End Point Assessments

The Rail Academy (TRA) is a registered End Point Assessment Organisation, approved by OFQUAL.  We currently offer End Point Assessment for the Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship (ST0645) but will expand that range in the future.

We offer more Train Driver EPA appointments than any other Rail EPAO – choose from slots between 0700 and 1700, Monday to Saturday, every week.

TRA Train Driver EPA Level 3 V1 Specification provides full details of our End Point Assessment, how it is undertaken and what it is designed to assess.

What is the End Point Assessment?

End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final assessment of an apprentice who has completed their apprenticeship program of training.  The assessment involves three assessment methods: Multiple Choice Test; Observations of Planned, Degraded and Emergency Working; and a Professional Discussion.  End Point Assessments are designed to test the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours defined by the Apprenticeship Plan.  A pass in all three assessment methods is required to reach the necessary standard and achieve a pass in the overall End Point Assessment.

All Rail Academy End Point Assessments are carried out by experienced, qualified train driver assessors who have met the high standards expected by The Rail Academy.

The End Point Assessment Process

Gateway Assessment:

  • The apprentice reaches gateway when they, their employer and their training provider all agree the apprentice is ready for the End Point Assessment.
  • The Training Provider will upload the evidence of all Gateway requirements (defined by the End Point Assessment Plan) and these will be checked by our team
  • When we are satisfied all evidence has been provided correctly, the training provider or employer will book an End Point Assessment with us.
  • They will also make arrangements for a planning meeting to be held between us and the Apprentice.
  • The apprentice will be sent information on their EPA and given access to our Learning Management System.  The learning management system provides access to a practice multiple choice test and some sample professional discussion questions.  It will also be used during the EPA itself.
  • The apprentice must complete the practice materials before the EPA.  If they do not, they will not be adequately prepared for the EPA and it may have to be cancelled, incurring cancellation charges.
  • At the planning meeting we will complete a ‘Pre EPA’ checklist and make sure that the apprentice has access to an appropriate venue and IT hardware to carry out their EPA.  We will also confirm whether any reasonable adjustments or special considerations have been requested and are expected.

Assessment Delivery:  

  • On the day of the EPA, the assessor will be ready not less than 20 minutes prior to the agreed assessment time.
  • They will repeat and confirm the assessment plans and inform the apprentice that certain parts of the assessment will be recorded.
  • The assessor will complete a ‘fitness for EPA’ checklist with the apprentice and once they are satisfied with the results, the assessor will conduct the EPA which consists of three assessment methods:
    • Online Multiple Choice Assessment
    • Observations: Planned; Simulation scenarios for Degraded and Emergency Working.
    • Professional Discussion

Post Assessment Tasks:

  • The assessor may give feedback to the apprentice at the time, but will not confirm a pass or fail.
  • The assessor will formally write up and record the assessment and the results.
  • We conduct quality assurance on the assessors evidence to ensure compliance, consistency and fairness.
  • When the assurance is complete, we will advise the Training Provider, Employer and Apprentice of the Assessment result.
  • In the event that an assessment is failed, arrangements will be made with the Training Provider and Employer for a resit or retake where applicable.
  • In the event of a PAss, a certificate will be requested by us and sent to the Training Provider.

Availability and Pricing

We provide EPA appointments Monday to Saturday, every week.  Sunday appointments are also available by appointment.

To make it as easy, convenient and cost effective as possible to release your drivers, you can choose an EPA start time anywhere from 0700 to 1700.  Allow 5 hours for the EPA.

Our prices are competitive and we will normally match the terms agreed with another EPAO if you want to transfer your learners to us.  

As experienced rail professionals we also understand that sometimes plans change.  That is why we offer the most flexible terms available for changing or cancelling a Train Driver EPA.

Call us on 07776 825757 or email enquiries@therailacademy.com to find out more.

Contact us:

To find out more about our End Point Assessment or other services, please contact us:

enquiries@therailacademy.com