Frequently asked
Welcome to the Notebook Assessment Services FAQ hub. Got questions about end-point assessment? You’re in the right place. This page brings together clear, straightforward answers to the questions we’re asked most often by training providers, employers, and apprentices.
Our goal is simple: to take the mystery out of the apprenticeship assessment process and give you the confidence to move forward with clarity and ease. Whether you’re preparing learners, supporting apprentices, or managing assessment arrangements, you’ll find practical guidance designed to help at every step.
Can’t see what you’re looking for? No problem - we’re always happy to help. Just get in touch and our team will point you in the right direction.
General
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Ofqual-regulated organisations, such as Notebook Assessment Services, are responsible for delivering EPA in line with the published assessment plan. Notebook appoints independent assessors who manage the assessment process, ensures quality assurance, and confirms the final outcome and grade.
Training providers are not permitted to assess their own apprentices at end point, as EPA must remain independent to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with apprenticeship funding and regulatory requirements.
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End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship, designed to confirm that an apprentice has developed the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to perform successfully in their role. EPA provides a fair and robust assessment process that ensures apprentices meet the required industry standards.
By passing their EPA your apprentice proves they’re fully capable of doing their job.
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EPA is the final stage of an apprenticeship. Here, your apprentice proves they’ve learned the knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in their apprenticeship standard.
By passing their EPA your apprentice proves they’re fully capable of doing their job. -
No, they can’t. Notebook Assessment Services must conduct the Apprenticeship Assessment (EPA) to ensure a fair, unbiased assessment. That way, you can be confident your apprentice is fully prepared for their role.
Pricing & Funding
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End-point assessment (EPA) is funded through the apprenticeship funding system, separate from the main training costs. The funding depends on whether the employer is levy-paying or non-levy:
Levy-paying employers use their apprenticeship levy funds to pay for EPA as part of their overall apprenticeship funding.
Non-levy employers receive government co-investment to cover a proportion of the assessment cost, with the employer paying a smaller contribution.
Funding rates are set for each apprenticeship standard and are published by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). The EPAO (such as Notebook Assessment Services) invoices for the assessment once the apprentice has reached Gateway to Completion.
This system ensures that the independent assessment is fully funded and accessible while maintaining the quality and integrity of the apprenticeship.
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Apprenticeship Assessment or EPA usually costs no more than 20% of the apprenticeship’s funding band. Each standard will have it’s own price depending on the level, therefore please refer to our Fees & Pricing Page for the latest price.
If you feel like you can get cheaper elsewhere, please speak to us and we’ll be happy to help, simply Get in touch.
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There are no registration fees or upfront costs, therefore everything is payable at gateway.
Should you require extra support or flexibility, please speak with your dedicated Account Manager.
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No. There are 0% registrations fees whilst everything is invoiced following submission of gateway.
About Notebook
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As an Ofqual recognised Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation (EPAO), we play a vital role in ensuring apprenticeships are completed to a high and consistent standard.
Notebook Assessment Services is responsible for delivering the independent final assessment of an apprentice’s competence at the end of their training. This includes planning and conducting assessments such as observations, professional discussions, tests, or project evaluations, depending on the apprenticeship standard.
By providing an objective and quality-assured process, Notebook ensures that apprentices meet the required industry standards and are fully prepared for professional practice.
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Notebook Assessment is partnered with the leading apprenticeship assessment platform, ACE360.
You will have access to free training and system set up, alongside ongoing support and guidance from your dedicated Account Manager.
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We’re already the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) of choice for a number of RAF, British Army and Royal Navy apprenticeship programmes - and there are many great reasons why we could be yours too.
Choosing Notebook Assessment Services means partnering with a qualified and experienced AAO. We understand what both apprentices and employers need, and we use that insight to make the Apprenticeship Assessment process straightforward, supportive, and easy to navigate.
What truly sets us apart from other AAOs is our personalised approach to assessment management. While some providers may treat clients as just another entry in a database, we assign every customer a dedicated account manager who offers one-to-one guidance throughout the entire journey. Combined with our fast turnaround times and responsive customer service, completing the Apprenticeship Assessment journey has never been simpler.
Our assessors also bring a level of sector expertise and professional competence that is not widely available across the industry. Each assessor has spent many years working in roles closely aligned to the apprenticeships they assess, ensuring assessments are both reliable and grounded in real-world experience.
We also:
Work closely with External Quality Assurance providers to guarantee fair and accurate assessment decisions
Provide a Secure Learning Portal to make uploading evidence and booking assessments quick and simple.
Offer fair and transparent pricing, so you always know you’re receiving genuine value for money.
To explore the apprenticeship standards we assess, please take a look at our Apprenticeship Assessment Plans.
If you would like to contract with us straight away, feel free to contact us directly:
Email: enquiries@notebook-epa.co.uk
Call: 0800 999 1482
Registrations
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All registrations are completed via our platform, ACE360. Please refer to page 29 of the ACE360 Guide. The full process guide is here.
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Registering early also provides the apprentice access to their own dedicated resources, gives you access to our full portfolio of support materials and provides peace of mind that everything is in place ahead of Gateway and assessment booking.
Gateway
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Gateway is the formal checkpoint at the end of an apprenticeship that confirms it is the end of the learning journey, and the apprentice has met all the necessary requirements. They are now fully ready for EPA.
We would require:
Confirmation by the employer and training provider that the apprentice has achieved the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours set out in the occupational standard.
Completion of any mandatory qualifications, where required.
Achievement of English and maths requirements, if applicable.
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All gateway submissions are completed via our platform, ACE360. Please refer to page 42 of the ACE360 Guide. The full process guide is here.
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Sometimes, we may need to reject a gateway to completion submission if information is missing. Common reasons for rejection include:
Gateway form hasn’t been uploaded.
A signature is missing.
Incorrect personal information.
Portfolio evidence is missing.
Portfolio mapping.
Missing Functional Skills evidence.
Don’t worry if this happens, we will explain exactly what is required.
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We guarantee to allocate an assessor within 48 hours of gateway to completion acceptance.
Assessments
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There are many different apprenticeship assessment methods to test theoretical and practical learning. The methods chosen are those most relevant to the job role. These are included in the assessment plan for each apprenticeship standard.
End-Point Assessment must include at least two forms of assessment. For example:
A case study.
An examination.
An interview.
A multiple-choice test (MCQ)
A practical assessment.
A presentation.
A professional discussion.
A project
A question-and-answer session.
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We’re afraid not. As the multiple choice question (MCQ) exam is a closed-book assessment, it must be completed in a controlled environment. Therefore, apprentices are not permitted to use notes, portfolios, or any other reference materials during the exam.
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EPAs are typically graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. This encourages your apprentice to work hard on developing their skills, and to strive for the highest possible grade.
You can find the criteria for meeting each grade in your assessment plan. Some plans don’t include a Merit grade.
Employers and training providers might be part of the assessment panel. However, the end-point assessor makes the final judgement for the grade.
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End-Point Assessments delivered by Ofqual-regulated EPAOs such as Notebook Assessment Services are subject to robust external regulation. Ofqual sets strict conditions that organisations must meet to ensure assessments are valid, reliable, fair, and consistent. This includes requirements around assessor competence, standardisation, grading decisions, record keeping, and ongoing monitoring.
In addition to external regulation, Notebook operates comprehensive internal quality assurance processes. These include assessor training and standardisation, sampling of assessment decisions, moderation activities, and continuous review of assessment materials and outcomes.
By standardising assessments and ensuring they are accurately and consistently marked, Notebook safeguards the integrity of the process and guarantees fair and reliable grading for every apprentice.
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In the event of a fail in one or more components, the apprentice will be offered the opportunity to re-sit or re-take the component(s). It is then up to your employer how many attempts you are given. Re-sits and re-takes are not offered if you wish to move from a Pass to a higher grade.
Between failing and retaking the EPA, you, your employer and training provider will work together to improve performance. This might include more training or making time for more revision.
A resit means that no new learning is required and the apprentice can rebook the assessment straight away.
A retake means that some extra training may be necessary to support the apprentice before attempting the assessment again. All assessment components must be completed within 6 months of the previous issued result.
Results & Certification
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Apprentices will receive their results shortly after the end-point assessment has been completed and marked.
At Notebook Assessment Services (NAS), we aim to provide results within 10 working days, while ensuring all assessments are accurately and fairly evaluated. Once the outcome is confirmed, both the apprentice and the training provider will be notified.
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The Apprentice’s Certificate is issued by the DfE. Once an apprentice successfully completes their apprenticeship and passes the end-point assessment, Notebook Assessment Services submits the results to DfE, who then formally issues the certificate. This ensures that the certificate is nationally recognised and confirms that the apprentice has met the required standard for their apprenticeship.
Resits & retakes
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A resit means that no new learning is required and the apprentice can rebook the assessment straight away.
A retake means that some extra training may be necessary to support the apprentice before attempting the assessment again. All assessment components must be completed within 6 months of the previous issued result.
Appeals
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Yes, if you believe there has been a failure of a process, you must make the reason for your appeal clear when you submit an appeal request. Notebook Assessment Services works hard to make sure the grades we give accurately reflect an apprentice’s ability. We allow employers every opportunity to appeal a grade, but so far it’s never been necessary.
Please see our Appeals Policy here.
Reforms
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You can find more information on our Reforms Page.
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Apprenticeship assessment is the process of measuring an apprentice’s progress and competence throughout their apprenticeship to ensure they are developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for their job role. It includes ongoing training assessments carried out by employers and training providers, as well as the final End-Point Assessment.
Apprenticeship assessment helps confirm that apprentices are meeting the necessary standards and are fully prepared to achieve their qualification and succeed in the workplace.
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Following the new terminology, an apprenticeship assessment refers to the overall evaluation of an apprentice’s progress throughout their training programme. This includes on-programme activities such as coursework, projects, and skills development delivered by the training provider.
End-Point Assessment (EPA), on the other hand, is the final, independent assessment that takes place at the end of the apprenticeship. It is designed to confirm that the apprentice has achieved the full range of skills, knowledge, and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard.
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Apprenticeship assessment works through a combination of ongoing evaluation during training and a final assessment at the end of the programme. Throughout the apprenticeship, apprentices are regularly assessed by their employer and training provider to monitor progress, develop skills, and gather evidence of competence in the workplace. Once the apprentice has completed their training and is judged ready, they move to the Apprenticeship Assessment (formerly End-Point Assessment.) The Assessment uses a range of methods, such as practical observations, professional discussions, projects, or tests, to confirm that the apprentice meets the required occupational standard and is fully competent in their role.
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The term Gateway to Completion has replaced the traditional “gateway” terminology. It reflects changes in the apprenticeship assessment reforms that acknowledge assessment may now take place at various points during the apprenticeship, not only at the very end, but a final completion check is still required before certification can be issued.
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No, it will not be mandatory for training providers to deliver any part of the apprenticeship assessment. However, we may permit providers to deliver certain components, where applicable and appropriate, depending on their capability and with oversight to ensure quality and compliance.
Information for Apprentices
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To pass End-Point Assessment, you must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your assessor during a pre-assessment meeting.
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End-Point Assessment takes place once you have completed your learning journey. You, your employer, provider will then confirm everyone is happy for you to go through to ‘gateway.’ Your provider will then submit all necessary evidence and forms through to us.
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You should agree assessment dates with your training provider. They will then book the assessment through our online portal. Once the booking is confirmed, we will reach out to you to discuss the next steps for your assessment journey. You will receive a confirmation email with the assessment details and a link to join a video call for a pre-assessment meeting.
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No, apprentices should not be asked to pay for their apprenticeship, assessment, re-sits, or any cancellation fees.
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It is possible to fail an assessment the first time, therefore please do not panic about it. We will provide the feedback you need to take away, understand, and try again for a resit or retake. You must discuss the best options with your provider who will book on your behalf.