Rail End Point Assessments

“To champion the professional development of those working in railway organisations enabling the whole railway system to succeed.”

CIRO has been trusted by the industry to deliver a high quality, effective and efficient End-Point Assessment (EPA) service for over 5 years and currently work with over 20 leading Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and Freight Operating Companies (FOCs) to provide the delivery of the the final stage of their training programmes. As a registered End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) we are a responsible, collegiate and value adding provider who pride ourselves on our relationships with our customers and dedication to the highest level service.

By providing an End-Point Assessment service we hope to benefit the rail sector as a whole by keeping levy funding in the industry. Acting in a not-for-profit way has allowed CIRO to develop our high quality, meaningful EPA at a competitive price.

CIRO has completed over 1000 assessments and has a 97% satisfaction rating with its learners.  Servicing nearly all apprentice employers, CIRO has earned an enviable reputation as an EPA provider.

Train Driver End-Point Assessment with CIRO

The train driver End-Point Assessment (EPA) is an evaluation designed to assess skills and knowledge built through the duration of your apprenticeship. It includes both practical and theoretical components and ensures that you are competent to operate a train safely and efficiently.

Level 3 Train Driver Standard

What is included in a standard Train Driver EPA?

The assessment involves three assessment methods: Multiple Choice Test; Observations of Planned, Degraded and Emergency Working; and a Professional Discussion.

End Point Assessments are designed to test the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours defined by the Apprenticeship Plan. A pass in all three assessment methods is required to reach the necessary standard and achieve a pass in the overall End Point Assessment.

Please see our EPA Assessment guidance document which you will find helpful.

Guidance Document

Transport Scheduler (train operators only) End-Point Assessment with CIRO

The Transport Scheduler End-Point Assessment evaluates the knowledge, skills and behaviours that you have developed throughout your apprenticeship.  The assessment confirms that you are competent in planning, reviewing, and developing of timetables, ensuring network operations meet service delivery standards and in the scheduling of onboard crew and support staff to meet operational needs.

Level 3 Transport Scheduler Standard

What is included in a standard Transport Scheduler EPA?

The assessment involves two assessment methods: an observation, with questions and an interview, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

End Point Assessments are designed to test the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours defined by the Apprenticeship Plan. A pass/distinction in both assessment methods is required to reach the necessary standard and achieve a pass/distinction in the overall End Point Assessment.

Please see our EPA Assessment guidance document which you will find helpful. (coming soon!)

Rail Infrastructure Operator End-Point Assessment with CIRO

The Rail Infrastructure Operator End-Point Assessment evaluates the knowledge, skills and behaviours that you have developed throughout your apprenticeship.  The assessment combines both theoretical and practical components and ensures that you are competent in ensuring the safe, efficient, and on schedule movement of trains across the network.

Level 3 Rail Infrastructure Operator Standard

What is included in a standard Rail Infrastructure Operator EPA?

The assessment involves two assessment methods: Simulated practical assessment of a planned, unplanned and emergency scenario, with questions and a Professional Discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

End Point Assessments are designed to test the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours defined by the Apprenticeship Plan. A pass/distinction in both assessment methods is required to reach the necessary standard and achieve a pass/distinction in the overall End Point Assessment.

Please see our EPA Assessment guidance document which you will find helpful. (coming soon!)

Our Trusted Process

We have tested, established procedures and processes for the management of our End-Point Assessments, and we provide individualised support and guidance throughout the stages.

• Your apprentices are registered with us and we regularly review your EPA requirements with you / your training provider
• Following successful completion of your apprentice’s on-programme learning and assessment, they will be taken through the formal Employer Gateway review. When you are satisfied that they have achieved all the required gateway criteria, we will arrange to collect the requisite gateway evidence.
• We will liaise with you to arrange a suitable date for your apprentice to complete their EPA with our independent assessor.
• A CIRO Invigilator will be allocated who will support you through the End-point assessment phase. They will contact you and provide you with all the information that you need and be your main point of contact throughout the process as well as answering any questions you may have.
• Following successful completion of their EPA, we arrange for your apprentice’s certificate to be sent from the government Apprenticeship Assessment Service to you.

EPA Assessors

Assessing on behalf of CIRO is an attractive opportunity.

Join the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators as an external assessor. You’ll work with like minded, experienced colleagues from all over the industry and assess newly qualified train drivers sitting their Apprenticeship End Point Assessment. It’s rewarding and satisfying as you’ll be helping others at the start of their career in rail. If you like to go the extra mile, if you want to develop without leaving the security of your job, if you want to give back ….read on.

Learn More

Assessor Employer Arrangement – How it Works

Under the agreement, each operating company puts forward willing volunteers to carry out EPA on behalf of CIRO who pay the company for their time. The supply of assessors is an opportunity for us all to work together to give development opportunities to staff without losing them, in the process creating a valuable experience for apprentices in a bid to increase industry standards.

Learn More

EPA Complaints Policy

Download

EPA Appeals Policy

Download