What happens if I fail the end-point assessment?

If you fail one or both components (practical observation or professional discussion), you can retake them. You'll need to discuss a retake plan with your training provider, which may involve additional training. There is no limit on retakes, but you must pass both parts within a reasonable timeframe to achieve your qualification.

How long does the practical observation last?

The practical observation typically lasts around 4-6 hours, depending on the complexity of the task. You'll be asked to build a structure such as a cavity wall, pier, or corner, and the assessor will observe your techniques, accuracy, and safety practices throughout.

Do I need to bring my own tools to the assessment?

Yes, you are expected to bring your own personal tools, such as a trowel, spirit level, tape measure, brick hammer, and jointing tool. The assessment centre will provide materials like bricks and mortar, but having your own tools ensures you're comfortable and familiar with them.

What is the pass mark for the end-point assessment?

There is no fixed percentage pass mark; instead, you are graded against the assessment criteria. You must demonstrate competence in all areas, including health and safety, setting out, brickwork accuracy, and joint finish. The assessor uses a checklist to confirm you meet the standard, and you receive a pass, merit, or distinction.

Can I use a calculator during the professional discussion?

No, calculators are not typically allowed, but you won't need one. The professional discussion focuses on your understanding of processes, problem-solving, and safety, not on complex calculations. You may be asked about quantities (e.g., bricks per square metre) but these are usually straightforward.

How should I prepare for the professional discussion?

Review your on-programme learning, especially topics like material properties, building regulations, and health and safety. Think about real examples from your work experience, such as how you handled a tricky corner or dealt with a cold weather condition. Practice explaining your decisions clearly and confidently.

City & Guilds Level 2 End-point Assessment for Bricklayer - Core Content

CITY & GUILDS LIMITED

vocational

This subtopic consolidates the essential trade skills, knowledge, and behaviours required of a competent bricklayer. It covers the safe and accurate setting out, construction, and verification of brick and block walling, including basic arches and decorative features, in line with current industry standards and building regulations. Apprentices must demonstrate precision, productivity, and a thorough understanding of materials, tools, and techniques to meet the assessment criteria.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

City & Guilds Level 2 End-point Assessment for Bricklayer

Topic Overview

The City & Guilds Level 2 End-point Assessment for Bricklayer is the final stage of the apprenticeship standard, designed to evaluate your competence as a qualified bricklayer. This assessment tests your ability to perform core bricklaying tasks safely, accurately, and efficiently, covering everything from setting out and mixing mortar to constructing brickwork to specification. Passing this assessment is essential to achieving full certification and demonstrating that you meet industry standards.

This assessment matters because it validates your practical skills and underpinning knowledge in a real-world context. It comprises two main components: a practical observation (where you build a structure like a wall or pier) and a professional discussion (where you explain your methods, safety practices, and problem-solving). Understanding the assessment criteria, such as tolerance levels for plumb and level, joint thickness, and bond patterns, is crucial for success. The assessment aligns with National Occupational Standards, ensuring you are job-ready for employment in construction.

Within the wider subject of Construction & Building Services, bricklaying is a fundamental trade. This end-point assessment not only confirms your technical ability but also your understanding of health and safety, teamwork, and communication on site. Mastering these skills opens doors to roles like site bricklayer, self-employed contractor, or progression to Level 3 supervisory positions. The assessment is your gateway to a recognised qualification that employers trust.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Setting out: Accurately marking the position of walls, corners, and openings using profiles, string lines, and tapes, ensuring correct dimensions and squareness (e.g., using the 3-4-5 method).
→Bond patterns: Understanding and executing common bonds like stretcher bond, English bond, and Flemish bond, including correct placement of headers and stretchers for structural integrity.
→Tolerance and accuracy: Maintaining plumb, level, and range within specified tolerances (e.g., ±3 mm over 3 m for verticality) as per BS 8000-3 standards.
→Mortar mixing: Preparing mortar to the correct consistency and mix ratio (e.g., 1:5 cement:sand) and understanding how water content affects workability and strength.
→Health and safety: Applying safe working practices such as correct manual handling, use of PPE, scaffold safety, and COSHH regulations for cement and additives.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Understand the key principles and practices
Apply knowledge in practical contexts
Demonstrate competency in core skills

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating accurate setting out using gauging rods, spirit levels, and string lines to achieve plumb, level, and range within specified tolerances.
Assessors will look for consistent face joint finishing (e.g. struck, weather struck) that compacts the mortar and provides a durable weatherproof seal.
Credit is given for selecting appropriate materials, identifying defects, and minimising waste, adhering to sustainable practices.
Marks are allocated for correct bonding arrangements (e.g. quarter bond, half bond) and clean cavity work with appropriately placed wall ties.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Practice setting out daily until you can achieve plumb, level, range, and gauge consistently without hesitation; time management is critical.
💡Before laying, dry-bond a section to check bond pattern and minimise cutting; this will improve both aesthetics and efficiency.
💡Maintain a clean work area and cover unfinished brickwork at the end of the day to protect it from the weather—this demonstrates professional behaviour.
💡During the practical assessment, narrate your thought process if permissible; explaining why you chose a particular bond or technique shows deeper understanding to the assessor.
💡Tip 1: During the practical observation, talk through your actions. Explain why you're checking plumb, why you're using a particular bond, or how you're ensuring cavity width. This shows the assessor your understanding, not just your hands.
💡Tip 2: Pay attention to joint finish. Striking joints neatly (e.g., bucket handle or weather struck) demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. Uneven or smeared joints lose marks.
💡Tip 3: For the professional discussion, prepare examples of how you've dealt with problems on site, like correcting a leaning wall or dealing with poor weather. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Apprentices often neglect to check levels at each course, leading to cumulative errors that exceed the permitted tolerance.
Mixing mortar to an incorrect ratio or allowing it to become too dry before use can weaken bond strength and cause staining.
Forgetting to install or correctly positioning wall ties in cavity walls compromises structural integrity and will result in a failed assessment.
Leaving mortar spots on face brickwork rather than cleaning as work progresses can permanently mar the appearance.
Misconception: 'Any bond pattern is fine as long as it looks neat.' Correction: Bond patterns are structural, not just decorative. For example, English bond provides greater strength for thick walls, while stretcher bond is for cavity walls. Using the wrong bond can weaken the wall.
Misconception: 'Mortar can be mixed by eye without measuring.' Correction: Accurate mix ratios are critical for strength and durability. Too much water weakens mortar, while too little makes it unworkable. Always use a gauge box or shovel count for consistency.
Misconception: 'Plumb and level are only checked at the end.' Correction: You must check each course as you lay it. Errors accumulate quickly; correcting a leaning wall after several courses is difficult and time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Completion of the Level 2 Bricklaying Apprenticeship on-programme learning, including knowledge modules on materials, tools, and construction methods.
•Practical experience in basic bricklaying tasks such as laying bricks to a line, cutting bricks, and constructing simple walls under supervision.
•Understanding of health and safety regulations relevant to construction sites, including risk assessments and method statements.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Core knowledge
Practical application

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City & Guilds Level 2 End-point Assessment for Bricklayer - Core Content

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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