written bullet-pointed notes (not a script) to support discussions.
Tip: Consider practising with your portfolio in front of you. Have someone ask you questions, and practise quickly finding examples to back up your answers.
What is the Observation or Question and Answer Session (Q&A)?
An observation is where your assessor watches you complete real tasks within an environment of your choosing or your place of work. They are only there to observe and not engage. Imagine they're not there and carry out your daily tasks as you normally would. Depending on the assessment criteria for your apprenticeship standard, observations can be conducted face-to-face or remotely.
The question-and-answer session of your assessment will take place in a space free from distraction and disruption. Just like the Professional Discussion, remember to stay calm and be assured the assessor is there to support you and get the best out of you. If you don't understand a question, they can rephrase or come back to it later.
How to Prepare for the Observation or Question and Answer Session (Q&A)
Observation Run-Through - Practise your daily tasks with a colleague acting as the “observer”.
Organisation is Key - Make sure your workspace is tidy, organised, and distraction-free. Be sure to have a plan for the tasks you are going to be carrying out that day.
You Know What You're Doing, Let Them Know it - Be confident and don't be afraid to let it show. Explain what you’re doing as you go, if appropriate.
Show Best Practice - Do the task as you’ve been trained, not just the quickest way.
Practice Mocks - Carry out Mock Observations/Q&As using the resources provided by NQual.
Know the Criteria You're Being Assessed On - Read the Support Packs to help understand the criteria being assessed, and make sure you cover as much as you can.
Additional Notes - You may bring one side of A4 hand-written bullet-pointed notes (not a script) to support discussions.
Tip: Remember that your assessor is there to see what you normally do, not to trip you up. If the session goes slightly differently than expected, it may not be a negative thing; use your knowledge to help you demonstrate your skills.
What Do I do in a Presentation Assessment?
Some standards include a presentation element, where you present on a project, task, or area of your work. Any pre-submitted presentation MUST NOT be edited.
How to Prepare for My Presentation Assessment:
Check the Structure of Your Presentation - Create clear slides with bullet points, not large blocks of text. If you feel like your slide looks too busy, simply span it over multiple slides.
Practise Presenting Out Loud - Practise delivering your presentation, ideally to colleagues, family or friends. The more you practice in front of someone, the more prepared you will be for presenting in front of the assessor.
Time Trial - Check the time requirements in the assessment plan and time yourself. Make sure you don’t overrun.
Expect Follow-Up Questions - Although assessors will have a set amount of questions, be ready for follow-up questions. These questions are to gain clarity and to help you reach the best grade.
Additional Notes - You may bring one side of A4 hand-written bullet-pointed notes (not a script) to support discussions.
Tip: Practise without reading from notes. Use your one-page handwritten bullet-point sheet as prompts, but speak naturally.
What is a Knowledge Test (KT)?
This will be completed remotely via Microsoft Teams and will take place on our platform, Rogo - https://nationalepa.ace360.org/
How to Prepare for My Knowledge Test
Log in to your Rogo account - Details for you to activate your account will be emailed over once your booking is confirmed. Ensure you log in within 24 hours; otherwise, your account will have to be reset, which could disrupt your knowledge test.
Find Additional Resources - Revision guides and mock tests can be found in your Rogo account. Use these as much as possible. All the knowledge and criteria that you will be tested on are within these resources.
EPA Readiness Meeting - Make sure to book in your EPA Readiness Meeting so a member of our team can run through Rogo with you and check your technology.
Know the Device Requirements - Knowledge tests must be taken on a laptop or desktop; mobile devices and tablets are not permitted for this assessment. Tests must also be conducted on a single screen. Check that the camera on your device is functional and that you have screen sharing abilities.
Closed-Book Exam - No additional notes are permitted in this assessment. This is a closed-book exam.
Find a Quiet Space - Take your test in a calm, quiet space, free from distractions.
Top Tip: Treat mock tests as the real thing. Time yourself, work in exam conditions, and practise staying calm if you get stuck on a question.
General Tips for the Day of My End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Bring photo ID for every assessment component.
All remote assessments require you to complete a 360° room check with your camera.
Ensure you’re working on one device when carrying out your assessments, either a laptop or desktop, and that the device can share screen and doesn’t block permissions.
Keep your phone off or out of reach.
Bring a drink with you to stay hydrated.
Make sure you’re in a quiet, distraction-free space.
What Happens After My End-Point Assessment (EPA)
You’ll receive your results within 10 working days of completing your final component.
You’ll receive written feedback detailing areas where you were strong and some development points. If you did not pass, you will get detailed feedback, and each KSB will be highlighted to show where to focus your studies for the next attempt.
If you pass, your certificate will follow within 6 weeks. This comes directly from the Department for Education (DfE)
In your results email, you’ll be invited by NQual to complete a short survey about your experience of the assessment process. Your feedback helps us maintain high standards and continue improving the support we offer.
We hope you found this guide helpful and that it gave you the confidence and clarity you need to approach your EPA with success.
You're Going to do Great!
Reaching the End-Point Assessment is a significant milestone, and it’s natural to see it as a big step. But remember: by completing your apprenticeship programme, you’ve already demonstrated your capability and commitment.
The assessment is simply your chance to showcase the skills, knowledge, and behaviours you’ve been developing throughout your journey. With thoughtful preparation, regular practice, and a calm, confident mindset, you’ll be well‑equipped to succeed.
If you have any questions or need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the NQual team at admin@nqual.co.uk. We’re always here to help.
We wish you the very best of luck, and remember, preparation is the key to success.
Comments