APL Policy

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

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), Acacia University recognizes the prior learning of an admitted student by awarding credit for work that the student accomplished outside the normal structure of a university degree. Such accomplishments are not normally reflected on a student’s university transcript of courses. Recognition is in the form of credits that are awarded against a course and means that the student receives credit toward the degree without taking that course. APL credits are 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 granting of credit through the APL policy.

Types of APL

APL recognizes certificated prior learning as Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL), and experiential prior learning as Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Credits granted through both APCL and APEL may be counted toward the completion of a program of study. APCL is the formal recognition of previously attained qualifications outside a university degree program that have direct relevance to the program to which the student is applying. Such accreditation involves credit-mapping, that is, the matching of relevant certified or otherwise documented achievements against a credit-bearing course at Acacia. Such an accreditation requires the submission of evidence in the form of certificates or other documentation of achievements, including evidence of achieving the prescribed learning outcomes and grades. 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 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 (see below). 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 governing the acceptance of prior learning for course credit:

It must be of an appropriate quality, equivalent to the prescribed standards of Acacia 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; and
It must cover prescribed learning outcomes of the program or course(s).

Maximum Allowed Exemption

APEL credits that have been awarded by another accredited institution may be used as transfer credits by a student transferring into Acacia University at the undergraduate or Master’s level. Credits for APEL cannot exceed twenty-five per cent (25%) of the credits required for a bachelor’s or master’s degree. No APEL credits may be used as credits for the doctoral programs. Credits may be awarded for a mix of both APCL and APEL.

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 credit for any courses on the basis of APL policy laid herein, whether APCL, APEL, or both, must complete the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Application. The Acacia University APL Committee will meet promptly upon receipt of an APL Application. Students who wish to apply for APCL or APEL 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 that 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 recordings, 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 $25.00 per application will be charged for processing APL applications.

*Arizona Administrative Code § 4-39-408
https://casetext.com/regulation/arizona-administrative-code/title-4-professions-and-occupations/chapter-39-board-for-private-postsecondary-education/article-4-operation-of-all-licensed-institutions/section-r4-39-408-transfer-of-credit