When completing your Level 3 Data Analyst apprenticeship, a daunting aspect can be tackling the End Point Assessment. But don’t worry, in this blog we’re going to break down everything you need to know about your EPA – giving you the tools and knowledge to succeed!
Your EPA is the final part of your apprenticeship journey and is your chance to showcase the fantastic work you’ve completed throughout the programme.
What is an End Point Assessment?
Your assessment is conducted by an external End Point Assessment Organisation – but they’re not as scary as they sound. They simply want to know how you’ve developed and demonstrated the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for your apprenticeship.
Your EPA will kick off once you’ve been on your apprenticeship journey for a minimum of 366 days, and when we have full confidence that you’re meeting the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standard. Then, you’ll be ready to enter the gateway stage – this is your time to shine independently!
Next, let’s move on to the different components of your EPA. These are:
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- A scenario demonstration with questioning
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- Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio
Scenario Demonstration with Questioning
In stage one of your EPA, you will complete 2 scenario demonstrations.
One scenario will require you to perform data gathering operations, and the other will require data analysis and validation operations. At the beginning of both, you’ll be provided with a description of what your scenario demonstration will include.
Your scenario demonstration will be paired with questioning by the independent assessor. This questioning is to establish your understanding of the task, and evidence the reasoning behind your work. The questions can be asked both during and after the scenario demonstrations, and you will be asked a minimum of 10 questions across both scenarios.
The Scenario demonstration will be split into two tasks, both 45 minutes each. 30 minutes of this will be to carry out your task, with the remaining 15 minutes being used for questioning. You may be allocated an additional 10% of time to finish your final task.
You’ll be given one demonstration at a time by the independent assessor, and you’ll complete the first scenario demonstration and questioning before moving on to the second one.
You could be asked:
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- Why is it crucial to use multiple data sets when gathering and analysing data?
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- Why is it important to cross check data?
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- How have you ensured that the visualisation method chosen is appropriate to the task?
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- How could you implement automation into the task completed?
The final element of your EPA is split into 2 components: a Professional Discussion, which is underpinned by your portfolio of evidence.
The Portfolio of Evidence
Your portfolio of evidence is collected throughout your apprenticeship. Both your Coach and our internal quality team will review this to make sure you’re showcasing the best of your work and that all your evidence meets the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours.
It’s important to note that your portfolio won’t be assessed. Instead, the Independent Assessor will use this to decide what they’d like to talk about in your professional discussion.
The Professional Discussion
Now, let’s dive into what you can expect from the professional discussion. This is simply a two-way conversation between you and the assessor. They’re not there to catch you out, they just want to know how you apply the required knowledge, skills & behaviours in your job role.
Remember, this is your time to really show off everything you’ve accomplished throughout your apprenticeship and impress the assessor. You’ll need to actively listen, contribute to the discussion and showcase what you’ve learnt!
This will last 60 minutes, but you may be allocated an additional 10% of time to finish your final answer. Throughout the discussion, the assessor will ask a minimum of 10 open questions that relate directly to your job role.
You could be asked:
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- What impact could improper or invalid data gathering have on the output of analysis?
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- What is the benefit of data analysis in your company?
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- Why do you communicate data, what output does that achieve? Why is it so important to disseminate data?
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- How do you ensure that your data is accessible to a range of audiences? What issues do end users experience?
Rules & Regulations
Now that we’ve covered all the core elements of the End Point Assessment, it’s important to outline the rules and regulations that must be followed throughout the interview. Not following these may result in immediate failure of the assessment.
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- Be in a suitable location
We suggest a quiet room, free from distractions.
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- Check that your technology works.
This can include your internet, camera, microphone, speakers and headset.
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- Have appropriate photo ID.
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- Bring a copy of your portfolio.
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- Arrive on time.
We recommend logging on 10 minutes early as late entry will result in an instant fail!
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- Submit your work before the deadline and within the wordcount.
For your project report, you can be under or over the 1500-word limit by 10%.
Lastly, to top off your EPA preparation, here are some top-tips for acing your assessment:
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- Speak confidently, clearly and concisely.
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- Ask for questions to be repeated or rephrased if you’re unclear.
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- Use the STARR method.
This means Situation, Task, Actions, Result & Reflection.
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- When you give answers, give workplace examples.
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- Never underestimate yourself, don’t ignore what you think may be obvious.
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- Don’t be scared to lead the discussion.
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- Treat the assessor like they don’t know anything about you or your company.
Let’s be honest, they don’t!
There we have it, you’re now prepared to smash your Level 3 Data Analyst End Point Assessment!
Good luck 😊
Our Data Apprenticeship Programmes
👉 Level 3 Data Essentials Programme