Accreditation of Prior Learning

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is a process which enables people of all ages and backgrounds to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study and through work and other life experiences.

Everyone learns throughout their lives in many different ways. We learn in school, college and training courses. However, we also learn from experience - by watching others, asking questions and seeking knowledge from books or other sources, solving problems and experiencing failures as well as successes. As adults we continue to learn from our everyday experiences in the family and close to home, as well as in other aspects of our lives, at work and in our communities.

A student can claim for learning gained through previous formal study using a process known as Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) and for learning gained through other life experiences and study which has not been formally assessed and this process is known as Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (or APEL).

Somerset College will work closely with you to establish what APEL or APCL you may have and this will mean that you may be able to bypass some of the modules on your chosen course of study.