EPA Standard
Data Technician
Now available for registration!
Benefit from:
- complete EPA within 12 weeks of Gateway acceptance
- results and feedback on each assessment method within 5 working days
- an allocated Relationship manager on hand to support you at all stages of EPA.
A learner-centric approach: Here at NCFE we ensure we carry out the Professional Discussion prior to the scenario-based assessment, allowing your allocated Independent End-Point Assessor (IEPA) to understand the work environment the apprentice works from. We do this to ensure that the learner is at the heart of the assessment, and that they feel their unique environment has been taken into account.
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Level 3 
£12,000 24 months
1. What the role entails
The role of the Data Technician can be found in all sectors where data is generated or processed including, but not limited to, finance, retail, education, health, media, manufacturing and hospitality. The main purpose of the role is to source, format and present data securely using basic methods. These methods can include:
- communicating outcomes appropriate to the audience
- analysing structured and unstructured data to support business outcomes
- blending data from multiple sources as directed
- applying legal and ethical principles when manipulating data.
In their daily work, a Data Technician interacts with a wide range of stakeholders including colleagues, managers, customers and internal and external suppliers. They would typically work as a member of a team and may be office based or remote. A Data Technician may also be responsible for collecting and processing data under the guidance of a senior colleague or multiple colleagues across the business. This may vary by sector and size of the organisation. An employee would mainly be responsible for their own work but may have the opportunity to mentor others.
2. On-programme assessment
Apprentices must spend a minimum of 12 months on-programme. Before entering Gateway, the apprentice must complete the following on-programme assessment requirements:
- Level 2 Functional Skills English and maths or equivalent qualifications
- a completed Portfolio of Evidence to underpin the Professional Discussion.
3. Gateway requirements
The end-point assessment (EPA) period should only start once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard and they are deemed to have achieved occupational competence. In making this decision, the employer may take advice from the apprentice’s Independent Training Provider (ITP), but the decision must ultimately be made solely by the employer.
4. End-point assessment
The end-point assessment (EPA) for Data Technician contains two methods of assessment:
Scenario Demonstrations with Questioning
Apprentices must be observed by an Independent End-Point Assessor (IEPA) completing two Scenario Demonstrations in which they will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) assigned to this assessment method. There will be one scenario requiring the apprentice to conduct data gathering operations, and one scenario requiring data analysis and validation operations. This will be supplemented with questioning by the IEPA. The Scenario Demonstrations must be carried out over a total assessment time of 90 minutes.
The Scenarios Demonstrations with Questioning are graded as Fail, Pass or Distinction by the IEPA.
Professional Discussion underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence
The Professional Discussion is a two-way, free-flowing discussion that will last a maximum of 60 minutes, and involves both the IEPA and the apprentice actively listening and participating in a formal conversation. The Professional Discussion gives the apprentice the opportunity to make detailed and proactive contributions to confirm their competency across the KSBs mapped to this method. KSBs assigned to this assessment method in the assessment plan must be demonstrated, with the apprentice using their Portfolio of Evidence to support their discussion as necessary.
The Professional Discussion is graded as Fail, Pass or Distinction by the IEPA.
All assessment methods are weighted equally in their contribution to the overall EPA grade. Performance in the EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship standard grade of Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction.
5. Grade aggregation table
| Scenario Demonstrations with Questioning | Professional Discussion with a Portfolio of Evidence | Overall Grade |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Merit |
| Distinction | Pass | Merit |
| Distinction | Distinction | Distinction |
A Fail in any assessment method will result in a Fail overall.
6. Completion and certification
We’ll activate certification once the apprentice has successfully completed all EPAs, and the IEPA has verified this. Working with the apprenticeship certificate issuing authority, we’ll ensure the apprentice receives their certificate.
7. What next?
As well as ensuring full competency as a Data Technician, this standard provides a foundation for potential progression into a number of career paths in the digital sector including Level 4 Data Analyst, Level 4 Information Systems Business Analyst or Level 6 Data Scientist.
Why NCFE?
We’re an approved End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) specialising in EPA delivery across health, education, early years, digital, social care, finance and business apprenticeship standards. We offer flexible and reliable EPA solutions supported by sector expertise, guidance documents and proactive service and support.