The School of Civil Celebrancy Learner Charter - Application for Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy

APL is an assessment process which enables the recognition of achievement from a range of activities using any valid assessment methodology. Provided that the assessment requirements of a given unit or qualification have been met, the use of APL is acceptable for accrediting part of a unit, unit(s) or a qualification.

Evidence submitted for APL must map exactly to the requested qualification, and be:

• Authentic.
• Current.
• Relevant.
• Sufficient.

APL is a process which recognises that learning is continuous – at work, home and at leisure, as well as in the classroom. APL provides a route for the recognition of the achievements resulting from continuous learning.

Terminology  

APL policies and procedures have been developed over time, which has led to the use of a number of names to describe the process. Among the most common are:

• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).
• Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
• Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA).
• Accreditation of Prior Learning and Achievement (APLA).

These terms broadly describe the same process, but because of its wide acceptance, nationally and internationally, uses the term Accreditation of Prior Learning.

 Application

The APL process is not concerned with allowing for exceptional entry to, or exemption from, a programme of study. It focuses on assessment and certification of prior learning which may count as evidence towards:

• A part of a unit or unit(s) accumulated towards a full qualification
• Unit or units recognised by a Certificate of Achievement
• A full qualification.

The APL process does not allow the accreditation of any externally assessed unit because these units are subject to specific evidence requirements, the externally assessed units of an ITEC, VTVT,  FHT or other awarding/accrediting body short course qualification where a qualification contains a mandatory externally assessed component.

Learners must complete the required assessment to be awarded the overall qualification.

Grading 

When grading APL evidence for accrediting body qualifications, the guidance in the specification must be adhered to and the learner’s performance must be judged against the criteria in the unit grading grid. The requirements of each grading criterion must be met in full. For instance, if the grading criterion requires the demonstration of independence, the APL evidence for this should demonstrate independence.

Claiming 

Although it is possible to claim for an entire qualification through APL, this is not the norm. For example, a qualification with externally assessed units cannot be accredited in its entirety using APL. Furthermore, it would be unusual for an APL learner to be able to offer prior achievement that completely matches every aspect of the qualification’s assessment requirements.

Learners are the driving force behind a claim for APL. Learners who wish to claim for APL should do so by following the procedures laid below

1. Seek approval from the relevant curriculum leader
2. Complete an APL Form
3. Gather evidence to substantiate the claim
4. Submit the appropriate application form (APL Form) together with any supporting evidence to the School of Civil Celebrancy Administration Office
5. The course Consultant will meet with the IQA to discuss the claim
6. A decision will be made regarding the outcome of the claim, normally within 2 weeks

Grading

When grading APL evidence for accrediting body qualifications, the guidance in the specification must be adhered to and the learner’s performance must be judged against the criteria in the unit grading grid. The requirements of each grading criterion must be met in full. For example, if the grading criterion requires the demonstration of independence, the APL evidence for this must demonstrate independence.

Please click Here for the APL form

This policy will be reviewed every 12 months by the School of Civil Celebrancy Team.

Please view the School of Civil Celebrancy Terms and Conditions for additional information. Please click here for our T’s and C’s.