Financial Services Professional – L6

Financial Services Professional – Level 6

Standard Overview

Actuaries work in a very niche industry with only approximately 450 qualifying each year. The actuarial profession however is still a diverse sector, working in the areas of insurance, pensions, healthcare, investment and the growing area of financial risk management.

The role, responsibilities and exams that are required as an Actuary require individuals to stretch their abilities to a very high level. Actuaries use mathematical skills to measure the probability and risk of future events, and the financial impact on a business and/or individuals.

 

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

Work-Based Project
  • Project proposal outlining the scope and objectives reviewed by the Independent Assessor prior to starting the project
  • Project report word count 5,500 (+/-10%)
  • Maximum 4 months post gateway to complete and submit project report
Panel Interview Supported by Portfolio of Evidence
  • The portfolio is made up of a journal and work-based evidence collated through the on-programme period
  • The interview will be made up of 20 questions
  • Maximum interview duration: 120 minutes (+/- 10 minutes)

For more details, visit the IfATE website.

Grading

The Work Based Project and Panel Interview are each marked individually with a separate grade awarded for each method:

  • A minimum of a Pass must be obtained in both methods to achieve an overall Pass grade
  • A Distinction must be achieved in both methods to achieve an overall Distinction grade

Each assessment method is graded either a Distinction, Pass or Fail, based on the following criteria.

Assessment MethodPassDistinction
Work Based ProjectDemonstrate at Pass level: All 13 Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours learning outcomes where the Project is the primary assessment method  All Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours learning outcomes within the chosen option where the Project is the primary method The additional 8 Pass Criteria specified for the Work Based Project.In addition to meeting the Pass Criteria: Meet at least 3 of the 5 Distinction Criteria specified for the Work Based Project
Panel Interview supported by Portfolio of EvidenceDemonstrate at Pass level: All 42 Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours learning outcomes where the Panel Interview is the primary assessment method All Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours learning outcomes within the chosen option where the Panel Interview is the primary method. The additional 10 Pass Criteria specified for the Panel InterviewIn addition to meeting the Pass Criteria: Meet at least 5 of the 9 Distinction Criteria specified for the Panel Interview.

Resources

We provide a range of recourses to support the apprentice, training provider and employer prepare for end-point assessment:

  • Toolkit
  • Overview video
  • 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