Assessing and Accrediting Prior Learning

Designing effective procedures for assessing and accrediting prior learning (APL) is a critical part of the process of widening access to learning and assessment. This chapter provides detailed guidance on how to develop APL policies and procedures which are related to other aspects of flexible learning and assessment. The role of the APL coordinator is to manage the boundary between central admissions and guidance processes, and assessment and accreditation procedures, which tend to be operated at course or programme level. The pre-entry stage refers to the range of contacts between an institution and a learner that take place before the learner registers on a particular programme. Student service is important for the institution to be absolutely clear about what purpose initial guidance serves for the learner. The initial guidance stage refers to the very detailed counselling and advice that institutions offer potential students who have expressed a strong interest in pursuing an APL route to assessment.