APEL

 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 all the application forms – termed appendices – on page 30 of the APEL Guidelines for Applicants; click on the title to download the documents.

Applicants will be assigned an assessment window based on availability of APEL assessors.  This window will inform the applicant of the timeframe in which their application will be reviewed.