Work, volunteering, and personal projects have likely earned you a wealth of knowledge and skills to solve problems, lead teams, and adapt to new challenges. Did you know you can translate this real-world learning into college credits that count toward your degree? We’ll help you understand what accreditation of prior learning is, along with other related concepts that help apply your professional and practical experience to your academic goals.
How Can Accreditation of Prior Learning Help You?
In the U.S., accreditation of prior learning is a process colleges use to evaluate the formal academic knowledge you’ve already gained before enrolling in a new program. If you’re returning to college as an adult, APL can help you save time and money by allowing you to focus on new, more advanced concepts instead of repeating what you’ve mastered.
APL is part of a broader category called credit for prior learning, which can come not only from earlier college courses but also from job training, military service, certifications, or other structured programs. If your previous experience meets certain standards, your school could award academic credit so you can avoid retaking similar courses.
Recognition of Prior Learning vs. Accreditation of Prior Learning
The concept of recognition of prior learning is related to APL, although schools tend to use different terms depending on what type of learning you’re trying to get credit for. APL usually refers to formally assessed learning, like completed college coursework or official training programs.
RPL, also known as prior learning assessment and recognition, often includes a broader range of learning, especially informal or nontraditional experiences, such as job duties or self-directed study. In many colleges, RPL/PLAR falls under the umbrella of prior learning assessment, which includes both APL and experiential learning evaluations.
What Is an Example of Recognition of Prior Learning?
The most common source of RPL is professional employment. Consider a corporate team manager with years of experience who wants to go back to school for a business degree. They would provide a portfolio detailing their leadership experience, including specific projects and outcomes, which may qualify them for management course credits.
However, you can also earn RPL for a wide variety of experiences, such as:
- Entrepreneurial ventures
- Community service
- Language proficiency gained through immersion
- Artistic or creative endeavors
- Public speaking engagements
For instance, someone who has volunteered extensively in public health initiatives by organizing events and educating the public can submit letters of recommendation and project summaries to qualify for RPL credit in a community health course.
Is APL the Same as Credit Transfer?
Both accreditation for prior learning and credit transfer can help you complete your degree, but they aren’t the same. APL typically refers to the formal evaluation of prior academic coursework to determine if it meets the requirements of a current program of study.
Credit transfer, on the other hand, involves moving credits directly from one accredited institution to another. When you transfer, the new school reviews your transcripts to decide which courses are equivalent to their offerings. Institutions often form articulation agreements with one another to expedite the transfer process, especially between community colleges and four-year universities.
Graduate Faster With Accreditation of Prior Learning at The University of Olivet
At The University of Olivet, we streamline the accreditation for prior learning and recognition for prior learning evaluation processes to accelerate your path to a degree. You can also enjoy the financial benefits of needing fewer courses to graduate. Explore how our personalized Prior Learning Credit program can benefit you today.