EPA structure
Structure of study
The image details how you study toward your EPA. The sections below will cover how to prepare for the items past the gateway, your 'On the Job' and 'Off the Job' training should cover you for all other items to get you 'Gateway ready' and EPA ready.
Summary of assessment ©
Multiple choice questions (knowledge)©
Multiple Choice Test (Underpinning Knowledge Assessment) – a global assessment made of 50 questions, multiple-choice, each with one correct answer and three distractors, centrally set and centrally marked. The knowledge areas will be selected from an assessment bank that covers the full knowledge range. This examination will have a maximum time of 90 minutes.
Design project (knowledge)
Design Project (Applied Knowledge Assessment) – taking 7 hours’ duration, in an assessment centre. Building plans are provided to the apprentice with a job specification, manufacturer’s information and data, British Standards and regulations. The apprentice is asked to complete a heating, hot water and cold water design capable of meeting the job specification. The apprentice will then produce: Design criteria Completed fabric heat loss Heating pipework sizing Hot and cold water sizing Final layout plans Materials list Merchant order.
You may be asked to design a system from plans, such as a Cold Water system - Hot Water system - Heating system - Sanitation/Rainwater system
Using knowledge with elements of behaviours used to process information and deliver a designed product fit for purpose.
Practical installation test (skills)
Example #001
Example #002
Practical Installation Test (Underpinning Skills Assessment) – will see Apprentices complete the fabrication of a pipework frame, utilising different materials and pipework components with various jointing techniques. The assessment marking criteria will include overall performance and soundness, quality of manufacture and tolerances of ±2mm. This assessment should be completed within 6 hours.
Practical application test (skills)
In this section of your EPA you will be asked to diagnose and rectify a range of faults on a plumbing and heating system. Carried out in a methodical manner demonstrating your communication skill, practical skills, knowledge of systems and behaviours toward others.
Practical Application Test (Applied Skills Assessment) – will be carried out in an assessment centre within a secure bay. The apprentice will inspect a pre-installed unvented cylinder, functioning with electrical components and controls. The assessor will make alterations to the system to create faults on various components within the system. The apprentice is then given 2 hours to identify the faults and repair then re-commission the system. Finally, the apprentice will complete a service on the unvented system, according to manufacturer’s instructions, this will be undertaken within 1 hour.
Professional discussion (knowledge, skills & behaviours)
Optional Pathways and Behaviours – will be assessed through the Professional Discussion and supported by the production of a work place log book completed by the apprentice during the end point assessment period, with at least 8 weeks to complete, after the gateway.
On completion, the apprentices finished log book will be sent to the End Point Assessor at least 2 weeks in advance to prepare for the professional discussion. The appointed independent assessor will review the log book and the professional discussion (which will take 30 minutes) will be used to verify and question the apprentice in relation to the log book. On completion, the apprentices finished log book will be sent to the End Point Assessor at least 2 weeks in advance to prepare for the professional discussion. The appointed independent assessor will review the log book and the professional discussion (which will take 30 minutes) will be used to verify and question the apprentice in relation to the log book.
Behaviours
Behaviours are how we conduct ourselves – for example, how we act on a personal level in the workplace. No matter what tasks you are doing at work, you will be behaving in a certain way while undertaking them. Positive and appropriate behaviours have an impact on your ability to get the job done well and to enable others to do their jobs, too.
In the table below, you will find a list of the required behaviours for a plumbing and domestic heating technician. The table explains what standard you need to meet to demonstrate each behaviour. Use the table to reflect on your own behaviours and to record evidence of how you demonstrate each of these. Ask your tutor or trainer to add their feedback, too. You do not need to repeat evidence if it has been recorded elsewhere such as on Smart Assessor, One File, Learning Assistant– you can just refer to it here instead.
