Level 7 Accountancy / Taxation Professional Apprenticeship

Transcription

1 Level 7 Accountancy / Taxation Professional Apprenticeship End-point assessment technical specification handbook Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 1

2 Contents 3 Introduction 5 Section 1- Strategic case study (EPA1) Purpose Design Structure Marking and grading 11 Section 2 - Project report (EPA2) Purpose Design Structure Marking and grading 1

3 Updates to this handbook Version number Date first published What has changed 1.0 December 2018 First official publication Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 1

4 Introduction This handbook provides technical information about the Level 7 Accountancy /Taxation Professional apprenticeship end-point assessment (EPA) for all individuals involved; apprentices, training providers, employers and assessors. Information included in this handbook is correct at the time of publication. However, the handbook may be updated from time to time to reflect any legislative, policy and/or operational changes. For end-point assessment general administrative guidance and policies please refer to the end-point assessment administration and policy handbook. The CIMA way The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is the world s largest professional body of management accountants, with the most useful accounting qualification for a career in business. Our members drive business decisions in companies, preserving value, protecting assets and chasing new opportunities. There s no one industry, position or location to work in. Public or private, large or small organisations-chances are you ll find our members there. We update our syllabus regularly to keep on top of business trends and the needs of global employers. To do that, we re always researching and talking to employers to understand the types of people they need on their teams. With that information, we ve developed a framework with the skills finance professionals need. Our CGMA competency framework is designed to help management accountants and their employers understand the practical experience requirements and ongoing professional development. Together with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), we established the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation in 2012 to provide members with a new level of resources and recognition. More than 150,000 accounting and finance professionals hold the CGMA designation, making it the most widely held management accounting designation in the world. 3

5 CIMA s approach to end point assessment The Level 7 Accountancy /Taxation Professional apprenticeship end-point assessment builds on CIMA s occupational and assessment expertise. We have developed an assessment which follows CIMA s tradition of assessing competence through authentic, task-based simulations, firmly grounded in the real world. CIMA s end-point assessment embodies the aspirations of employers whilst allowing the apprentice to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSB) they have acquired throughout their apprenticeship programme. The end-point assessment has two components. The completion of a: w Strategic case study exam (EPA1) to evaluate the apprentice s competency in a broader context, beyond the potential scope of their role. The strategic case study is the final exam of CIMA s professional qualification. w Project report (EPA2) based on the apprentice s own relevant and recent work experience, with a strong focus on the professional skills and behaviours developed. The assessment design will support employers and training providers in preparing apprentices not just for successful completion of EPA, but to perform their work role to a nationally recognised standard. On successful completion of both parts of the endpoint assessment, CIMA will notify and recommend that the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) issue the apprenticeship certificate. Overview of the end-point assessment process Below is a diagram illustrating the end to end process from apprentice registration to results release. 12 months prior to EPA 3 months prior to EPA Phase 1 On programme training Phase 2 Prepare for endpoint assessment Phase 3 Gateway Phase 4 End-point assessment Register as a CIMA student Tuition providers register apprentice for EPA Result records released EPA1 6 weeks EPA2 8 weeks Typically around 36 months Professional body recognition After being awarded the Level 7 Accountancy /Taxation Professional Apprenticeship apprentices will have the opportunity to apply for chartered membership, with associate chartered management accountant (ACMA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations. For more details visit the CIMA website. Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 4

6 Section 1 Strategic case study (EPA1) 1. Purpose 1.1. Mapping to the standard 2. Design 2.1. Assessment principles 2.2. Pre-seen material 3. Structure 3.1. Task format and exam length 4. Marking and grading 4.1. Results feedback 4.2. Marking approach 4.3. Grading 4.4. Resits 5

7 1. Exam purpose For CIMA s EPA1, apprentices will sit the final examination in the professional qualification, the Strategic Case Study. This exam provides a context in which apprentices can demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge, skills and behaviours prescribed in the Level 7 Accountancy / Taxation Professional standard. CIMA has designed a case study exam that delivers an authentic simulation of core tasks undertaken by an apprentice in the workplace. This synoptic case study style exam will assess the apprentice s ability to analyse and respond to a typical set of businessrelated tasks through a simulation that reflects activities undertaken in a typical role at this level of competence. Simulated business issues provides the opportunity to evaluate the apprentice s competency in a broader context, beyond the potential scope of their role. The exam is synoptic drawing upon all aspects of the apprentices KSB throughout the apprenticeship programme. The apprentice is expected to demonstrate their familiarity with the context and interrelationships between the different knowledge areas of the standard. This reflects the cross functional working required in the workplace. Pre seen material is provided to the apprentice a number of weeks before the exam and will also be available during the exam. Prior study and analysis of the pre seen material provides the knowledge base and industry context from which the apprentice can respond to the unseen material and exam requirements Mapping to the standard This exam is underpinned by the CIMA syllabus which covers the knowledge, skills and behaviours defined by the standard. The assessment outcomes are synoptic and organically require the apprentice to draw across multiple knowledge, skills and behaviours to perform a simulated task relevant to their occupational role. The five knowledge statements in the Level 7 standard are covered by the strategic case study and the objective test question exams (E3, F3 and P3) that underpin it, as shown in the following table: Knowledge Assurance, risk and control Business acumen Financial information Legislation, standards and principles Strategic business management and governance Case Study E3, P3 E3, F3, P3 F3 F3, P3 E3 Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 6

8 The strategic case study has also been designed to assess eight of the ten skills and behaviours in the Level 7 standard, as follows: Skills w Business insight w Ethics and integrity w Leadership Behaviours w Assurance, risk and control w Business acumen w Financial information w Problem solving and decision-making Note that the behaviour of building relationships and the skill of continuous improvement can only be observed over a period of time and thus cannot be assessed in a one-off exam like the strategic case study. 7

9 2. Exam design 2.1. Assessment principles In developing the competency framework CIMA consulted with employers who defined the competencies accounting and finance staff need to drive successful businesses. The strategic case study exam which represents the end-point assessment is set within a simulated business context relating to one or more fictionalised organisations based on a real business or industry. Examples of these are provided on the CIMA website. Simulated business issues in the integrated case studies provide candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate their familiarity with the context and interrelationships of that level s subjects. This reflects the cross-functional working required in the workplace. Skills will include research and analysis, presentation of both financial and non-financial information, and communication skills Pre-seen material Pre seen material is used to provide the apprentices with sufficient background information for them to immerse themselves in the scenario and role assigned to them and respond immediately to the tasks presented in the exam. Both financial and non financial data will be provided. The pre-seen material may include a range of documents including but not limited to: w Organisation background and history w Industry background w Budgets w Costing schedule w Product information w Extracts from the annual report and/or financial statements w Organisation charts w Correspondence s, memos etc. w Slide presentations A searchable version of the pre seen material will be available in a pop up window in the test driver for the duration of the exam. Apprentices should not need to consult the pre seen material often during the exam it is primarily provided for reference and reassurance. A different pre-seen will be used for each exam window. The end of the pre-seen material will be the starting point for the exam based upon it. Fresh information will be provided during the course of the exam and apprentices will need to respond to this. Pre-prepared answers, which do not take into account the new information provided, will not score highly. Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 8

10 3. Exam structure The case study exam will be held four times each year. Pre-seen material will be provided in advance of the exam to tuition providers and apprentices for preparation purposes. The exam will be delivered on computer and taken under timed controlled conditions at a Pearson VUE approved test centre. For more details of exam times please visit the CIMA website. 3.1 Exam length and task format The Strategic Case Study is three hours in length. It is made up of three open-response sections, supported by analysis of both financial and nonfinancial information. The cognitive focus is on application, analysis and evaluation which are levels three, four and five of the CIMA hierarchy of verbs. Simulated business issues in the case study provide candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate their familiarity with the context and interrelationships of that level s subjects. This reflects the cross-functional working required in the workplace. Skills will include research and analysis, presentation of both financial and non-financial information, and communication skills. Feedback will be provided to candidates with their results. An exam tutorial is available on the CIMA website and in the test centre immediately before the exam to allow apprentices to familiarise themselves with the item types and computer software used in the exam. 9

11 4. Marking and grading 4.1. Results and feedback EPA1 exam results are issued with a scaled score of between To pass the exam a score of 80 or above must be achieved. Sectional feedback CIMA provide Grade descriptors which gives a clear and consistent way of describing different levels of attainment against the case study exam The descriptors are based on the knowledge skills and behaviours expected of a Level 7 Accountancy / Taxation Professional. The descriptors offer a consistent way to describe how well an apprentice performed in the exam or can be used to identify where performance may have fallen short of the national standard. Further information about how to interpret end-point assessment results and feedback can be found on the end-point assessment results page. Pre and post exam support resources will also be available from the end-point assessment webpage Marking approach The case study exam will be delivered on computer at Pearson VUE testing centres. The exam is marked by experienced examiners. Results will be available within 6 weeks. Exam responses are assessed at a standard that can be reasonably expected of an apprentice after completing a minimum of 36 months (depending on experience) on programme learning and work experience. Assessment decisions will be based on the quality of exam responses; how well the apprentice has addressed task requirements and applied their knowledge to the scenario presented in the pre-seen material and exam. Examiners will use grade descriptors and a detailed marking scheme to inform their decision and to ensure they are applying their professional judgement consistently. All apprentices will be treated fairly regardless of the employer profile, type or size of organisation they work in. All end point assessment decisions are subject to rigorous internal quality assurance processes (standardisation and verification activities) before results are issued. CIMA reserve the right to undertake additional checks following the marking process to investigate any testing irregularities Grading The strategic case study exam is graded as a pass or fail Resits Apprentices should only be entered for the end-point assessment when both the training provider and employer consider the apprentice to be well prepared and expected to pass the assessment. When an apprentice is unsuccessful in their exam, they should discuss their performance with their tutor and employer. From this discussion, an appropriate revision plan for the apprentice should be put in place and completed in full before a resit attempt is made. Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 10

12 Section 2 Project report (EPA2) Purpose Outcomes Design Criteria Brief Structure Project report- template Marking and grading Grading Marking approach Results and feedback Resits 11 End-point assessment technical specification handbook 11

13 5. Purpose The purpose of the project report (EPA2) is for the apprentice to demonstrate how they have used and developed the skills and behaviours covered in the standard in their recent work experience. The project report should: Describe the apprentice s own work, or the apprentice s individual contribution to a team effort. Reflect on the extent to which the apprentice has used and developed each skill or behaviour Critically evaluate the apprentice s effectiveness and describe any lessons learnt what would the apprentice do differently in future? 5.1. Outcomes The completion of a project report provides an opportunity for the apprentice to demonstrate competency at the required level, as it relates to their own role and organisation. At the end of the full apprenticeship programme, the apprentice will have a list of substantial achievements to add to their CV. The apprenticeship programme should encourage apprentices to be inspired, motivated and challenged; and enable them to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career pathways. The apprentice will be able to confidently: 1. Draw together their skills, knowledge and understanding from across the full breadth of study and practical experience to tackle real life business tasks, challenges or issues. 2. Demonstrate how they can add value to an organisation. 3. Evidence a range of significant and challenging tasks they can perform to a consistently high national standard. 4. Explain why they have chosen a particular course of action. 5. Reflect on their own performance - process, outcomes and lessons learned. Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 12

14 6. Design Overview The EPA2 assessment process is broken down into the following stages. Please refer to the individual chapters for detailed rules and guidance for each stage of the assessment process. Chapter 6.1 Assessment criteria Chapter 6.2 Assessment brief Chapter 6.2 Assessment brief Chapter 7 Assessment guidance/ templates Electronic submission Employer validation The employer confirms Gateway requirements are met The employer sets practical work based objectives to meet the criteria The apprentice engages in significant & challenging tasks to meet objectives The apprentice completes the project report using the CIMA templates The apprentice uploads their project report onto the online MYCIMA apprentice portal The employer reviews and validates the project report in the online MYCIMA employer validator portal. Chapter 8 Marking and grading Chapter 8 Results and feedback Each submission is reviewed and marked by Independent assessors Result records are released within 8 weeks of submission/ employer validation 13

15 6.1. Criteria The ten skills and behaviours examined by the project report are prescribed in the Level 7 standard as follows: Skills Building Relationships Business Insight Communication Ethics and Integrity Leadership Problem Solving and Decision Making An Accountancy / Taxation Professional will be able to: Build trusted and sustainable relationships with individuals and organisations. Consistently support individuals and collaborate to achieve results as part of a team. Influence the impact of business decisions on relevant and affected communities based on an appreciation of different organisations and the environments in which they operate. Communicate in a clear, articulate and appropriate manner. Adapt communications to suit different situations, individuals or teams. Identify ethical dilemmas, understand the implications and behave appropriately. Understand their legal responsibilities, both within the letter and the spirit of the law, as well as be aware of the procedures for reporting concerns over potentially unethical activities. Take ownership of allocated projects and effectively manage their own time and the time of others. Demonstrate good project management skills to deliver high quality work within the appropriate timeline. Act as a role model and motivate others to deliver results. Evaluate information quickly and draw accurate conclusions. Assess a problem from multiple angles to ensure all relevant issues are considered. Gather the appropriate facts and evidence in order to make decisions effectively. Behaviours Adds Value Continuous Improvement Flexibility Professional Scepticism An Accountancy / Taxation Professional will be able to: Anticipate an individual s / organisations future needs and requirements. Identify opportunities that can add value for the individual / organisation. Take responsibility for their own professional development by seeking out opportunities that enhance their knowledge, skills and experience. Adapt approach to assist organisations and individuals to manage their conflicting priorities as circumstances change. Apply a questioning mind to conditions which may indicate a possible misstatement of financial information due to error or fraud. The assessment criteria breaks down the 10 competencies (skills/behaviours) into smaller manageable steps which the apprentice will work towards throughout the programme. Please refer to appendix A for the full range of assessment criteria. Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 14

16 Gateway requirements The employer /work place mentor and apprentice (and an approved training provider, as required) will jointly discuss the point at which the apprentice has completed the on-programme assessment and therefore is provisionally competent in all aspects of the standard. Whilst the apprentice (and an approved training provider, as required) will be instrumental, the ultimate decision as to whether or not the apprentice is ready to attempt end-point assessment will be made by the employer. At this point, the apprentice will be eligible to schedule their end-point assessment, which is designed to assess the competencies of the standard synoptically. It is envisaged that this will typically take place in the last 3 months of the apprenticeship. The apprentice should discuss and agree a schedule with their employer and training provider for completing the end-point assessment. To be eligible to schedule the end-point assessment apprentices must meet the following criteria: w Achieved Level 2 standard in Maths and English w Be deemed provisionally competent in relation to knowledge, skills and behaviours defined by the Standard. The project report must be validated and signed off by the employer before submission. During the end-point assessment student registration process, CIMA will require assurance from training providers and employers to determine an apprentice s readiness for end point assessment i.e. confirm an apprentice has achieved the gateway requirements Gateway checklist The assessment criteria (appendix A) can be used by apprentices, employers and tuition providers as part of the gateway checklist. We recommend that the assessment criteria are reviewed at each performance review meeting to evaluate progress against each skill and behaviour and to inform and refine the apprentices development plan. We recommend that the objectives set by the employer allows the apprentice to engage in significant and challenging tasks/projects that synoptically draws across multiple skills and behaviours. 15

17 6.2. Brief EPA2 Project report The employer is required to: 1. Discuss and set the apprentice a set of at least four work objectives that will provide sufficient opportunity for the apprentice to demonstrate all the skills and behaviours prescribed by the standard as interpreted by CIMA (Appendix A). 2. Each objective should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. 3. The objectives should be agreed and established at least twelve months before EPA2 is submitted. 4. Progress against these objectives should be discussed during regular review meetings with the apprentice. 5. Offer guidance to the apprentice in writing their project reports and validate the contents of the apprentice s submitted project report. The apprentice is required to: 1. Complete the work objectives that they have agreed with their employer, collecting examples of work that could potentially be included in the project report. 2. Select four examples of significant and challenging tasks that effectively demonstrate the skills and behaviours prescribed by the standard as interpreted by CIMA. The examples must reflect recent performance within the last twelve months of the apprenticeship programme. 3. Using the template provided (appendix B), write each of the four tasks up into an evaluative account, including a description of the task and their input to it, an account of the skills and behaviours used and developed, and a critical examination of the lessons learnt. Any potentially sensitive information, such as clients personal details, should be removed or redacted. Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 16

18 7. Structure 7.1. Project report template The template for each section of the project report is the same: within a maximum limit of 1,000 words, apprentices are required to include the following: w A brief description of the significant and challenging task and a note of which of the ten skills and behaviours it addresses. w A description of the apprentice s role within this context if the task was a team effort, apprentices must be clear about the extent of their responsibilities. w An evaluation of the relevant particular skills and behaviours used and developed in this task. w A critical evaluation of the lessons learnt. It is strongly recommended that one of the four sections focusses strongly on the skill of building relationships and another on the behaviour of continuous improvement, since these are the only two skills and behaviours not also assessed by the strategic case study (EPA1). Across the four evaluative accounts, apprentices must demonstrate at least once how they have met each of the remaining five skills and three behaviours. There is no requirement to refer to each skill or behaviour more than once. Further information about what each of the skills and behaviours means can be found in Appendix A. It is recommended that apprentices familiarise themselves with the contents of this appendix before writing their project report, as it contains useful information about what the assessors are looking for. 17

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20 8. Marking and grading 8.1. Marking approach The project report will be marked by Independent assessors. Results will be available within 8 weeks from the date of employer validation and following quality assurance processes by CIMA. Assessment decisions will be based on the quality of response in the project report. Independent assessors will use performance descriptors to inform their decision and to ensure they are applying their professional judgement consistently. All apprentices will be treated fairly regardless of the employer profile, type or size of organisation they work in. All assessment decisions are subject to rigorous internal quality assurance processes (standardisation and moderation activities) before results are issued. CIMA reserve the right to undertake additional investigations following the moderation process to verify quality and consistency Grading The Level 7 Accountancy /Taxation Professional Apprenticeship is awarded as a pass or fail. The grade awarded is based on the successfully passing the case study exam. In addition, an apprentice must complete and pass the project report Results and feedback The overall grade for the project report is awarded at a fail or pass grade. To pass the project report the apprentice must achieve 50% or equivalent. EPA2 Pass Fail An overall grade (Pass/Fail). Demonstrates competence in all 10 skills and behaviours. Not competent in one or more of the 10 skills and behaviours. CIMA will provide feedback on each skill or behaviour not demonstrated. Further information about how to interpret end-point assessment results and feedback can be found on our end-point assessment webpage. 19

21 8.4. Resits Apprentices should only be entered for the end-point assessment when both the training provider and employer consider the apprentice to be well prepared and expected to pass the assessment. When an apprentice is unsuccessful in an assessment, they should discuss their performance with their tutor and employer. From this discussion, an appropriate revision plan for the apprentice should be put in place and completed in full before a resit attempt is made. There is no maximum number of attempts at the end-point assessment. Level 7 end-point assessment technical specification handbook 20

22 Notes 21

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24 aicpa.org aicpa-cima.com cgma.org cimaglobal.com December Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. All rights reserved. Association of International Certified Professional Accountants is a trademark of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and is registered in the United States, the European Union and other countries. The Globe Design is a trademark owned by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.