The NCTJ is an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) approved by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to deliver end-point assessments (EPAs) for the level 5 journalist and level 7 senior journalist apprenticeship standards. We are also approved to deliver the EPA for the Level 3 content creator standard.
Content creator end-point assessment
The end-point assessment for a content creator is completed in the final three months of the apprenticeship and is comprised of a project campaign or evaluation report with questioning and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. The apprentice chooses the topic for their project report with the approval of their employer and the NCTJ. The report may be produced across any platform(s).
Journalist end-point assessment
The end-point assessment for a journalist is completed in the final four months of the apprenticeship and is comprised of a journalism project, project report with questioning and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. The apprentice chooses the topic for their journalism project with the approval of their employer and the NCTJ. The project may be produced across any platform(s).
Senior journalist end-point assessment
The end-point assessment for senior journalists is completed in the final four months of the apprenticeship and is comprised of a journalism project, project presentation and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. The apprentice chooses the topic for their journalism project with the approval of their employer and the NCTJ. The project may be produced across any platform(s).
How to register an apprentice for an EPA
If you would like to register an apprentice with the NCTJ for an end-point assessment, please contact us at [email protected]. We will talk you through the process and our EPA services and answer any questions you or your apprentice may have. Please contact us at least six months before your apprentice is due to reach Gateway to ensure you are fully prepared and have gathered all the necessary evidence to start the EPA as soon as the apprentice is approved.
Results and feedback
End-point assessment results are issued within five weeks of submission for marking to the NCTJ. Results are issued direct to the employer/training provider and the apprentice.
Certification
The NCTJ, as the EPAO, is responsible for applying for the apprentice’s final apprenticeship certificate from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). The ESFA will issue the final apprenticeship certificate directly to the employer.
The NCTJ will issue a qualification certificate for the Diploma in Journalism/NQJ within six weeks of the apprenticeship course end date.
External quality assurance
The end-point assessments for the journalist and senior journalist apprenticeship standards are externally quality assured by Ofqual.
Fees
Fees are applicable for apprentice registration and certification, NCTJ diploma/NQJ assessments and the end-point assessment. Current fees can be found here.
