The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) launched the APEL (Accreditation of Learning Based on Prior Experience) Policy in 2010, and has included APEL in the Malaysian Education Development Plan (Higher Education) 2015-2025 (PPPM(PT)), namely Step 3: Embracing Lifetime Learning (PSH). So far there are three (3) APEL categories that have been introduced by the KPT and the Malaysian Eligibility Agency (MQA), namely:
	a) APEL.A (Access) which is for the purpose of Access/Admission to Higher Education Programmes. APEL.A provides an opportunity for individuals who have work experience but lack qualifications or no academic qualifications to continue their studies at Institutions of Higher Education (IPT). APEL.A assessment involves the assessment of knowledge acquired by individuals through formal education or through previous experience.
	b) APEL.C (Credit Award) which is for the purpose of awarding credit. Through APEL.C, individuals who have been offered to continue their studies at IPT are allowed to apply for the transfer of learning credits based on previous experience including learning gained through work experience, life experience or a collection of short courses for the purpose of getting credit transfer for courses in the academic programme at the IPT. The maximum credit transfer allowed is 30%.
	c) APEL.Q (Academic Qualification) which is for the purpose of awarding academic qualifications. It is a method of evaluating knowledge obtained from formal education, work experience, life experience or/and a collection of short courses for the purpose of obtaining academic programme qualifications by Higher Education Providers (PPT).
In terms of the implementation of APEL at UPM, until now UPM has accepted students through APEL.A. In order to continue supporting this PSH agenda and policy, the Centre for Quality Assurance (CQA) suggests that APEL.C be implemented at UPM. The implementation of APEL.C at UPM is seen to have a positive impact on UPM in realising the UPM Strategic Plan 2021-2025 which is Goal 1: Creating Resilient Graduates to Face Upcoming Challenges (Strategic Objective 1: Adding Value and Increasing the Effectiveness of Academic Programmes Compliant with Current Needs) .
The implementation of the APEL.C Assessment Centre at UPM can benefit not only the students but also UPM. The advantages of APEL.C for students are:           a) recognise learning gained from career experience and short courses followed;         b) reduce repetitive learning for students;         c) encourage entry of experienced individuals into higher education programs; and         d) reduce costs and time to graduate.
The positive impact of the implementation of APEL.C on UPM is:           a) enhance the image of UPM as a public university that supports the PSH policy;         b) attract more candidates to apply to study at UPM; and         c) enriching the life and learning experience of students on campus through interaction              with adult students.

Date of Input: 09/11/2023 | Updated: 26/01/2024 | aidawati