What to expect from your CIRO EPA

“To lead, inspire and accelerate the growth of rail professionals, cultivating collaboration to support the success of rail organisations,
now and in the future.”

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.

What is in a standard train driver EPA?

The assessment will be comprised of multiple elements from online tests, train driving observations, and a professional discussion with an assessor.

The online test assesses your knowledge of railway safety, regulations, and procedures, as well as the technical aspects of train operation.

During the observation, you will be asked to drive a train on a simulated railway track. An assessor will observe your performance and assess your skills in areas such as speed control, signalling, communication, and emergency procedures.

In the professional discussion, the assessor will ask questions about your experience and knowledge as a train driver. This will give the opportunity for feedback discussions on your performance in the online test and observation.

To pass, you must achieve a minimum of 80% in the online test and demonstrate competence in observation and professional discussion.

These may also be paired with evaluations of your communication, teamwork, and physical fitness skills.

Becoming a train driver in the UK can be competitive and the apprenticeship standard is high. The assessment will be conducted by qualified assessors who are familiar with the requirements of the train driver role. You will receive feedback on your performance and may be required to undertake further training or assessment if necessary.

It is recommended that students preparing for the train driver End-Point Assessment take part in regular revision and refresher lessons. This will help them to be adequately prepared for the assessment.

Typically, trainee drivers are advised to do the following in preparation:

  • Study railway safety regulations and procedures.
  • Get familiar with the technical aspects of train operation.
  • Practice train driving on a simulator.
  • Get feedback from training professionals on the current train driver level.

Overall, the train driver End-Point Assessment is a fair and challenging evaluation of your competencies as a train driver. This design ensures that you have the skills needed to operate trains safely and efficiently. It also guarantees you meet the necessary standards for working in this important and demanding role.

Potential roles after EPA

Completing a train driver apprenticeship can open up many possibilities.

Graduates of the Train Driver Apprentice Level 3 have four main driver-based career opportunities. These include being a passenger train driver, a freight train driver, a depot driver, or an on-track machine driver.

Alternatively, graduates could find themselves in train dispatching, train planning management, safety and compliance, or rail operations.

About CIRO

CIRO has been registered as an End-Point assessment organiser since 2018. The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen developed each learning technique. This ensures that industry-leading learning is matched at the EPA for all students.

We are committed to delivering a quality EPA service. Our assessors provide a professional and robust assessment of the apprentice’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours. This commitment means that OFQUAL as an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for the Train Driver Level 4 apprenticeship standard.

We currently work with over twenty train operating companies, freight operating companies and training providers on the Train Driver EPA.

If you want to learn, or are already learning, CIRO is likely to host your End-Point Assessment. It is important to understand the requirements of these assessments and what you are likely to be questioned on.

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