APEL Applications Update
We wanted to share an important update regarding APEL applications following our last communication in February.
All assessment slots for June 2025 have now been fully allocated. Over the past two months we’ve seen an exceptional level of interest in APEL applications, which is a very encouraging sign for the growth and development of the sector.
Due to current assessor capacity, we are having to manage the number of assessments that can be completed in each assessment window. As a result, the waiting list has grown significantly, and the most recently registered applicants have been allocated to the June 2026 assessment window.
We completely understand that this may be disappointing for those eager to complete their application and progress towards joining an ABTC Practitioner Organisation. We also appreciate that Practitioner Organisations are keen to welcome new members but are restricted whilst their K&U has not yet been assessed. Please know that we are actively working to address this.
In support of this, we’re pleased to let you know that the ABTC has recently recruited ten new APEL assessors. They are currently undergoing training and will be joining our existing team. With their support, we aim to expand assessment capacity from the October 2025 window onwards.
In parallel, we are updating all APEL guidance documents and paperwork to reflect the 2024 K&U Standards. These updated materials will be available on the ABTC website from 2nd June 2025. However, if any applicants would like to get started sooner, they are welcome to request a copy of the updated Mapping Document by contacting Helen our assessment administrator at assessments@abtc.org.uk.
To help support those preparing for assessments from October 2025 onwards, we’ll be holding a dedicated APEL Q&A session on Wednesday 14th May 2025, where we will cover the key differences between the 2021 and 2024 K&U Standards. Further details can be found HERE. This session will be recorded for those who are unable to attend live.
1 May 2025
APEL – Assessment of Prior Experience and/or Learning
How this affects APEL applicants
- Current APEL Applicants: Applicants who are already partway through their APEL assessment, or who are planning to apply in the June 2025 assessment window, will continue to be assessed against the previous 2021 Standards (please be assured that these updates will not affect your submission). Spaces in the June 2025 assessment window will be limited based on Assessor availability. We encourage anyone who is in the process of preparing their documentation against the 2021 Standards to get in touch as soon as possible to register their interest in applying and the remaining spaces will be offered on a first come first served basis.
- New Applicants: Applicants applying in the October 2025 assessment window onwards must be assessed against the NEW 2024 Standards. If you are preparing an APEL submission please be aware that the current documents available on the ABTC website reflect the 2021 Standards. Documents will be updated to reflect the NEW 2024 Standards and available to download on 2 June 2025.
Supporting This Transition
We understand that the change in Standards may impact you and your plans for assessment. To assist you:
- A recording of our January APEL Q&A session can be found HERE which includes some info about this process.
- The next APEL Q&A will take place on Wednesday 14th May at 7pm. You will find a zoom invitation HERE if you wish to join us to find out more.
If you have any questions please contact Helen on assessments@abtc.org.uk
February 2025
APEL – Assessment of Prior Experience and/or Learning
What is Assessment of Prior Experience and/or Learning (APEL)?
An individual may have completed a course recognised by the ABTC as meeting the Knowledge & Understanding (K&U) requirements for a particular role. These individuals may apply to become a provisional (or similar) member of an ABTC Practitioner Organisation (PO) as soon as they complete their course and do not need to apply for APEL.
However, not everyone will have had the opportunity to undertake formal study at a college or university or may have studied subjects different to those areas covered by the Standards or completed a course that is not yet recognised by the ABTC as meeting the requirements.
The APEL process provides an accessible route designed to acknowledge the knowledge and understanding that can be gained through a range of sources including practical experience and both formal and informal learning. These can include:
- A formal course not yet recognised by the ABTC
- Life experience
- Work experience, both within and outside of the professional animal industry
- Unassessed learning e.g. conferences, webinars, reading and courses
APEL is a recognised way to progress all learners into and through higher education or to meet a professional standard. Currently Animal Trainers (ATs) and Animal Training Instructors (ATIs) have their K&Us assessed by the Practitioner Organisation (PO)/Assessing Organisation (AO). Animal Behaviour Technicians (ABTs) and Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CABs) can have their K&U assessed via APEL by the ABTC.
What to expect from the Assessment process
The APEL Assessment includes a review of written evidence in addition to (up to) 3 oral interviews with APEL assessors. This process allows applicants the best possible opportunity to demonstrate their Knowledge & Understanding.
For full details please read the APEL Guidelines for Applicants
You will find a list the application forms – termed appendices – on page 30 of the APEL Guidelines for Applicants.
Applicants will be assigned an assessment window based on availability of APEL assessors. If you are intending to apply for the next deadline, please contact Helen on assessments@abtc.org.uk to check available spaces, BEFORE paying.
This window will inform the applicant of the timeframe in which their application will be reviewed.
APEL APPLICATION DEADLINE | APPLICATION WILL BE DEALT WTIH DURING THIS WINDOW |
1 February | 1 February – 31 May |
1 June | 1 June – 30 September |
1 October | 1 October – 31 January |
If – after reading the APEL Guidelines for Applicants – you have any questions, please email Helen – the ABTC assessment administrator – on assessments@abtc.org.uk
Links for all the APEL documents can be found here
