END POINT ASSESSMENT ORGANISATION
Why choose iPET Network as your End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO)?
Choosing the right EPAO is about more than meeting requirements, it’s about partnering with an organisation that understands your sector, values quality, and supports success at every stage. At iPET Network, we combine regulatory confidence with a genuine commitment to learners, employers, and training providers.
As a specialist EPAO in the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector, we bring deep industry expertise to every End-Point Assessment we deliver. Our assessments are designed to be robust, fair, and meaningful, ensuring apprentices can confidently demonstrate their competence while employers can trust the outcomes.
We are known for our supportive and collaborative approach. From planning and gateway through to assessment and results, our experienced team provides clear guidance, responsive communication, and practical support, removing uncertainty and helping all parties feel prepared and informed.
Integrity and transparency underpin everything we do. Our fees are clear, competitive, and communicated upfront, with no hidden costs. Our processes are straightforward, compliant, and consistently applied, giving you confidence in both delivery and governance.
Above all, we see EPA delivery as a partnership. We work closely with employers and training providers to uphold standards, reduce administrative burden, and contribute positively to the apprentice journey.
iPET Network – a trusted EPAO, raising standards through expertise, transparency, and partnership.
What is End Point Assessment?
Since the introduction of Apprenticeship Standards, Employers, Training Providers and Apprentices have seen changes across many Apprenticeships, one of the key areas being the introduction of End Point Assessment. The key purpose of Apprenticeships is to give Apprentices the knowledge, skills and behaviours to perform their role to the standard required and support their development to higher skills. In England, every Apprentice on an apprenticeship standard must successfully undertake an independent assessment at the end of their training to confirm they have achieved occupational competence. If they do not pass the assessment, they have not completed their apprenticeship. This is known as an End-Point Assessment (EPA). End-point Assessment is an independent assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours which have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship and tests the Apprentice’s ability to apply them in the workplace. Assessments need to be conducted by approved independent End-Point Assessment Organisations. An EPAO is a third-party organisation, separate from the Employer and Training Provider. iPET Network are approved to be an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for the following standards:
- iPET Network Level 2 End Point Assessment – Equine Groom
- iPET Network Level 2 End Point Assessment – General Farm Worker
- iPET Network Level 2 End Point Assessment – Animal Care and Welfare Assistant
- iPET Network Level 2 End Point Assessment – Dog Groomer
- iPET Network Level 3 End Point Assessment – Livestock Unit Technician
- iPET Network Level 3 End Point Assessment – Senior Equine Groom
- iPET Network Level 3 End Point Assessment – Sporting Excellence Professional
- iPET Network Level 3 End Point Assessment – Animal Care and Welfare Manager
- iPET Network Level 4 End Point Assessment – Animal Training Instructor
Who chooses the End Point Assessment Organisation?
It is the Employer who makes the final decision about which EPAO is chosen for their Apprentices. However, many Employers take guidance from Training Providers on which organisation is the best fit for them. The EPAO is chosen before the apprenticeship begins and forms part of the sign up process between Employer and Training Provider.
How iPET Network Supports Apprentices Through Their End-Point Assessment
At iPET Network, we believe every Apprentice deserves to approach their End-Point Assessment (EPA) with confidence, clarity, and the opportunity to perform at their best. Our role goes beyond assessment delivery, we are committed to supporting Apprentices throughout the EPA journey in a fair, transparent, and professional way. We provide clear guidance and expectations from the outset, ensuring apprentices understand what the EPA involves, how it will be assessed, and what success looks like. Our assessment materials and processes are designed to be accessible, well-structured, and aligned to the apprenticeship standard, removing unnecessary complexity or uncertainty. Our experienced, sector-specialist assessors understand both the occupational role and the realities of working in the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector. This ensures assessments are relevant, realistic, and conducted in a supportive yet rigorous manner, allowing Apprentices to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and behaviours with confidence. We are committed to fairness, consistency, and integrity. All EPAs are delivered in line with regulatory requirements, with robust quality assurance in place to ensure every Apprentice is assessed objectively and consistently. Throughout the EPA process, apprentices benefit from clear communication and respectful engagement. Assessments are conducted professionally, feedback is constructive where appropriate, and outcomes are communicated clearly and efficiently. Above all, iPET Network is dedicated to protecting the apprentice experience. By combining sector expertise, transparent processes, and a supportive approach, we help Apprentices complete their End-Point Assessment feeling prepared, valued, and proud of their achievement.
"iPET Network were very flexible when it came to booking my assessment dates and immediately made me feel at ease on assessment day, making the whole process stress- free. I'm proud to say that I completed my qualification with a distinction. Thank you iPET Network!"
Jade
ApprenticeNot a member yet? Register Now
SKILLS
Functional Skills
Before an Apprentice can progress to the End-Point Assessment stage, they must have achieved the relevant Functional Skills qualifications in English, Maths and ICT, or achieved equivalent qualifications such as GCSEs.
If the Apprentice is undertaking a Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard, they will need to have successfully completed a Level 1 Functional Skills qualification (or equivalent) and attempted Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in both English and Maths.
If the Apprentice is undertaking a Level 3 or Higher Apprenticeship Standard, they will need to have successfully completed a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification (or equivalent) in both English and Maths.
Training Providers can offer support with Functional Skills and will advise Employers and Apprentices of the requirements.
SKILLS
Gateway
When the apprentice has completed their training and been on programme for the correct time allocated for their apprenticeship, there will be a short period where the Employer, Training Provider and Apprentice will assess the apprentice’s progress. The Employer will then determine whether or not the Apprentice is ready to take on the End-Point Assessment. This period of time is known as Gateway, moving from one stage to another and passing through the ‘Gateway’ to reach it.
Generally, the Gateway stage is where all aspects of the apprenticeship must be completed. These could include:
- Any on-programme qualifications, including Functional Skills
- Any finalised projects, such as portfolios or projects
- Any additional pieces of evidence gathered
- Any other requirements outlined in the Apprenticeship Standard
For some apprenticeships, there will need to be a meeting between the Employer, Training Provider and Apprentice to decide how and when to proceed with the End Point Assessment.
For EPAO enquiries please contact us at epao@ipetnetwork.co.uk
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As the animal care industry evolves, iPET Network continues to innovate – creating new qualifications, supporting approved centres, and advancing education for animal welfare.
Partner with a regulated Awarding Organisation that understands your sector.
EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE, FOR PETS, FOR THE FUTURE
Education for People. For Pets. For the Future.
