End-point assessment plan for Network Engineer apprenticeship

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End-point assessment plan for Network Engineer

apprenticeship standard*

*this end-point assessment plan aligns with standard version 1.1

Apprenticeship standard

reference number

Apprenticeship

standard level

Integrated end-point assessment

ST0127

Contents

Introduction and overview ...................................................................................................................... 2

EPA summary table ............................................................................................................................... 3

Length of end-point assessment period ................................................................................................. 3

Order of assessment methods ............................................................................................................... 4

Gateway ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Assessment methods ............................................................................................................................. 5

Reasonable adjustments ..................................................................................................................... 11

Grading ................................................................................................................................................ 12

Re-sits and re-takes ............................................................................................................................. 17

Roles and responsibilities……………………………………………………………………………………….22

Internal Quality Assurance (IQA).......................................................................................................... 22

Affordability .......................................................................................................................................... 22

Professional body recognition .............................................................................................................. 22

Mapping of knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) .......................................................................... 23

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Introduction and overview

This document sets out the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the Network Engineer

apprenticeship standard. It is for end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) who need to know how

EPA for this apprenticeship must operate. It will also be of interest to Network Engineer apprentices,

their employers and training providers.

Full time apprentices will typically spend 24 months on-programme (before the gateway) working

towards the occupational standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training. All apprentices must

spend a minimum of 12 months on-programme.

The EPA period should only start, and the EPA be arranged, once the employer is satisfied that the

apprentice is deemed to be consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational

standard, all of the pre-requisite gateway requirements for EPA have been met and can be evidenced

to an EPAO.

For level 3 apprenticeships and above apprentices without English and mathematics at level 2 must

achieve level 2 prior to taking their EPA.

The EPA must be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 3 months , after the EPA gateway.

The EPA consists of 2 discrete assessment methods.

The individual assessment methods will have the following grades:

Assessment method 1: Simulated assessment and questioning

• Fail

• Pass

• Distinction

Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio

• Fail

• Pass

• Distinction

Performance in the EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship standard grade of:

• Fail

• Pass

• Merit

• Distinction

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EPA summary table

On-programme

(typically, 24 months)

Training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in

the occupational standard.

Compiling a portfolio to underpin the professional discussion.

End-point assessment

gateway

Employer is satisfied the apprentice is consistently working at, or

above, the level of the occupational standard.

English and mathematics Level 2

Apprentices must submit:

• A portfolio

End-point assessment

(which will typically take 3

months)

Assessment method 1: Simulation Assessment and Questioning

• Fail

• Pass

• Distinction

Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by

portfolio

• Fail

• Pass

• Distinction

Performance in the EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship

standard grade of:

• Fail

• Pass

• Merit

• Distinction

Professional recognition

Aligns with recognition of Network Engineer on the Register of IT

Technicians (RITTECH)

Length of end-point assessment period

The EPA will be completed within an EPA period typically lasting 3 months, after the EPA gateway.

Any supporting material which underpins an EPA assessment method must be submitted at the

gateway.

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Order of assessment methods

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order. The result of one assessment method

does not need to be known before starting the next.

Gateway

The apprentice should only enter the gateway once the employer is content that the apprentice is

working at or above the occupational standard. In making this decision, the employer may take advice

from the apprentice’s training provider(s), but the decision must ultimately be made solely by the

employer.

The EPAO determines when all other gateway requirements have been met, and the EPA period will

only commence once the EPAO has confirmed this.

In addition to the employer’s confirmation that the apprentice is working at or above the level in the

occupational standard, the apprentice must have completed the following gateway requirements prior to

beginning EPA:

• Achieved English and mathematics at Level 2. For those with an education, health and care

plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and Mathematics minimum

requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications are an alternative to

English qualifications for those who have BSL as their primary language.

For the professional discussion underpinned by portfolio, the apprentice will be required to submit a

portfolio:

• The format and structure of the portfolio should be agreed between the employer and the EPAO

(e.g. hard copy or on-line). However, the content should be enough to evidence the apprentice

can apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours required as mapped to assessment method 2

(AM2).

• There should be at least one piece of evidence relating to each knowledge, skill and behaviour

mapped to AM2. One piece of evidence can be referenced against more than one knowledge,

skill or behavioural requirement. It is expected that there will be a minimum of 5 pieces and a

maximum of 10 pieces of evidence.

• The portfolio should cover the KSBs for the assessment method it is underpinning and of

activities that have been completed and referenced against the KSBs, supported by appropriate

evidence, including

• photographic evidence, work products, work instructions, safety documentation, company

policies and procedures as appropriate to activities undertaken. Progress review

documentation, witness testimonies, and feedback from colleagues and/or clients should

also be included.

• The apprentice’s Manager/Mentor will typically support the development of the portfolio in

accordance with company policy and procedures, although the EPAO will provide further

guidance on the content

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The portfolio presents evidence from real-work projects and is used to underpin the Professional

Discussion. Apprentices are expected to draw on the contents of their portfolio when providing

responses to questions. The portfolio will be created pre-gateway and before EPA starts and is not

assessed as part of the EPA. It contains evidence from work activities that have been completed,

throughout the apprenticeship. Typically, more complex activities will be completed towards the end of

the apprenticeship.

The portfolio is not directly assessed. It underpins the professional discussion and therefore should not

be marked by the EPAO. Independent Assessors should review the portfolio in preparation for the

professional discussion but are not required to provide feedback after this review of the portfolio.

In cases where the apprentice is working in a confidential environment, the employer may insist that the

independent assessor (on behalf of the EPAO) reviews the portfolio at the employer’s premises only

and that the portfolio is not made available for review away from those premises. In such cases, the

EPAO and independent assessor should use their discretion to make suitable arrangements to verify to

their satisfaction that the portfolio was completed and available for review at the Gateway. Detailed

arrangements for satisfactory portfolio review by the independent assessor must be agreed with the

employer as part of their arrangement with the EPAO. An employer and EPAO may agree and give

examples of how to record restricted information in order to facilitate the reviewing of portfolio evidence

off site by mutual agreement.

Assessment methods

Assessment method 1: Simulation Assessment and Questioning

(This assessment method has 2 components.)

Assessment method 1 component 1: Simulation Assessment - Virtual Network Lab

Overview

Apprentices will be required to undertake 2 simulation assessments in a virtual lab environment.

The rationale for this assessment method is to assess the apprentice in a consistent way, irrespective

of their particular role in their organisation and to ensure that all KSBs mapped to this method are able

to be demonstrated in a reasonable timeframe. The typical length of network engineering projects could

make the EPA delivery through an observation impractical to schedule thus increasing costs and time

spent at gateway.

Apprentices must complete 2 simulation assessments in a virtual lab environment online where they will

demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO will arrange for the simulation

assessment to take place, in consultation with the employer. The EPAO will select the simulation

assessment the individual apprentice will take.

Each simulation assessment will include a short summary of the task to be completed, the timeframe

permitted and the items available for use.

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Simulation assessments must be carried out over an assessment time of 14 hours which must be

completed over 2 consecutive days. Each assessment task will take 7 hours.

Assessment task 1 (Network Failure) will be completed and submitted online by the end of day 1 and

assessment task 2 (Network Optimisation) will be completed and submitted online by the end of day 2

to ensure the security of assessment is maintained.

As part of each simulation assessment task the apprentice will be required to submit a virtual lab report

consisting of evidence of completed test activity along with decision-making evidence including:

• the completed lab file (with all saved and completed work)

• test plans

• accompanying notes which explain why the apprentice chose a particular network engineering

solution or to explain the approach they took during the simulation. Explanatory diagrams

should also be included.

These items will be saved and uploaded online through the secure online portal. All work must be

uploaded and saved within the total assessment time for this assessment method. Any work which is

uploaded after the maximum assessment time will be disregarded and will not be assessed.

By submitting these items, the assessor will be able to make a judgement against the KSBs mapped to

this assessment method and can determine whether the tasks have been completed competently.

Delivery

Before each simulated assessment begins, the apprentice must be provided with both written and

verbal instructions on the tasks they must complete, including the timescales they are working to. This

will not be included in the assessment time.

The simulation assessment must be overseen by an independent assessor or invigilator to ensure that

the apprentice completes the assessment independently. This task can be undertaken face to face or

online by use of a video camera to ensure that the apprentice is undertaking the simulated task

assessment unaided. EPAOs must ensure that appropriate measures are in place to ensure that the

security of the assessment is maintained and that the apprentice is not being aided in some way. If an

EPAO cannot provide access to Proctor Software, they should use live streaming or another

appropriate invigilation method. When using live streaming it must be by a continual feed.

The virtual lab environment must include a template facility for the apprentice to make brief explanatory

notes of critical decision-making activities that underpin completion of the tasks in the simulated

assessment. The notes facility must run alongside the online assessment activity and may be within the

same software package. These notes are key to enabling the assessor to understand why the

assessment solutions were arrived at and help ascertain the depth of understanding required to test

occupational competence against the assigned KSBs.

Each of the simulation tasks will have a brief and instructions for the apprentice including how required

outputs should be formatted. The brief and instructions will specify what systems, tools and platforms

will be required to complete the tasks. This information will be contained within the software package

for delivering the assessment. The software package will not be seen in advance and will be given to

the apprentice at the start of each simulation task.

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The Simulation Assessment MUST allow the following activities to be undertaken as a simulation

assessment without these tasks would seriously hamper the opportunity for the apprentice to

demonstrate occupational competence against the KSBs assigned to this assessment method:

Lab report and physical lab activity:

• Detect and resolve network failures:

o Switch or Router configuration fault for remote access

o Configure dynamic routing protocols

• Improve network performance:

o Poor / insecure Wi-Fi configuration

o Network response time is low

o IPv4 or / IPv 6 problems

• Install and manage network architectures

• Test and analyse network issues

• Plan and work effectively

• Troubleshooting

• Fault diagnostics

Outputs from the lab activities could comprise the following:

• Ticketing Systems/replies/escalation

• Data Reports and log files

Each assessment task once begun may not be split, other than to allow comfort breaks as necessary.

Meal breaks are permitted to ensure that the assessment complies with the working time directive

legislation on breaks and lunchtimes. Any planned or unplanned breaks must be invigilated to ensure

the security of the assessment is maintained.

There may be others undertaking the simulated assessment at the same time, but they must be at least

two meters apart, at separate workstations and with their own system access. Each apprentice will

undertake a different combination of simulated assessment tasks at any one time to mitigate against

malpractice in the assessment.

The EPAO is responsible for ensuring a controlled environment is available and that local management

arrangements are in place to ensure the security of this assessment method.

Work must be saved in the virtual lab between tasks – and backed up (note partial work is not

assessed by the independent assessor during the assessment although it is possible to check that the

work that has been done has not changed between work sessions).

The independent assessor will make all grading decisions.

Resources development

EPAOs will create and set simulation assessment tasks to assess related underpinning KSBs.

EPAOs will produce specifications to outline in detail how the simulation assessments will operate,

what it will cover and what should be looked for. It is recommended that this be done in consultation

with employers. EPAOs should put measures and procedures in place to maintain the security and

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confidentiality of their specifications if employers are consulted. Specifications must be standardised by

the EPAO.

EPAOs must develop ‘practical specification banks’ of sufficient size to prevent predictability and review

them regularly (and at least once a year) to ensure they, and the specifications they contain, are fit for

purpose.

Each simulation assessment (and its constituent 2 tasks) will present a typical business task,

appropriate to an SME, an IT business, a large corporate or a non-IT business, and in the public and

private sectors.

Existing simulation assessments and their constituent tasks will be rotated, and new ones introduced

Venue

Simulation assessments must be conducted in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (e.g. a training

provider's premises or an employer’s premises) The venue must:

• Have reliable internet connectivity

• Have access to reliable devices able to operate the practical assessment software

• Provide a virtual lab environment to facilitate the identified scenarios required for the

assessment method.

• Suitable video conferencing capability including desktop sharing facility to enable remote

observation.

As a minimum the virtual online lab will comprise of a virtual Wide Area Network configuration made up

of the following virtual features, assets and components:

• 1 x File server

• 1 x Email server

• 1 x Web server

• 4 x Clients per location

• Main location (head office) and Branch location connected

• Each location to have a router

• Each location to have minimum a desktop switch, master switch and Wi-Fi access point switch

• Each location to have Wi-Fi with access point

• Default gateway

• Main and guest Wi-Fi access

For the avoidance of doubt, the items listed above are virtual features, assets and components within

the online lab environment.

Support materials

EPAOs will produce the following material to support this assessment method:

• independent assessor and invigilator assessment materials

• structured specification

• grading guidance

• outline of the assessment method’s requirements

• marking materials

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• guidance document for employers and apprentices on the process/timescales for the

assessment method

• guidance document for independent assessors on how to carry out the assessment

• lab instructions

Assessment method 1 component 2: Questioning

Overview

This component will take the form of questioning which must be appropriately structured to draw out the

best of the apprentice’s competence and excellence and cover the KSBs assigned to this assessment

method. It will involve questions that will focus on coverage of the simulated assessment activity.

Questioning will occur on a separate day after the completion of the simulated assessment tasks to

enable the Independent Assessor sufficient time to assess the outputs of each simulation task and

generate appropriate questioning.

The rationale for this assessment method is:

It is usual for people in this occupation to engage in detailed technical discussions, so this assessment

method mirrors their day to day work.

Delivery

The independent assessor will conduct and assess the questioning.

Questioning will happen after both simulated assessment tasks have been completed and assessed by

the independent assessor. The independent assessor should have a minimum of 5 working days in

which to assess the work submitted by the apprentice and generate appropriate questioning.

The apprentice should be given a minimum of 5 working days’ notice of the date for their questioning

session.

The outputs from the simulated assessment will be shared with the apprentice by the independent

assessor online throughout the questioning. The apprentice will not be allowed to have access to the

simulated assessment outputs in advance of the questioning session in order to maintain the security of

the assessment method.

The questioning must last for 45 minutes. The independent assessor has the discretion to increase the

time of the questioning by up to 10% to allow the apprentice to complete their last answer. The

assessor will ask a minimum of 10 open questions.

During this method, the independent assessor must use questions generated by themselves in addition

to those from an EPAO generated question bank.

The purpose of questioning will be to check the knowledge & skills shown in the simulated assessment

and explore the underpinning reasoning where the supporting notes may be insufficiently detailed or

ambiguous.

Video conferencing can be used to conduct the questioning, but the EPAO must have processes in

place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided in some way.

The independent assessor must use the assessment tools and procedures that are set by the EPAO to

record the questioning and answers given.

Outputs from the simulated scenario and answers to questions will be assessed holistically. The

independent assessor will make all grading decisions.

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Question development

A ‘question bank’ must be developed by EPAOs. The ‘question bank’ must be of sufficient size to

prevent predictability and the EPAO must review it regularly (at least once a year) to ensure that it, and

its content, are fit for purpose. The questions relating to the underpinning KSBs, must be varied yet

allow assessment of the relevant KSBs. Independent assessors must use the question bank as a

source for questioning and are expected to use their professional judgment to tailor those questions

appropriately. Independent assessors are responsible for generating suitable follow-up questions in line

with the EPAO’s training and standardisation process.

EPAOs must ensure that apprentices have a different set of questions in the case of re-sits/re-takes.

EPAOs will produce the following material to support this assessment method:

• question bank

• outline of the assessment method’s requirements

• marking materials

• guidance document for employers and apprentices on the process/timescales for the

assessment method

• guidance document for independent assessors on how to carry out the assessment

Venue

The questioning should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

The questioning can take place in any of the following:

• employer’s premises

• a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example a training provider's premises)

• via video conferencing

Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by

portfolio

Assessment method 2 component 1: Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio

Overview

This assessment will take the form of a professional discussion which must be appropriately structured

to draw out the best of the apprentice’s competence and cover the KSBs assigned to this assessment

method.

The rationale for this assessment method is to draw out KSBs and in particular behaviours, which

would not naturally occur in the practical assessment. It is commonplace for people in this occupation

to engage in detailed technical discussions, so this assessment method mirrors their day-to-day work.

Delivery

The independent assessor will conduct and assess the professional discussion.

The professional discussion must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor has the discretion to

increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10% to allow the apprentice to complete their

last answer.

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This is a 1:1 conversation in an appropriate environment (a quiet room free from distraction). Evidence

must be captured using documentation produced by the EPAO. The assessor will ask a minimum of 15

open questions. Questions can be taken from an EPAO question bank or be those generated by the

independent assessor. Follow up questions can be used to draw out further evidence.

The apprentice should be encouraged to refer to their portfolio of evidence during the professional

discussion to support their responses. The independent assessor should have a minimum of 10 days to

review the contents of the portfolio to generate appropriate questions. The apprentice will have a

minimum of 5 working days’ notice of the date for the professional discussion

Video conferencing can be used to conduct the professional discussion, but the EPAO must have

processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided

in some way. e.g. use of a 360-degree camera.

The independent assessor must use the assessment tools and procedures that are set by the EPAO to

record the professional discussion.

The independent assessor will make all grading decisions.

Venue

The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

The professional discussion can take place in any of the following:

• employer’s premises

• a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example a training provider's premises)

Other relevant information

A question bank must be developed by EPAOs. The ‘question bank’ must be of sufficient size to

prevent predictability and the EPAO must reviewed regularly (at least once a year) to ensure that it, and

its content, are fit for purpose. The specifications, including questions relating to the underpinning

KSBs, must be varied yet allow assessment of the relevant KSBs.

EPAOs must ensure that apprentices have a different set of questions in the case of re-sits/re-takes.

Independent assessors must be developed and trained by the EPAO in the conduct of professional

discussion and reaching consistent judgement.

EPAOs will produce the following material to support this assessment method:

• question bank

• outline of the assessment method’s requirements

• marking materials

• guidance document for employers and apprentices on the process/timescales for the

assessment method

• guidance document for independent assessors on how to carry out the assessment

Reasonable adjustments

The EPAO must have in place clear and fair arrangements for making reasonable adjustments for this

apprenticeship standard. This should include how an apprentice qualifies for reasonable adjustment

and what reasonable adjustments will be made. The adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability

and integrity of the assessment methods outlined in this assessment plan.

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Weighting of assessment methods

All assessment methods are weighted equally in their contribution to the overall EPA grade.

Grading

Assessment method 1: Simulation Assessment and Questioning

KSBs

Fail

Pass

Apprentices must meet all the

pass descriptors in order to

achieve a pass

Distinction

In addition to the pass

criteria apprentices must

meet all of the following

distinction descriptors in

order to achieve a distinction

Across all

tasks

Does not meet

the pass criteria

Demonstrates independent

working initiative being

resourceful when faced with the

online simulation tasks and

taking responsibility for solving

problems within their own remit

Detecting

and

resolving

Network

Failures

K1 K12

K17

Does not meet

the pass criteria

Identifies network failures,

setting out the rationale behind

the identified task. K1 K12

Demonstrates a diagnostic

strategy when faced with a

network failure to establish the

root cause and the options

available and reason for the

choice of solution. B6

Implements a secure fix to

resolve network failure

proportionate to the need

describing the constraints and

considerations within the

Network Failure solution. S1

K17

Evaluates the long- and short-

term impacts of network failure

solutions within the simulation.

Analyses and reviews the

effectiveness of maintaining

the security of the network

within the simulation. S1 K17

Improving

Network

Performance

K3 K4 K5

S6 S12

Does not meet

the pass criteria

Identifies network performance

issues within specified

parameters K3

Demonstrates a working solution

to resolve performance issues

showing a response in real time

Selects uses and justifies

diagnostic tools to deliver

Reviews the effectiveness of

methods used to securely

troubleshoot network service

performance’ K4

Compares and contrasts the

effectiveness of methods used

to securely trouble shoot

network service performance

including analytical

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improved system performance

Uses organizational procedures

to deal with recording

information effectively and in line

with protocols K5

Delivers service performance

optimisation with a rationale for

why this is the best option. S12

approaches to diagnosis of

network issues and

recommendations of future

requirements based on

outcomes and results of the

simulation tests carried out. S6

Install and

Manage

Network

Architecture

K2 S2 S10

Does not meet

the pass criteria

Plans and carries out their

installation and configuration

activity to show the stages of

activity required and explains the

choice and use of hardware and

or software to manage and

maintain a secure network K2 S2

Manages network architecture

tasks in line with tickets raised

by customers to resolve or

escalate as necessary S10

‘Reviews their choice of

network architecture and

evaluates the effectiveness of

their choice’ K2

Analyses customer response

to determine the suitability of

hardware and software choice

S10

Test and

Analyse

Network

issues

S3 S6 S9

Does not meet

the pass criteria

Tests the network to identify

issues using more than one

method and compiles test plans

in line with identified faults S3 S9

Demonstrates analytical

approaches to diagnose Network

Issues S6

Planning

and working

effectively

S17

B4 B8

Does not meet

the pass criteria

Plans and prioritises tasks

arising balanced with costs and

efficiencies S17 B4

Works within the simulation tasks

effectively under pressure

showing resilience B8

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Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by

portfolio

KSBs

Fail

Pass

Apprentices must demonstrate

all the pass descriptors in

order to pass

Distinction

In addition to the pass

criteria apprentices must

demonstrate all the

following distinction

descriptors in order to get a

distinction

Planning Work

S13 S14

Does not meet

the pass

criteria

Outlines how they have

organised and prioritised

clients/stakeholders’ requests

and explains the use of Service

Level Agreements S13

Describes how they have

outlined their role as a Network

Engineer to key stakeholders

S14

Define

Network Tasks

K8 K9 K10

S18 S20

Does not meet

the pass

criteria

Explains the purposes and uses

of ports and protocols in Network

Engineering activities K8

Describes features and factors

that play a role in deployment of

devices, applications, protocols

and services at their appropriate

OSI and/or TCP/IP layers. K9

Explains the concepts and

characteristics of routing and

switching in Network Engineering

activities K10

Explains how to apply numerical

skills in Network Engineering

activities to ensure that

outcomes meet the defined

specifications for the network

task S18

Describe how they have selected

the appropriate tools in regard to

Analyses how the use of

different hardware and

software required for network

engineering activities could

provide benefits to the

organisation and evaluates

the associated risks. S20

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specific Network activities and

comply with organisation policies

and processes when upgrading

systems S20

Maintain

Security

K19

S4 S15

Does not meet

the pass

criteria

Explains the types of current

security threats to networks and

describes K19

Describes how they have

maintained the security and

performance of the system

against known standard threats.

Explains how they have applied

the appropriate process, policies

and legislation to ensure security

and performance requirements

have been met S15 B2

Analyses the evolving

landscape of security threats

to networks and how they

mitigate threats S4 B2

Trouble

shooting

Network

Issues

Does not

meet the pass

criteria

Explains how they use diagnostic

tools to trouble-shoot problems

within the Network environment

Explains how they investigate

new approaches and tools to

troubleshoot the

organisations network with a

focus on security. S5

Implement

Solutions

K11 K13 K14

K15 K16 K18

K20

S8 S11

Does not meet

the pass

criteria

Identifies the characteristics of

network topologies, types and

technologies K11

Explains cloud concepts and

their purposes within the network

engineering environment. K13

Describes the functions of

network services K14

Explains how they have

undertaken Network

maintenance activities K15 S11

Explains how current legislation

relates to network engineering

activities K16

Describes the integration of a

server into a network and

explains how they have

maintained system performance

and integrity. K18

Explains how they have

upgraded, applied and tested

Compare and contrast

approaches to maintaining

system performance and

integrity K15 K18 S8 S11

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components to systems

configurations ensuring that the

system meets the organisation’s

requirements and minimises

downtime. This should include

backup processes and an

understanding of the use of

automated tools K20 S8

Recordkeeping

K6 S7 S16

Describe how they have

communicated and recorded

Network Engineering outcomes

to stakeholders in line with

organizational procedures and

Service Level Agreements taking

into consideration an

organisation’s cultural

awareness and its technical

ability K6 S7 S16

The bigger

picture

K7 K21

S19

B3 B5 B7

Describes their role in the

organisations Business

Continuity and Disaster

Recovery process. K7

Explains the principles of change

management within the network

engineering environment and

how they have ensured

compliance. K21 S19

Explains how they have worked

within the goals, vision and

values of the organisation B3

Describe how they have met or

exceeded customers’

requirements and expectations

Explains how they take

responsibility for their own CPD

and technical skill developments

and reflects on the outcome of

feedback on their own

performance based on the

expectations of the organisation’

Justifies how they have

utilised a new approach or

technical development to

network engineering and

evaluates the outcome. K21

S19

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Overall EPA grading

All EPA methods must be passed for the EPA to be passed overall.

Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the

grade of the EPA as a whole:

Assessment method 1 –

Simulation assessment

and questioning

Assessment method 2 –

professional discussion

Overall grading

Fail

Any grade

Fail

Any grade

Fail

Pass

Distinction

Merit

Distinction

Pass

Merit

Distinction

Re-sits and re-takes

Apprentices who fail one or more assessment method will be offered the opportunity to take a re-sit or a

re-take. A re-sit does not require further learning, whereas a re-take does.

An apprentice who fails an assessment method, and therefore the EPA in the first instance, will be

required to re-sit or re-take any failed assessment methods only.

Apprentices should have a supportive action plan to prepare for the re-sit or a re-take. The apprentice’s

employer will need to agree that either a re-sit or re-take is an appropriate course of action.

The timescales for a re-sit/re-take is agreed between the employer and EPAO. A re-sit is typically taken

within two months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how

much re-training is required and is typically taken within four months of the EPA outcome notification.

All assessment methods must be taken within a six-month period, otherwise the entire EPA will need to

be re-sat/re-taken, unless in the opinion of the EPAO exceptional circumstances apply outside the

control of the apprentice or their employer.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to apprentices wishing to move from pass to merit or merit to

distinction.

Where any assessment method must be re-sat or re-taken, the overall apprenticeship grade is not

capped, meaning that an apprentice is still able to achieve an EPA grade of distinction.

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Roles and responsibilities

Role

Responsibility

Apprentice

As a minimum, apprentices should:

• participate in and complete on-programme training to meet

the KSBs as outlined in the occupational standard for a

minimum of 12 months

• undertake 20% off-the-job training as arranged by the

employer and training provider

• understand the purpose and importance of EPA

• undertake the EPA including meeting all gateway

requirements

Employer

As a minimum, employers should:

• work with the training provider (where applicable) to

support the apprentice in the workplace to provide the

opportunities for the apprentice to develop the KSBs

• arrange and support a minimum of 20% off-the-job training

to be undertaken by the apprentice

• decide when the apprentice is working at or above the

occupational standard and so is ready for EPA

• select the EPAO

• ensure that all supporting evidence required at the

gateway is submitted in accordance with this EPA plan

• remain independent from the delivery of the EPA

• confirm arrangements with the EPAO for the EPA (who,

when, where) in a timely manner (including providing

access to any employer specific documentations as

required, for example company policies)

• ensure that the EPA is scheduled with the EPAO for a

date and time which allow appropriate opportunity for the

KSBs to be met

• ensure the apprentice is well prepared for the EPA

• ensure the apprentice is given sufficient time away from

regular duties to prepare for and complete all post-

gateway elements of the EPA, and that any required

supervision during this time (as stated within this EPA

plan) is in place

• where the apprentice is assessed in the workplace, ensure

that the apprentice has access to the resources used on a

daily basis

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• work collaboratively with the EPAO to ensure a suitable

EPA venue is available.

EPAO

As a minimum, EPAOs should:

• make all necessary contractual arrangements, including

agreeing the price of the EPA

• understand the occupational standard

• appoint administrators (and invigilators where required) to

administer the EPA as appropriate

• provide training for independent assessors in terms of

good assessment practice, operating the assessment

tools and grading

• provide adequate information, advice and guidance

documentation to enable apprentices, employers and

training providers to prepare for the EPA

• arrange for the EPA to take place, in consultation with the

employer

• conform to the requirements of this EPA plan and deliver

its requirements in a timely manner

• develop and provide appropriate assessment recording

documentation to ensure a clear and auditable process is

in place for providing assessment decisions and feedback

to all relevant stakeholders

• have no direct connection with the apprentice, their

employer or training provider. In all instances including

when the EPAO is the training provider (i.e. HEI) there

must be no conflict of interest

• have policies and procedures for internal quality

assurance (IQA), and maintain records of regular and

robust IQA activity and moderation for external quality

assurance (EQA) purposes

• conform to the requirements of the nominated external

quality assurance provider (EQAP)

• conform to the requirements of the Register of End-Point

Assessment Organisations (RoEPAO)

• deliver induction training for independent assessors, and

for invigilators and markers where used

• undertake standardisation activity on this apprenticeship

standard for all independent assessors before they

conduct an EPA for the first time, if the EPA is updated

and periodically as appropriate (a minimum of annually)

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• manage invigilation of apprentices in order to maintain

security of the assessment in line with their malpractice

policy

• verify the identity of the apprentice being assessed

• use language in the development and delivery of the EPA

that is appropriate to the level of the occupational standard

• request certification via the Apprenticeship Service upon

successful achievement of the EPA

• develop and produce assessment materials including

specifications and marking materials (for example mark

schemes, practice materials, training material)

• appoint suitably qualified and competent independent

assessors

• provide details of the independent assessor’s name and

contact details to the employer

• have and apply appropriately an EPA appeals process

Independent

assessor

As a minimum, an independent assessor should:

• have the competence to assess the apprentice at this level

and hold any required qualifications and experience in line

with the requirements of the independent assessor as

detailed in the IQA section of this EPA plan

• understand the occupational standard and the

requirements of this EPA

• have, maintain and be able to evidence up to date

knowledge and expertise of the subject matter

• deliver the end-point assessment in-line with the EPA plan

• comply with the IQA requirements of the EPAO

• have no direct connection or conflict of interest with the

apprentice, their employer or training provider; in all

instances including when the EPAO is the training provider

(i.e. HEI)

• attend induction training

• attend standardisation events when they begin working for

the EPAO, before they conduct an EPA for the first time

and a minimum of annually on this apprenticeship

standard

• assess each assessment method, as determined by the

EPA plan, and without extending the EPA unnecessarily

• assess against the KSBs assigned to each assessment

method, as shown in the mapping of assessment methods

and as determined by the EPAO, and without extending

the EPA unnecessarily

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• make all grading decisions

• record and report all assessment outcome decisions, for

each apprentice, following instructions and using

assessment recording documentation provided by the

EPAO, in a timely manner

• use language in the development and delivery of the EPA

that is appropriate to the level of the occupational standard

Training provider

As a minimum, the training provider should:

• work with the employer and support the apprentice during

the off-the-job training to provide the opportunities to

develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours as listed in

the occupational standard

• conduct training covering any knowledge, skill or

behaviour requirement agreed as part of the Commitment

Statement (often known as the Individual Learning Plan).

• monitor the apprentice’s progress during any training

provider led on-programme learning

• advise the employer, upon request, on the apprentice’s

readiness for EPA

• remain independent from delivery of the EPA. Where the

training provider is the EPA (i.e. a HEI) there must be

procedures in place to mitigate against any conflict of

interest

•

Invigilators

As a minimum, invigilators should:

• attend induction training as directed by the EPAO

• have no direct connection or conflict of interest with the

apprentice, their employer or training provider; in all

instances, including when the EPAO is the training

provider (i.e. HEI)

• invigilate and supervise apprentices during tests and in

breaks during assessment methods to prevent malpractice

in accordance with the EPAO’s invigilation procedures

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Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Internal quality assurance refers to the requirements that EPA organisations must have in place to

ensure consistent (reliable) and accurate (valid) assessment decisions. EPA organisations for this EPA

must:

• appoint independent assessors who are competent in the occupation they are assessing.

• assessors must have achieved a relevant qualification at a level equivalent to or higher than the

apprenticeship standard being assessed and have recent relevant experience of the

occupation/sector gained in the last two years or significant experience of the occupation/sector.

• maintain (and produce on request) an up-to-date and accurate record of their CPD activities

which should equate to at least 5 days CPD in the last year relevant to the KSB's

• demonstrate that their CPD activities are of learning activities relevant to current or future

practice

• seek to ensure that their CPD has benefited the quality of their practice

• if applicable hold additional security clearance as required by the employing organisation.

• appoint independent assessors who have been trained by the EPAO on the use and

assessment of virtual lab

• provide training for independent assessors in terms of good assessment practice, operating the

assessment tools and grading

• have robust quality assurance systems and procedures that support fair, reliable, and consistent

assessment across the organisation and over time

• operate induction training and standardisation events for independent assessors when they

begin working for the EPAO on this standard and before they deliver an updated assessment

method for the first time

• ensure independent assessors attend standardisation events on an ongoing basis and at least

once per year for this standard.

Affordability

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following practice:

• using an employer's premises

• online assessment tools including virtual lab software and video conferencing

Professional body recognition

This apprenticeship is designed to prepare successful apprentices to meet the requirements for

registration as a Network Engineer on the Register of IT Technicians (RITTECH)

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Mapping of knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

Assessment method 1: Practical Assessment and Professional

Discussion

Knowledge

K1 the causes and consequences of network and IT infrastructure failures

K2 the architecture of typical IT systems, including hardware, OS, server, virtualisation, voice, cloud

and applications

K3 the techniques for systems performance and optimisation

K4 diagnostic techniques and tools to interrogate and gather information regarding systems

performance

K5 organizational procedures to deal with recording information effectively and in line with protocols

K12 wireless technologies and configurations.

K17 troubleshooting methodologies for network and IT infrastructure

Skills

S1 apply the appropriate tools and techniques when securely operating and testing Networks

S2 install and configure the elements required to maintain and manage a secure Network

S3 implement techniques to monitor and record systems performance in line with defined

specifications

S6 apply the appropriate tools and techniques to gather information to troubleshoot issues and

isolate, repair or escalate faults

S9 record task details whether face-to-face, remote or in writing in line with organisational

requirements

S10 interpret information received from a manager, customer or technical specialist and accurately

implement the defined requirements

S12 implement techniques to optimise systems performance in line with defined specifications

S17 apply the appropriate level of responsibility when planning and prioritizing work tasks

Behaviours

B1 work independently and demonstrate initiative being resourceful when faced with a problem and

taking responsibility for solving problems within their own remit

B4 take a wider view of the strategic objectives of the tasks/ projects they are working on.

B6 Identifies issues quickly, enjoys investigating and solving complex problems and applies

appropriate solutions. Has a strong desire to push to ensure the true root cause of any problem is

found and a solution is identified which prevents recurrence

B8: work effectively under pressure showing resilience

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Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by

portfolio

Knowledge

K6: Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and their application to delivering network engineering

activities in line with contractual obligations

K7: their role in Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

K8: the purposes and uses of ports and protocols

K9: devices, applications, protocols and services at their appropriate OSI and/or TCP/IP layers.

K10: the concepts and characteristics of routing and switching

K11: the characteristics of network topologies, types and technologies

K13: cloud concepts and their purposes

K14: functions of network services

K15 the different types of network maintenance

K16: how current legislation relates to or impacts occupation

K18: how to integrate a server into a network

K19: the types of security threats to networks and IT infrastructure assets

K20: how to use tools to automate network tasks

K21: approaches to change management

Skills

S4 maintain security and performance of the system against known and standard threats

S5 apply the appropriate tools and techniques to identify systems performance issues

S7 communicate outcomes of tasks and record in line with organisational procedures and SLAs

S8 upgrade, apply and test components to systems configurations ensuring that the system meets

the organisation’s requirements and minimises downtime. This should include backup processes

S11 monitor, identify and implement required maintenance procedures

S13 organise and prioritise clients/stakeholders’ requests in line with SLAs and organization

processes

S14 explain job role within the business context to stakeholders

S15 operate securely and apply the appropriate process, policies and legislation within their business

responsibilities

S16 communicate with a range of stakeholders taking into consideration of organisations cultural

awareness and technical ability

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S18 apply the relevant numerical skills (Binary, dotted decimal notation) required to meet the defines

specifications

S19 ensure compliance of network engineering outputs with change management processes

S20 select the appropriate tools and comply with organisation policies and processes when

upgrading systems

Behaviours

B2: work securely within the business

B3 work within the goals, vision and values of the organisation

B5 works to meet or exceed customers’ requirements and expectations

B7 committed to continued professional development in order to ensure growth in professional skill

and knowledge.