Tips and techniques for End Point Assessment – Professional Discussion, Presentation, Portfolio of Evidence and Showcase

Discover everything you need to know below — from key insights to helpful tips that make a difference.

Assessment Preparation Tips

So, you’ve been told you need to pass one of these elements to proceed, and you’re not sure where to start?

Start your preparation early by speaking to your trainer about what’s expected and what you’re aiming for. Here are some practical tips to help you pass your assessments with confidence. Remember — stay positive. You can do it!

Showcase or Professional Discussion

Manage your time carefully – you must meet all criteria within the allocated time.
Demonstrate your competence – use relevant terminology and be well prepared.
You can use notes – prepare them with bullet points to prompt you.
Remember: the assessor won’t lead – they may not prompt you for more information.

Apprenticeships are based on your experience — you’re already doing the job. You just need to describe when and how you demonstrated key skills. That’s where the STAR Technique comes in:

What is the STAR Technique?

Situation: Describe the situation and when it occurred.
Task: Explain the task and your goal.
Action: Share what steps you took.
Result: State the outcome of your actions.

Example question: “Describe a time when you faced a difficult moment at work. How did you sort the problem?”

Presentation

Practice your timing — stick to the allotted duration.
Keep it simple — assessors may not know your job, so explain clearly.
Structure your content — does it flow logically?
Use visual aids to support your points.
Tell stories and give specific examples.
Smile and maintain eye contact with your audience.
Apply your knowledge — what matters most is the content, not flashy slides.
Be yourself and try to stay relaxed.

Tips for giving a great presentation

Portfolio of Evidence

Less is more — include only quality evidence that meets the criteria.
Include only work completed during your apprenticeship.
Label everything — include titles, slide/page numbers, and signatures if needed.
Explain how each piece of evidence meets the criteria — clarity is key.
Show depth of understanding, not just context.

General Advice for All Assessments

Communicate any concerns or support needs to your trainer or employer.
Manage your time — prepare and revise well in advance.
Practice using mock assessments.
Use the grading criteria as a checklist — aim for passes first, then distinctions.
Prepare all necessary equipment (pens, dictionaries, etc.).
Test your IT setup if doing an online exam — choose a quiet, distraction-free space.
Get enough sleep the night before — aim for at least 8 hours.
Do some light exercise before the exam to clear your mind.
Eat a healthy breakfast and bring water with you.

Good luck! You’ve got this.