Acronym for "Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning," the term commonly used in the United Kingdom

APEL is a process by which applicants to courses at all levels who do not hold the normal minimum entry qualifications can demonstrate their suitability for admission. It is a mechanism of accounting for prior learning acquired in both formal and informal situations. Accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) is where an applicant is presenting evidence of learning acquired in situations where the learning was not certificated; and Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APCL) is where an applicant is presenting formal qualifications or other certification which is not that described in the normal minimum entry requirements.