Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning. The process whereby specific learning acquired through life and/or work experience is formally assessed and its value in terms of level and credits is agreed by an educational institution.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning: An academic device that enables people to claim credit for learning carried outside of an educational institution.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning. Establishes the equivalent in formal qualifications of knowledge and ability gained through work and other experience. Can be used to assess whether an applicant meets entrance requirements, or whether they may be allowed to directly enter the second year of a degree programme.

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.