Question: Can apprenticeship assessments be done remotely?

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
section_headers: Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
How will invigilation of assessments be conducted remotely?
section_content: Remote tests should be supervised by an appropriately trained invigilator or
assessor who has the necessary qualifications, training or experience and who
has not been involved in the training, preparation or line management of the
apprentice.
Tests must only be carried out within a supervised and controlled environment
and EPAOs must ensure that all testing meets security requirements and that
the details of invigilators are recorded and available for confirmation by EQA
providers.
[EPAOs]: end-point assessment organisations
  [EQA]: external quality assurance

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Clearly discusses when remote tests are viable for apprentices.
This explains how assessments can be done remotely. Therefore answering the question asked can remote assessments be done.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
section_headers: Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
We can deliver part of the EPA, but some sections require direct observation. How do we deal with these components?
section_content: These elements of the EPA will need to be rescheduled if they cannot be
undertaken remotely. If the EPA timeframe needs to be extended beyond what is
allowed in the assessment plan, the EPAO should seek agreement from the EQA
provider. Where a specified assessment method for a specific standard might be
adjusted without threatening safety and in a manner in which it meets the
original intent, EPAOs should discuss this option with their EQA provider, who
may refer it to IFATE for authority. The substitution of assessment methods is
not considered appropriate at this time.
With the prior authority of their EQA provider, assessments may be conducted
in an appropriate simulated environment, such as a training facility.
[EPA]: end-point assessment
  [EQA]: external quality assurance
  [EPAOs]: end-point assessment organisations
  [IFATE]: Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Clearly says that the first preference for handling EPAs is to do them remotely.
Discusses what can be done if remote assessments are not available.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Bad

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
section_headers: Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
Where the EPA plan states that assessment must be conducted face-to-face, but cannot be under the current circumstances, can we conduct these remotely?
section_content: Where an assessment method requires face to face engagement, this can be
conducted remotely, subject to the following conditions:

arrangements are cleared in advance by the EQA provider
the apprentice’s identity is verified

remote tests are supervised by an appropriately trained invigilator or assessor who:

has the necessary qualifications, training or experience
and who has not been involved in the training, preparation or line management of the apprentice
appropriate technology and systems are in place
the impact that remote assessment may have on apprentices is to be taken into consideration to ensure a fair and reliable assessment of occupational competence
here alternatives are not appropriate, a pause and rescheduling might be the only action. An extension of 12 weeks is allowable for those EPA plans where a time limit is specified from gateway to EPA. It is to be logged on and shared with EQA providers on a timely basis



[EQA]: external quality assurance
  [EPA]: end-point assessment

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Clearly describes the circumstances in which EPAs can be done remotely.
Context is how remote assessments can be completed as an alternative to face to face assessments.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable