What is APE/CL ?

The accreditation of prior experiential and/or accredited learning is a process that enables people of all ages and backgrounds to receive formal recognition for skills and knowledge they already possess. 

A person’s learning can be used to:

  • gain entry to further or higher education courses
  • give exemption from certain parts of a course of study   
  • qualify for an award in an appropriate subject in further of higher education

APE/CL recognises that learning is continuous, taking place at work, home and at leisure.  The process provides a route for recognising achievements outside of the formal learning that takes place in schools and colleges.

Definition of terms:

APL/APCL  -  Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning

This is learning that has already been formally assessed and certificated.  If a learner has been awarded a certificate or educational credits for their studies, then they may have a claim for accreditation of prior certificated learning (APCL), providing that the subject(s) studied are relevant to the intended programme of study.

APEL – Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning

Generally, this is informal learning that is un-assessed.  Such learning may be gained through unstructured experiences arising from work, or from family or leisure pursuits. It also includes un-assessed training courses.

In both cases the learning must be relevant to the course of study to be undertaken and must be current (within the last 5 years). In some instances it may be appropriate for learners to claim both APCL and APEL against an intended programme of study.

It is important to remember that it is the learning that will be assessed not the experience. Learners do not receive credit for what they have experienced in life.  The APE/CL process gives credit for attainments i.e. skills and knowledge gained from experience.

How to make an APE/CL Claim:

Usually, a portfolio of evidence is submitted to the relevant department for assessment. Institutions provide support to learners on submitting claims, such as advising on the kinds of evidence required, the number of credits that can be claimed, the timescale of submission and the cost implications. However, individual institutions have different policies and procedures for students wishing to claim APCL or APECL.  You will need to contact the individual institution you are applying to for specific information about how to make a claim:

University of Kent has a central APE/CL unit based at The Centre for Work and Learning: www.kent.ac.uk/cwal/apecl.html

University College for the Creative Arts has an advice centre for each campus, plus a form you can download if you are apply for advanced standing onto a course:

www.ucreative.ac.uk/index.cfm?articleid=16934

University of Greenwich has an Enquiry Unit on 0800 005 006 or you may wish contact the relevant academic department: www.greenwich.ac.uk

Canterbury Christ Church University admissions on 01227 782900 or: www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/admissions/

The Open University has an advisor: 0845 300 60 90 or email:general-enquiries@open.ac.uk. Also, the Open University has launched a new course which enables students to work through the APEL process and gain 30 credits at HE level 1. It’s called ‘Make your experience count’, and the details can be found on the Open University website: http://www.open.ac.uk/

Hadlow College contact is David Carey, HE Liaison Manager 01732 850551 or email:

David.Carey@hadlow.ac.uk