​APL / RPL
APL refers to the Accreditation of Prior Learning. This is also known as RPL, Recognition of Prior Learning. This is a system whereby individuals can gain recognition for knowledge and experience they have achieved throughout their lifetime. APL/RPL has been around for many years and has helped numerous individuals to progress with their lives and careers. APL/RPL certification through Gateway Academic is not an academic certification, but is a certificate based on your knowledge and experience. Trinity College and University are the issuing body, who also provide verification of your award should you need it.
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APL/RPL is a perfect way of getting your knowledge and experience recognized into a non-academic certification. It is common to have a working life full of experience but little or no qualifications. Many have operated at a level of expertise far more than their paper qualifications but are unable to obtain interviews when seeking new positions because the right qualifications do not appear in their CV. Job vacancies will often require some qualification or award before even considering you for an interview. With the arrival of 'selection by computer', where CV's are surveyed electronically and ONLY those containing certain 'buzz' words are filtered, the necessity of having the right qualifications is becoming a major importance. Let it be said that nobody is trying to 'degrade' the efforts of those who have succeeded in completing a traditional education. With APL there are no courses to sign up to, no classes to attend and no exams to sit.
APL/RPL certification can provide you with many opportunities and open several doors for you, but how you will succeed with it will be based upon your knowledge, and your experience.
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How can a non-academic certificate help me?
A non-academic APL/RPL certificate through Gateway Academic, which is based upon your previous knowledge and experience, is a great way of getting your skills recognized, without having the financial and time implications that a traditional award programme imposes. The main benefits of APL/RPL are:
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It ensures your previous work experience, knowledge and skills are formally recognized
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It minimizes the need for formal training or instruction in areas that you already demonstrate competency
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It can reduce the amount of time it takes you to secure a full and recognized qualification
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One of the main reasons people go for a non-academic APL/RPL certificate is to obtain a better job. Not only can it allow you to advance further in the job you currently have, but it is also an attractive commodity for potential employers. Having certification to strengthen one’s knowledge and experience has helped many further themselves in their careers. Many have missed out or didn't have the opportunity to study further. This could be due to a whole host of reasons, but it shouldn't hinder their future. Some people have an interest in a certain field but have neither the time nor the money to go back to school and gain an award. If you have the necessary experiences and knowledge in a certain field, then getting a non-academic APL certificate will assist you to get to the next level.
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How does the APL/RPL Assessment Process work?
A portfolio of evidence will be required to support your APL assessment. This should normally include the following:
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Relevant work experience with supporting references
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A personal statement focusing on your experiences relevant to the award sought
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Evidence of certified learning (completed or partially completed) and training undertaken
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You may also include the following as part of your portfolio:
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Character references
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Samples/copies of work you have produced/published
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Letters of recommendation
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Achievement certificates from your employment
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There are five core competencies which we look at as part of the assessment:
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Skills - Evidence should demonstrate that you have acquired appropriate knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the subject matter.
Level - Evidence should demonstrate that you have acquired adequate knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the level of the award sought.
Duration - Evidence should indicate that you have sufficient experience within your field of choice.
Relevance – Evidence should demonstrate how relevant your skills, experience and knowledge are in relation to your career and education history. As an indication, although knowledge may have been gained over the course of many years, the experience you are bringing forward should be as recent as possible.
References - You will need to provide professional references for each of your job roles and places of study which should include addresses and contact details. Academic references would only be contacted if they are within the past 5 years.
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By law we do not provide certificates in traditional medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, psychiatry or nursing,
although we can in alternative and homeopathic medicine.
