Coaching Professional L5

Facilitation of Assessment

DSW has always had a ‘digital by default’ approach to end-point assessment; this allows us to provide greater flexibility for all stakeholders while reducing fees and our carbon footprint.

• Interviews and presentations are conducted using web conferencing platforms and we’re flexible enough to use a platform of the employer’s choosing when required.
• Written exams, MCQs and Case Studies are carried out online using an invigilated assessment platform
• Portfolios and Projects are submitted to DSW in digital format for assessment
• Our assessments are also administered using an online platform, epaPRO, which provides training providers with access to results, reports and dashboards.

This is all supported by named account managers and operations contacts who are here to support you at each step of the EPA journey.

Assessment Methods

Observation with Questions and Answers

• Two separate observations of one-hour coaching sessions
• Duration of the Q&A will be 20 minutes
• A minimum of five questions based on what has been seen in the observations

Portfolio-Based Interview

• Portfolio gathered on-programme and submitted at gateway
• Duration of the interview will be 60 minutes (+10%)
• Nine interview questions based on the portfolio

Knowledge Test

• The duration of the knowledge test will be 90 minutes
• 30 multiple-choice questions that will have four possible answers, one of which will be correct
• 10 multiple-choice questions which will be based on two given scenarios

For more details, visit the IfATE website.

Grading

Observation with Q&A

In order to achieve a Pass for this assessment method the Apprentice must meet all 8 Pass criteria.

In order to achieve a Distinction for this assessment method in addition to the Pass criteria the Apprentice must meet all 5 Distinction criteria.

Portfolio Based Interview

In order to achieve a Pass for this assessment method the Apprentice must meet all 6 Pass criteria.

In order to achieve a Distinction for this assessment method in addition to the Pass criteria the Apprentice must meet all 3 Distinction criteria.

Knowledge Test

In order to achieve a Pass for this assessment method the Apprentice must answer 26- 34 questions correctly.

In order to achieve a Distinction for this assessment method the Apprentice must answer 35+ questions correctly

If the Apprentice answers less than 26 questions correctly this will result in a Fail of the Knowledge Test.

Overall Grading

There are three levels of outcome for this standard: Fail, Pass and Distinction.

To achieve a Pass overall, the Apprentice must achieve a Pass in all three assessment methods.

To achieve a Distinction overall, the Apprentice must achieve a Distinction in all assessment methods.

Benefits and Support

DSW is a leading EPAO trusted by some of the UK’s largest employers and apprenticeship training providers to assess apprentices across a portfolio of more than 35 standards.

We combine first-class customer support, leading assessment technology and assessment expertise to deliver an EPA experience which our clients tell us is unequalled.

Our key benefits include:

• Assessor allocated ahead of gateway to guarantee availability and fast turnaround
• Planning meeting scheduled within 1 working day of Gateway
• Results issued within 5 working days
• Competitive pricing, reduced resit fees and no registration fees
• Dedicated account manager and operations contact
• Quality-assured assessors with extensive sector and assessment experience
• Truly collaborative, partnership approach and dedicated DSW human touch support team
• Delivery of a great learner experience with flexibility to accommodate varied learner environments
• Support materials – Guides, toolkits, webinars and use of digital platforms make EPA efficient and easy
• Engaged with other EPAOs and sector bodies to lead the standardisation of assessment methods and raise professional standards