Key dates have been confirmed for the second phase of external quality assurance (EQA) transition for apprenticeship end point assessment organisations. EQA monitors the end-point assessment that apprentices take at the end of their apprenticeship, to ensure that it is fair, consistent, and robust across different apprenticeship standards and between different assessment organisations. The Institute is moving to a new strengthened and simplified system that will see this delivered by just two providers – Ofqual and, for integrated degree apprenticeships, the Office for Students.
All related end point assessment organisations on the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s register need to secure recognition from Ofqual. The Institute announced extended timelines back in February for phase one, covering transition from the Institute’s EQA service to Ofqual, in response to concerns that COVID-19 was slowing down applications. This gave end-point assessment organisations until 1 July to make formal applications for recognition from Ofqual. They will then have until 16 December to complete the recognition process. These deadlines still apply.
Phase two arrangements have been confirmed. They will cover transition from other organisations that currently provide EQA under the outgoing system, including professional and employer groups. Affected end point assessment organisations will have until the 14 April 2022 to make formal applications to Ofqual for recognition. They will have until 16 September 2022 to complete the recognition process. End point assessment organisations that do not apply by the deadlines for phase one and two will be removed from the register. The Education and Skills Funding Agency is supporting all those impacted through the process.
For full details visit https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/about/newshub/news-events/deadlines-confirmed-for-second-phase-of-eqa-transition/
