APL Policy

Earn recognition for your past learning and experiences with this policy.

Talk to our admissions specialist about your goals and transfer credits.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

This policy sets out the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) that is recognized by Acacia University (AU) and for which a student may apply for recognition in his/her application for a program offered by the University at a master’s degree level.

Recognition is normally in the form of credits that are awarded against a course(s) and means that a student is exempted from the study of that course(s).

Such an exemption is referred to as Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). APL exemptions will be awarded in recognition of a verified achievement of designated learning outcomes at a specified level.

It is the achievement of that learning, or the outcomes of it, and not just the experience of the activities alone, that will be eligible for the exemptions based on APL policy.

Types Of APL

APL recognizes and encompasses prior certificated learning (APCL) and prior experiential learning (APEL) as counting towards the completion of a program of Study.

Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) is a formal recognition of previously attained qualifications that have direct relevance to the program to which the student is applying. Such accreditation involves credit-mapping, that is the matching of any relevant educational qualifications against a credit-bearing course(s) within a master’s program at Acacia. Such an accreditation requires the submission of evidence in the form of certificates, transcripts, and/or other documentation of achievements, including evidence of achieving the prescribed learning outcomes and grades at the master’s level. Such certification must have been awarded at a recognized educational institution. Submission of materials must occur prior to entry to the program and is subject to approval by the AU APL Committee and the responsible Dean.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is the recognition of prior experience achieved outside a college or university setting. APEL is normally assessed through review of a portfolio, which is reviewed by the APL Committee of the University. The portfolio should reflect the learning achievement and outcomes of the student’s experience. That experience must have direct relevance to the program to which the student is applying.

There are three basic principles for what can be accredited in terms of APEL:

  • It must be of an appropriate quality, equivalent to the prescribed standards of University;
  • It must have been acquired or experienced within a period of five years prior to the date of the application for entry into the program of study;
  • It must cover prescribed learning outcomes of the program or course(s).

Prior learning refers to learning gained through work, volunteering, or other life experiences. Such learning is unlikely to be documented and would require the collection of evidence to substantiate the learning claimed. An example could be work related training experience.

Maximum Allowed Exemption

The maximum credit exemption that can be allowed in a master’s program may not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the credits required for the master’s degree program through transfer credit. The credits exemptions for experiential learning may not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the credits or nine (9) courses for a master’s degree. No exemption is available for the doctoral programs.

Mix of APEL and APCL

In certain cases, accreditation may be awarded for a mix of both certificated learning and prior experience, subject to the normal maximum exemption limit set by the University and as provided by the University’s regulatory and accrediting bodies. By Arizona statute, at least fifty per cent (50%) of all credits earned toward a graduate degree must be taken at the awarding and duly licensed University.

APL Committee

The APL Committee is responsible for reviewing all required documentation and ascertaining whether every document is complete, accurate, and up to date in relation to stated educational outcomes. The Committee shall consist of three members: one subject area specialist; one university administrator; and the Registrar. The subject specialist must have a degree at least as high as the degree under consideration. The administrator must have a doctoral degree. The committee will review each case on its merits and make a recommendation to the Dean of the relevant School. The Dean may affirm, reject, or alter the Committee’s recommendation. The Dean’s decision is final.

APL Approval

Any student applying for exemptions of course(s) on the basis of APL policy laid herein, whether APCL, and/or APEL, must complete the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Application. After completion and upload the form into the AU portal for review.

The Acacia University APL Committee will meet promptly upon receipt of an APL Application. Students who wish to apply for APEL or APCL should submit the following documents:

  • Application to be filled along with the admission application;
  • In case of APEL, the student must provide a portfolio which should contain the resume, organization chart, job description, achievement records, professional achievements, or any other relevant documents which the student feels would be helpful in demonstrating the learning of program outcomes; and
  • Work products (reports, minutes, emails, etc.) testimonies, projects, professional publications, learning logs/reflective accounts, videos, audio. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and non-accredited training courses.

Implication of APL on Program Fees

Where a student has applied for and been successful in being accredited for prior learning against the credits of a program, those APL credits will not carry a program fee cost. The student will only pay for the credits he/she actually studies in the program. An administration fee of $25 per application will be charged for processing APCL and APEL applications.

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