RRP APEL

 

What is APEL?

 

APEL is an abbreviation of Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning. It is a process that enables people of all ages, backgrounds and attitudes to receive formal recognition for skills and knowledge they already possess.

 

Widely used within further and higher education, APEL enables a person's learning and experience to be formally recognised and taken into account to:

  • Gain entry to further or higher education courses;
  • Give exemption from certain parts of a new course of study;
  • Qualify for an award in an appropriate subject in further and higher education

How does it apply to RRP applications?

 

With regard to applications for Registered Risk Practitioner (RRP) status, the Standard Route for applicants requires evidence of appropriate professional experience, a specified number of CPD points, and achievement of an 'eligible' qualification.

 

Applicants who do not hold an 'eligible' qualification may still be able to apply for RRP status, if they can provide evidence that they have achieved the level of learning expected of RRP holders, through a combination of specific training and practical work experience.

 

Steps in the APEL process

 

The APEL process is essentially in three parts:

  • Identifying what a preson can do;
  • Equating those skills and knowledge with specific standards or requirements; and
  • Crediting the learner in the appropriate manner

The process takes a number of steps to complete, however, before embarking on the APEL process, you should:

  • Complete the application form as fully as possible
  • Attach a copy of your current CV to your application form

Thereafter, you may be put in touch with one of the RRP assessors to discuss whether the process is likely to be useful to you. If the decision is taken to proceed with an application on this basis, the five steps are:

 

1. Candidate profiling

 

Based on information you provide about yourself and your professional background e.g., current CV, academic certificates, other certificates and awards, evidence of attendance at courses, etc.

 

2. Gathering the evidence

 

You will be asked for further information, which might include:

(a) Detail on the courses you have attended;

(b) A written report on your accomplishments and skills, relevant to the RRP scheme (supported

     by a statement from an independent referee);

(c) Copies of reports and documents you may have written (supported by witness statements

      that the documents are your own work);

(d) Copies of presentations you have made (again, supported by witness statements)

(e) Copies of work instructions that you carry out (plus witness statements confirming your

      capability to undertake them successfully)

(f) Other evidence as appropriate

 

3. Assessing the evidence

 

On receipt of your portfolio, the Assessor will:

 

(a)  Review it for completeness

(b) Assess and verify the evidence - if the evidence is insufficient, the assessor records the outcome and recommends recognition towards achievement of RRP status (subject to satisfying both the length of professional experience and evidence of CPD that is required of Non-Standard applicants). If the evidence is not sufficient, the assessor will advise you of what is missing, and give you the opportunity to collect and submit additional evidence that does meet the criteria.

 

4. Accreditation

 

This involves formal verification by ALARM that credit is being awarded towards achievement of RRP status, and formal notification of the result.

 

Successful RRP applicants through the Non-Standard (APEL) route will pay the initial registration fee and be subject to the same benefits, expectations with regard to continuing professional development, and renewal procedures, as those applying under the Standard Route.

 

Download the full RRP guidance here