Tips and techniques for End Point Assessment - Professional Discussion, Presentation, Portfolio of Evidence and Showcase
Posted on 26th September 2022 at 14:07
Ok, so you’ve been told you need to pass one of these elements to proceed, and you don’t know where to start.
Start any preparation early by speaking to your trainer about the expectations and know what you are aiming for. What do you need to do?
Here are some tips to help you to pass your assessments with flying colours. Remember, be positive. You can do it!
Showcase or Professional Discussion
Timing. You must meet all the criteria in the allocated time.
Demonstrate your competence. Know the jargon and be ready.
You can use notes. Spend time putting them together and bullet points to prompt you.
Remember the assessor can't lead. They may not prompt and probe for further information.
Our apprenticeships are all based on your own experience so remember that you are already doing the job, you just need to showcase this by being able to describe a time you demonstrated a particular skill. This is where the STAR Technique comes in. Describe the situation, task, action and result. This clear structure will help you plan your thoughts. We use this to prompt a ‘story-like’ response to questions.
The STAR technique is a method of answering questions that is comprised of four steps:
Situation: Describe the situation and when it took place.
Task: Explain the task and what was the goal.
Action: Provide details about the action you took to attain this.
Result: Conclude with the result of your action
An example of a question could be “Describe a time when you faced a difficult moment at work. How did you sort the problem?”
Read more about the Star Technique
Presentation
Practice your timing. You must meet all the criteria in the allocated time.
Keep it simple. The assessors don’t know your job like you do so point out exactly what you mean.
Create a compelling structure. Does your presentation flow?
Use visual aids.
Tell stories using specific examples.
Smile and make eye contact with the audience.
Apply your knowledge. You're human, so it's not so much your presentation skills but what you are saying
Be yourself and try to relax
Read more tips for giving a great presentation
Portfolio of Evidence
Less is more with the evidence as it just needs to meet the criteria (quality over quantity)
Ensure all evidence is only from your time on your apprenticeship programme
Ensure all your evidence is appropriately labelled. Include the title of evidence, page/PowerPoint slide numbers and signatures, where necessary. Remember to question why is it included and how exactly does it meet the criteria?
Show the depth of your understanding, not just the context. Really focus on meeting the outcome. Would you understand if it wasn't your evidence?
Our general advice for all assessments
Clearly communicate to your employer, training provider or mentor any concerns or support you need and listen to any advice given
Manage your time so you are fully prepared for your assessment (allow time for revision)
Practice makes perfect. Ensure you attempt any mocks.
Refer to the grading criteria, like a checklist, to ensure the requirements are met (passes before distinctions)
Check what equipment is needed and make sure you have everything prepared (pens, dictionaries etc.)
Familiarise yourself with the format of the test/exam beforehand (are you familiar with the exam platform and have you tested the I.T?. You may also want to consider the environment if you are doing an online exam – is it suitable and free from distractions?)
Make sure you get enough sleep the night before – you should aim for 8 hours.
Try and do some exercise before your exam even if it is just for 10-15 minutes.
Eat a healthy breakfast and bring a bottle of water to the exam
Good luck!
Find out more:
Tips on preparing for a Knowledge Test or Functional Skills Exam
If you have a Maths exam: Maths - How to overcome your barriers
Institute for Apprenticeships End point assessment methods explained
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