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 recognised by the ABTC
- Life experience
- Work experience, both within and outside of the professional animal industry
- Unassessed learning eg 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.
How do I register for assessment?
We have seen a recent increase in the level of interest for APEL, which is a very encouraging sign for the growth and development of the sector. However, this does mean that all assessment slots in 2025 are now fully booked.
We completely understand that this may be disappointing for those eager to complete their application and progress towards joining an ABTC Practitioner Organisation. Please know we are working to address this and the ABTC has recently expanded its team of APEL assessors. They are currently undergoing training and will be joining our existing team from October 2025 onwards.
To register your interest in being assessed in 2026 and beyond please contact Helen on assessments@abtc.org.uk.
Please be aware that, from January 2026 onwards, there will be a revised APEL fee (TBC) and all applications will be assessed against the 2024 Standards (which are available here). Further details and updated guidance for applicants will be emailed to anyone who has registered their interest in applying by 31st July 2025.
Further support and guidance
We hold regular Q&A sessions to ensure applicants have the opportunity to ask any questions about the process.
A recording of the most recent session (14th May 2025) can be found here. In this session we discussed;
- What is APEL and how to apply
- Important updates relating to the transition from the 2021 to 2024 Role Standards
The next APEL Q&A will take place on Wednesday 2nd July at 7pm You can find a zoom invitation here.
May 2025
