The Dutch Centre for accreditation of prior learning (APL)
This is the website of the Dutch Knowledge Centre for accreditation of prior learning (APL). This centre is responsible for the knowledge management and dissemination on the subject APL. It also is responsible for the qualitiystandards for APL in the Netherlands.
Accreditation of prior learning (APL) is the common name given to the process of recognising the competences an individual has gained through formal, informal or non-formal learning in various settings. This implies that professional competences acquired by learning on the job, in a home setting or in voluntary work are in principle comparable to those acquired in formal learning situations. Moreover, competences include more than knowledge, skills and attitude. They also implicitly refer to the talent to adjust to changing circumstances, flexibility or deployment potential. Therefore, competences not only include professional competences but social and personal competences as well.
Recognition means awarding certificates or diplomas on the basis of a generally recognised standard, such as the qualification structure for vocational education. Obviously, there are also other standards relating to the labour market which employers and employees regard as relevant. External legitimacy is the key requirement for recognition.
A quality code for APL: Identifying and accrediting a lifetime of learning
The APL code
- The goal of APL is to define, evaluate and accredit individual competencies.
- APL primarily answers to the need of the individual. Entitlements and arrangements are clearly defined and guaranteed.
- Procedures and instruments are reliable and based on solid standards.
- Assessors and supervisors are competent, impartial and independent.
- The quality of the APL procedure is guaranteed and is being improved on an ongoing basis.
The Dutch Knowledge Centre APL is happy to introduce to you the quality code for APL.
National actors, among which APL providers, employers and accreditation bodies, have joined hands to develop a quality code for APL. Based on existing quality methods and the Common European Principles for the identification and validation of non-formal and informal learning, an APL code has been developed which enables all actors in the Netherlands to bring APL to a higher quality level. We hope to inspire our colleagues at European level.
Lees meer: A quality code for APL: Identifying and accrediting a lifetime of learning
Backgroundinformation APL in the Netherlands: ETF study visit 28 sept - 2 oct 2009
In this document information is given about the Dutch qualification system as the context for APL. The infrastructure of the Dutch APL-system is described. You read about the use of APL in the Netherlands and you find information about APL-procedures in the Netherlands in its various contexts.Read more: Backgroundinformation APL in the Netherlands. ETF study visit 28 sept - 2 oct 2009