Diploma (DipWCF) - End Point Assessment Apprentices

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Introduction
Under the new apprenticeship from September 2019, all apprentices now have to complete an end-point assessment (EPA) to complete their qualification. The EPA is designed to test whether each apprentice has gained the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the standard, and grade each learner according to their performance.

The government indicate that apprenticeship schemes must now have end point assessments that consist of the following:-
1. A single assessment approach for each occupation
2. The apprenticeship must involve some form of end-point assessment
3. Part of the assessment must be graded

The Farriery apprenticeships already consist of a robust end point assessment to a evaluate apprentices. The Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF) has been established as an internationally accepted standard for qualified farriery. This means that we are fortunate in already having a framework in place from which to enhance our apprenticeship assessment. The DipWCF will not change so much in essence, but rather in labelling. Going forward it will be referred to as an EPA and include a few more exam components.
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How will the EPA work?
When an apprentice is ready to take the EPA, their employer will put them forward for the assessment. The requirements for each assessment are laid out in the apprenticeship standard.

EPAs must follow these rules:

• They must be delivered by an independent end-point assessment organisation with no affiliation to the employer or training provider involved in the apprenticeship.

• All end-point assessment providers must be approved before being added to the Register of Apprentice Assessment Organisations (RoAAO).

• EPAs should be graded.

• The apprentice cannot achieve their apprenticeship without passing the end-point assessment.

The WCF Diploma examination/ EPA fulfils this criteria. In four years time once the first cohort have progressed through the scheme, the WCF will be known as the EPA awarding organisation that delivered the final assessment.​​​​​​​​​​​

On successful completion of the End Point Assessment the apprentice will receive professional recognition by way of the award of the Diploma of The Worshipful Company of Farriers. The professional body giving skill recognition and the Head of Profession, is the Worshipful Company of Farriers.

Below you can find a few of the assessment preparation resources for the apprentices. These will help the employer and training provider to decide when their apprentice is occupationally competent and ready to take EPA. Specific guidance documents, template practical score sheets, sample papers and marking criteria can be found on the apprentice management software called ACE360. This is accessible by apprentices and training providers. All other persons who wish to have access to the Company's specific guidance documents should contact the Registrar.

Exam candidates should note that EPA grades will be capped to at a ‘pass’ (Diploma C grade) when they are re-sitting or re-taking an assessment. In the case of extenuating circumstances, e.g. illness, all grades to be available to the apprentice.

End Point Assessment Dates

Spring 2023

12^th May 2023 - Written Paper (UK)

15^th-19^th May 2023 - Practical Examination (UK)


Autumn 2023
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17^th November 2023 - Written Paper (UK)

20^th-24^th November 2023 - Practical Examination (UK)