ST1334, craft bricklayer level 3

This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.

Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.

The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 18 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.

The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

EPA gateway

The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.

The gateway requirements for your EPA are:

• achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence

Assessment methods

Multiple-choice test

You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
In the test you can have:

• scientific calculator
• pen and paper

The test administrator should provide this equipment in readiness for the test.

The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 70 minutes to complete it.

Practical assessment with questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 12 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.

The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.

Who to contact for help or more information

You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.

You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.

You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.

Reasonable adjustments

If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the craft bricklayer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Craft bricklayer apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

A full-time craft bricklayer apprentice typically spends 18 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway). The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - multiple-choice test:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - practical assessment with questions:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 3 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.

The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA should start as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

They must:

• confirm they are ready to take the EPA
• have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• submit a Portfolio of evidence

The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 15 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include:

• workplace documentation and records, for example:
• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips (maximum total duration 10 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the interview. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

Simulated environments.

It is understood that some skills are used less often but are still required for overall occupational competence. Some apprentices may not apply the skills during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. Therefore, a flexibility has been included in this EPA plan allowing certain skills-based evidence to be captured in a simulated environment. A simulated environment means simulated work carried out at the employers or training providers premises.

Allowing evidence from a simulated environment ensures that there is a fair opportunity for apprentices to gather skills-based evidence for the portfolio of evidence. This is where opportunities to collect evidence in the workplace are not available.

Employers must confirm and verify any simulated evidence reflects the apprentice’s usual work and is fully transferable to the workplace. The employer or training provider must confirm the simulated evidence is the apprentice’s own work.

For this apprenticeship, the apprentice must, as a minimum, collect evidence from the workplace for three out of the four skill requirements listed below. One of the four skill requirements may be carried out in a simulated environment if authentic workplace opportunities are not available. Every effort should be made for the apprentice to access workplace evidence for all four skills before this flexibility is applied.

The four skills in line for this flexibility are:

1. S11: Set out and build, off square, horizontal on plan angled masonry work for example: obtuse or acute angles.

2. S14: Set out and build curved masonry work for example, concave or convex.

3. S17: Set out and build masonry herringbone.

4. S18: Set out and build masonry corbelling.

Simulated environments must:

• afford the apprentice the opportunity to capture sufficient evidence to underpin the grading descriptors for the specific skill being targeted

• have a scenario and specification of defined tasks for the apprentice to complete (or an equivalent structure or format)

• replicate normal working conditions and the naturally occurring activities the apprentice would have likely undertaken in the workplace, as far as practicable (including time pressures, considerations, resources, materials, tools, information, interactions, communication media, lighting, noise and hazards they would reasonably encounter in employer or customer premises)

• allow each apprentice to demonstrate their competence on an individual basis

Overview

In the multiple-choice test, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it allows for the efficient testing of knowledge where there is a right or wrong answer

• it allows for flexibility in terms of when, where and how it is taken.

Delivery

The multiple-choice test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The test must be computer based.

The test will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.

Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.

The apprentice must be given at least 14 days’ notice of the date and time of the test.

Multiple-choice questions provided for the assessment of S9 must be scenario based.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 70 minutes to complete the test.

The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.

The following equipment is allowed to be used during the test:

• scientific calculator
• pen and paper

The test administrator should provide this equipment in readiness for the test.

The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO.

The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.

The EPAO is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the test.

Marking

The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.

A correct answer gets 1 mark.

Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.

The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking, standardisation and moderation of the test.

Assessment location

The apprentice must take the test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.

The test could take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the test:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • test specification
  • sample test and mark schemes
  • live tests and mark schemes
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. 

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

• it allows for a varied range of tasks to be observed, that could not be guaranteed to be achieved through a single observation in the workplace

• this is a practical role, best demonstrated through completing tasks in a realistic work setting

• it allows for consistency of activities to be completed and efficiency in scheduling

• it allows for the testing of related underpinning knowledge, skills and behaviours where an opportunity to observe them has not occurred

• it is a holistic assessment method

Delivery

The practical assessment with questions must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the practical assessment with questions.

The independent assessor must only observe a maximum of four apprentices at any one time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible. The EPAO must ensure that an apprentice cannot gain advantage from seeing what other apprentices being assessed are doing or by hearing answers to questioning.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days notice of the . practical assessment with questions

The practical assessment with questions must take 12 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment with questions by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.

The practical assessment with questions may take place in parts but must be completed over 2 working day(s). A working day is typically considered to be 7.5 hours long. The reason for this split is there is insufficient time to complete the practical task in one working day.

EPAOs must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations during the working day.

The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical assessment with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor must observe the apprentice carrying out the following craft bricklaying techniques:

• brick axed arch including haunch surround: segmental or semi, minimum span 450mm, a minimum of one voussoir must be cut using hand tools. (arch pillars must be prefabricated prior to the assessment)
• brick sloped vertical angle work: tumbling in or battered, minimum 6 courses height

• decorative walling: brick and block projected quoins, brick dog toothing or brick dental courses, minimum length or height 900mm

• brick decorative panel: basket weave, stack bond or victorian weave, minimum size 665mm length by 375mm height

All work should be half round jointed.

Typically, 60 minutes of the total practical assessment time should be allocated for the interpretation of drawings and setting out.

To ensure reliable assessment the tasks will vary but will provide equal challenge. The EPAO will provide the apprentice with a practical assessment specification taken from a bank of practical assessment specifications. Where more than one apprentice is being observed in the same location, each apprentice must be provided with a different practical assessment specification.

Preparation for the EPA:

Where the EPA is administered at the employers or training providers premises, the EPAO may liaise with the employer or training provider to provide resource, set up and equipment requirement information in preparation for the practical activity. Where this is the case, the EPAO must put measures in place to prevent malpractice and reduce predictability.

Arch pillars and other resources required for the practical assessment such as arch centres etc must be pre-fabricated by the EPAO or on behalf of the EPAO prior to the assessment and provided to the apprentice on the day. The voussoir template for the axed arch and all brick cuts must be carried out by the apprentice. An additional competent person may be present to mix mortar and move materials as required.

The EPAO is ultimately responsible for the preparation and quality of resources and equipment to ensure fair assessment.

Tolerances and criteria:

Standard tolerances (apply to standard walling and non-specific feature work)

• plumb: pass: + or - 3mm per 1m

• level: pass: + or - 3mm per 1m

• gauge: pass: + or - 3mm per 1m

• range: pass: + or - 3 mm per 1m

• setting out: pass: + or - 3mm per 1m

Craft bricklaying techniques, specific criteria:

Note: a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 15mm in diameter, such as chips, marks, mortar splashes or jointing defect.

Arch and surrounding brick work:

• voussoir joint size deviation: pass: + or - 4mm or distinction: + or - 2mm
• voussoir alignment to striking point deviation: pass: + or - 4mm or distinction: + or - 2mm
• voussoir cut size equal in shape and size no deviation more than: pass: + or - 4mm or distinction: + or - 2mm
• haunch cuts no joint size deviation more than: pass + or - 4mm or distinction + or - 2mm
• haunch maintains perp alignment with standard walling: pass + or -4mm or distinction + or - 2mm
• visual discrepancies: pass, maximum 4 or distinction, maximum 2

Sloped vertical angle brickwork:

• slope angle alignment deviation: pass + or - 4mm or distinction + or - 2mm
• joint alignment deviation: pass + or - 4mm or distinction + or - 2mm
• joint size deviation: pass: + or - 4mm or distinction: + or - 2mm
• visual discrepancies: pass, maximum 4 or distinction, maximum 2

Decorative brickwork panel:

• pattern maintained: pass - the apprentice must maintain the pattern of the decorative panel to be awarded this pass criteria
• joint alignment deviation: pass + or - 4mm or distinction + or - 2mm
• joint size deviation: pass: + or - 4mm or distinction: + or - 2mm
• visual discrepancies: pass, maximum 4 or distinction, maximum 2

Decorative brick walling

• joint alignment deviation: pass + or - 4mm or distinction + or - 2mm
• joint size deviation: pass: + or - 4mm or distinction: + or - 2mm
• projections or angle position deviation: pass: + or - 4mm or distinction: + or - 2mm
• visual discrepancies: pass, maximum 4 or distinction, maximum 2

For a pass to be applied the apprentice should achieve all the pass criteria, standard tolerances and pass grading descriptors. For a distinction to be applied the apprentice should also, achieve at least 14 out of 17 distinction criteria, with at least 2 distinction criteria being achieved from each craft techniques, plus the distinction grading descriptors.

These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Questioning:

The independent assessor must ask questions. This is to show further depth of understanding.

Questioning can occur during the practical assessment. The time for questions asked during the practical assessment is included in the overall assessment time.

Independent assessors must ask at least 6 questions during the practical assessment. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural breaks in work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical assessment with questions and should be kept to a minimum.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the KSBs observed
• The apprentice’s answers to questions
• KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The practical assessment and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade. 

Assessment location

The practical assessment with questions will take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s, training providers or employer’s premises). The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment with questions must be provided by the EPAO or on behalf of the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer or training provider to provide these.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment with questions:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

Overview

In the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions.The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it will allow some KSBs which may not naturally occur in every workplace or may take too long to observe to be assessed and allow for the assessment of a disparate set of KSBs

• an interview enables the apprentice to evidence a deeper level of competence and understanding

Delivery

The interview must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions is to cover the following themes:

• safe systems of work
• environment and sustainability
• interpreting information and planning
• documentation
• stock
• craft bricklaying, complex techniques and levelling
• quality assurance
• well-being, inclusion and CPD

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days notice of the interview.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 week(s) to review the supporting documentation.

The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the interview.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.

The interview must last for 90 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the interview by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 10 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises).

The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the: practical assessment with questions and interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence in line with this EPA plan.

The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an EPA merit, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the practical assessment as well as a distinction in one other method and a pass in the other method. To achieve an EPA distinction, the apprentice must gain a distinction in all the assessment methods.

Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 6 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.

EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.

They must also appoint independent assessors who:

• have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 3 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

• completing applicable assessment methods online (for example computer-based assessment)

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the method of assessment permits this

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.