Financial Services Administrator – Level 3
Standard Number
ST0177 – Version 2.0
Maximum Funding
£12,000
Pricing from: £1,200
Discounts available based on volume
Standard Overview
The Financial Advice market consists of c19000 SME businesses split approximately 75% financial advice, 25% mortgage advice.
These SME businesses are supported by umbrella organisations known as networks who provide a range of support services to the individual businesses including technology, compliance, technical & consultancy support.
Due to recent changes, more administrative support is required by firms in order to provide an efficient, high quality and compliant service to their clients.
The Financial Administrator standard responds to this demand whilst also providing an ideal entry point for a career in the sector, with progression routes leading to a number of roles with full professional qualifications.
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
This standard has 3 assessment methods including:
Work-Based Project
- Scope and scale of the Project to be decided by the apprentice, training provider and employer
- Project activity can start in the last 3 months of the on-programme period
- Project report with a maximum word count of 3,300 words, plus appendices
Portfolio of Evidence
- Evidence is gathered during the last 3 months of the on-programme period, and EPA period
- Portfolio evidence to demonstrate all learning outcomes which were not demonstrated through the project
- A showcase, displaying the best work-based examples of how the apprentice has demonstrated the learning outcomes
Panel Interview
- Duration of the panel interview will be 60 minutes (+10%)
- The panel will consist of the Independent Assessor, a representative from the training provider and a representative from the employer
- Will consist of 14 questions
For more details, visit the IfATE website.
Grading
Learning Outcomes within the Project and Portfolio in order to progress to the Panel Interview / Viva.
There are 3 overall levels of achievement within this standard: Fail, Pass and Distinction.
The three assessment methods are cumulative, the overall outcome across the Project, Portfolio and Panel Interview will determine the overall grade achieved.
| Fail | Pass | Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| The Apprentice has not met all 28 Learning Outcomes | Meet 100% of the Learning Outcomes | Meet 100% of the Learning Outcomes AND exceed Learning Outcomes 1-11 |
The Project and Portfolio will be graded as either a Progression or Non-Progression.
The Panel Interview will also be as either a Progression or Non-Progression.
The overall grade be a Fail, Pass or Distinction
Resources
We provide a range of recourses to support the apprentice, training provider and employer prepare for end-point assessment:
- Overview video (right)
- Toolkit
- Service overview
- Relevant webinars
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
