Accreditation of Prior Learning (AP(E)L) is a way of acknowledging that most people learn throughout their lives, either through formal education and training or through the everyday process of living and working. Our CPD unit is designed to evaluate what you have already learned so that you can move forward in your professional development. 

Accreditation of your prior learning will enable you to assess which CPD units are right for you at this stage in your career.  Credits gained through the accreditation process may also count towards entry onto one of the RAD’s programmes of study, or exemption from specified modules.

All claims for grants of credit through assessment of prior learning will be examined on an individual basis by appropriate academic staff.  Claims must be supported by substantial and appropriate evidence.  The assessment process is designed to be rigorous and you will need to prove that your prior learning is still current, has sufficient depth and is relevant to the professional development targets which you wish to pursue. In all instances, the final decision regarding the quantity and level of credits awarded rests with the RAD.

Certificated Learning (APL)

Prior learning is divided into two categories: certificated learning refers to formal qualifications which you have gained to date.  These may include qualifications awarded by the RAD as well as those from other organisations.  We are in the process of devising a comprehensive list of qualifications which will automatically be eligible for accreditation.  There is an expectation that certificated learning is relatively up to date; qualifications more than 7 years old are not normally considered to have currency.   

Non Certificated or ‘Experiential’ Learning (APEL)

Non certificated learning is also referred to as ‘experiential learning’ and covers a wide range of learning experiences which are not formally recognised and do not lead to qualifications.  This includes paid or unpaid work, one-to-one coaching, work-based training, refresher courses, professional workshops and conferences, and self directed study.  You will need to prove that learning took place and that you gained knowledge and skills which are equivalent to certificated learning at a given level.  The process of assessing prior experiential learning tends to be more complicated than the assessment of prior certificated learning and, therefore, more time-consuming.  What you present as evidence will depend upon the nature of your learning experience.  You will be guided in the preparation of evidence by a specially appointed tutor.

The Accreditation Process

Once you enrol for the AP(E)L unit you will embark on a three-stage process

 1)      The Preparation Stage
In this initial stage you will be guided by your tutor in collating and presenting a portfolio of evidence of your prior learning.  Further details on all aspects of the process will be provided in the AP(E)L Unit Handbook.

2)      The Assessment stage
The Assessment of your evidence will be undertaken by an RAD appointed Assessor who has not been involved in the preparation stage.  The Assessor will have the relevant knowledge to review your submission, identify the achievement of learning outcomes and recommend the number and level of credits to be awarded. If you wish to pursue a specific CPD pathway or gain a formal higher education qualification, the Assessor will indicate units and/or modules from which you may seek exemption.

3)      The Verification stage
A different member of staff will act as verifier, replicating the process above and meeting with the Assessor to reach an agreement on the quantity and level of credit to award you. It is after this stage that you will receive a certificate and transcript confirming your credits.