The Advanced Clinical Practice Integrated Degree Apprenticeship end point assessment: history, challenges and implementation

Abstract

The advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) apprenticeship is one of several new apprenticeships that have been developed since the introduction of higher apprenticeships in England in 2010. The end point assessment (EPA) is a compulsory part of an apprenticeship and forms an independent assessment of the occupational competence of the apprentice. The EPA is set out in an assessment plan that end point assessment organisations (in this case, the higher education institution delivering the master's degree) must adhere to. Its initial introduction presented challenges for educators, because of its unfamiliar nature. These challenges have been addressed through an end point assessment organisation (EPAO) network, hosted by the Association of Advanced Practice Educators UK (AAPEUK), who have provided support, consistency and a wealth of resources for educators and students preparing to take the EPA. Since the first EPAs were delivered in 2020, more is known about how learners might best prepare and how educators and supervisors in practice can support them. The ACP EPA is becoming recognised as a valuable synoptic module that marks the successful achievement of the apprenticeship programme. The achievement allows both learners and employers to appreciate and have confidence in their abilities during the sometimes-challenging transition to advanced practice roles.