1. Purpose
This paper provides formal clarification of End-Point Assessment (EPA) and associated accommodation costs, following discussion and agreement at the March 2026 Governing Council meeting. It sets out:
- Cost responsibilities for first attempts and resits
- Variations by nation and membership status
- Standardised EPA and resit fee levels
- Planned communication and implementation approach
2. Background
At the March 2026 meeting, accommodation associated with apprenticeship delivery and EPA activity was identified as a significant cost pressure and operational risk area requiring clearer definition.
Historically, elements of EPA resit costs—particularly accommodation—have not been explicitly defined, leading to inconsistent understanding across employers and stakeholders.
This paper confirms the agreed position to ensure transparency, consistency, and sustainability.
3. Cost Responsibility Framework
The table below summarises the agreed allocation of costs across EPA attempts:
3.1 English Apprentices
- Members:
- First attempt: TICA covers assessment and accommodation
- First resit: TICA covers assessment; employer covers accommodation
- Second resit: Employer covers all costs
- Non-members:
- First attempt: TICA covers assessment; employer covers accommodation
- All resits: Employer covers all costs
3.2 Scottish Apprentices
- All employers (member and non-member):
- Members:
- First attempt: TICA covers assessment; employer covers accommodation
- First resit: TICA covers assessment; employer covers accommodation
- Second resit: Employer covers all costs
- Non-members:
- Employer funds all costs for all attempts
Note: Practical assessment resit costs apply to Scottish apprentices requiring a resit (see 4.4)
3.3 Welsh Apprentices
- Members:
- First attempt: TICA covers assessment; employer covers accommodation
- First resit: TICA covers assessment; employer covers accommodation
- Second resit: Employer covers all costs
- Non-members:
- Employer funds all costs for all attempts
Table of Cost Responsibilities
| First time EPA/End Test Costs | First Resit EPA/End Test Costs | Second Resit EPA/End Test Costs | |||||
| Nation | Member Type | Assessment | Accommodation | Assessment | Accommodation | Assessment | Accommodation |
| English Apprentices | Member | TICA | TICA | TICA | Employer | Employer | Employer |
| Non-Member | TICA | Employer | Employer | Employer | Employer | Employer | |
| Scottish Apprentices | Member | TICA | Employer | TICA | Employer | Employer | Employer |
| Non-Member | TICA | Employer | Employer | Employer | Employer | Employer | |
| Welsh Apprentices | Member | TICA | Employer | TICA | Employer | Employer | Employer |
| Non-Member | TICA | Employer | Employer | Employer | Employer | Employer | |
4. EPA/End Test Fee Structure
The following standard fee levels apply:
4.1 Full End-Point Assessment
Level 2 Commercial Thermal Insulation Operative: £3,200
Level 3 Industrial Thermal Insulation Technician: £4,000
4.2 Practical Assessment Resit
Level 2: £1,800
Level 3: £2,300
4.3 Interview Assessment Resit
Level 2: £400
Level 3: £400
4.4 Scottish End Test Resit
End test resits will be chargeable at the same rate as the EPA Practical Resit costs (4.2)
5. Implementation
To ensure consistency across delivery:
A formal communication will be issued to all employers outlining the agreed cost model
Information will be embedded within:
- Employer induction materials
- Apprentice onboarding processes
- Aptem (online portfolio system)
This ensures transparency at the point of programme commencement, reducing future disputes or ambiguity.
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