The Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a systematic process of identification, documentation, assessment and accreditation of prior experiential learning. APEL for Credit Award is known as APEL.C, is the award of credits through prior experiential learning towards a course in an accredited programme of UNIMAS.

APEL.C provides the mechanism to recognize the prior experiential learning of an individual that is relevant and specific to a course within a programme of study.

The credit award is granted on the basis of the knowledge and skills acquired through informal and non-formal learning. These forms of learning which emphasize on experiential learning will need to be formally reviewed and assessed.

The process will determine if learning has in fact occurred and is in line with the learning outcomes of the course(s) concerned. It is important to take note that it is the learning and not the experience of the learners which being evaluated.

Benefits to the learners in acknowledging their prior experiential learning are:

• Increased self-confidence
• Increased motivation towards achieving higher academic qualifications
• Increased skills in documenting acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities through portfolio submission
• Strategic planning in career progression
• Increased career mobility and marketability reduced study time and costs
• Avoid repetition and redundancy of similar learning
• Better control over learning via learner-centred voluntary process