Working Together on End-Point Assessment: How CIRO Becomes Your EPAO
As a professional Institution focused on the growth and success of rail professionals and organisations, CIRO is proud to offer End-Point Assessment( EPA) services that align with the real operational needs of the industry.
In our November 2024 edition, we announced CIRO’ s Ofqual approval to deliver EPAs for two additional standards:
• Rail Infrastructure Operator – Level 3( ST1378)
• Transport Scheduler – Level 3( ST1438)
Since then, we’ ve successfully launched both standards and are now actively assessing apprentices on the Rail Infrastructure Operator programme— alongside our established delivery of the Train Driver – Level 3( ST0645) EPA.
This growth reflects CIRO’ s mission:
To lead, inspire, and accelerate the growth of rail professionals, cultivating collaboration to support the success of rail organisations, now and in the future.
As a specialist EPAO for operational roles, we understand what high-stakes, safety-critical work looks like— and we ensure that the final stage of an apprentice’ s journey is delivered with rigour, fairness, and clear relevance to industry practice.
What’ s the Process for Working with Us?
If you’ re considering CIRO as your End-Point Assessment Organisation, here’ s what to expect:
1. Initial Conversation
We start by understanding your delivery model, timelines, cohort sizes, and the standards you offer— ensuring everything aligns from the beginning.
2. Service Agreement
We’ ll formalise our partnership through a clear service level agreement covering responsibilities, timeframes, pricing, and communication protocols.
3. Onboarding and Support
We provide access to our systems, guidance documents, and dedicated support to help you prepare for gateway and beyond. We’ re here to make sure assessments run smoothly and professionally.
4. Assessment Delivery
CIRO’ s assessments are delivered by experienced industry professionals who understand the standards and reflect the realities of rail operations. We deliver results promptly and submit claims for certification in line with agreed timescales.
5. Ongoing Engagement
Our relationship doesn’ t end at assessment. We maintain regular contact, offer reviews and updates, and provide support as apprenticeship standards evolve. We’ re committed to your success long after the first cohort completes.
A Word from CIRO
“ At CIRO, we don’ t just assess against a standard— we assess for the future of the industry. Our role as an EPAO is part of a wider commitment to supporting rail professionals throughout their careers, and to ensuring employers get the workforce they need to thrive.”
— Sam Turner Joint Head of Awarding Organisation( Head of Product Development and EPA)
Let’ s Start a Conversation
We welcome discussions with rail organisations and training providers who are delivering— or planning to deliver— apprenticeships in the standards we assess. If you’ re looking for a trusted EPAO with operational insight and industry focus, we’ d be happy to help.
epa @ ciro. org www. ciro. org / epa www. ciro. org
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