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. In such cases the individual does not need to apply for APEL (Assessment of Prior Experience and/or Learning) and may instead begin working towards assessment of their Practical Skills (PS) through an ABTC Assessing Organisation (AO)
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 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.
Where can I get my Knowledge and Understanding (K&U) assessed?
The APEL process for the Animal Trainer (AT) and Animal Training Instructor (ATI) roles is carried out by ABTC Assessing Organisations. A list of ABTC Assessing Organisations for the Animal Trainer (AT) and Animal Training Instructor (ATI) roles can be found here.
If you would like to become an ABTC registered AT or ATI, please contact one of these ABTC Assessing Organisations to find out how you can have your Knowledge and Understanding (K&U) assessed with them before having your Practical Skills (PS) assessed.
If you would like to become an ABTC registered Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT) or Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) please read on to find out how you can have your Knowledge and Understanding (K&U) assessed directly with the ABTC via our APEL route. Once your K&U has been assessed you can then join an ABTC Assessing Organisation for the Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT) or Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) role in preparation to have your Practical Skills (PS) assessed.
Once both your Knowledge and Understanding (K&U) and Practical Skills (PS) have been assessed for your role you can join the ABTC as a Registered Practitioner.
How do I register for ABT or CAB APEL assessment with the ABTC?
The fee for ABT or CAB APEL assessment is £460.
For further details about the APEL assessment process, what is involved and how to complete an application please read our Applicant Guidance Document and download a Reflective Account form template for the role you wish to apply for: Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT) or Clinical Animal Behaviourist
If you would like to register your interest in being assessed please contact our Assessment Administrator on [email protected]. Our Assessment Administrator will send you further information about how to prepare for APEL assessment and add you to our mailing list. Those on the mailing list receive regular updates about the APEL process including; invitations to join our regular Q&A sessions, resources to help with applications, information about any updates to the application paperwork and booking links for each assessment window.
ABTC Refund Policy
When booking your APEL assessment slot, please be aware that the fee of £460 includes a non-refundable administration fee of £160.
If you choose not to proceed with your APEL application and fail to provide at least one month’s notice, no refund will be issued.
Any refund granted in other circumstances will be at the ABTC’s discretion and will exclude the £160 administration fee.
Therefore we request that applicants do not book and pay unless you are happy you can meet the deadline for submission. If you do not feel you can complete your paperwork in the two-month window after booking your assessment slot, you may find it easier to remain on the APEL mailing list to receive updates, whilst you continue to work on your submission.
Further support and guidance
We hold regular Q&A sessions with members of the APEL assessment team so APEL applicants have the opportunity to ask any questions about the process and how to complete their application.
The next APEL Q&A will take place on Wednesday 5 August at 7.00pm. Please join us via Zoom using this link.
Recordings of the most recent Q&A’s can be found below.
Page updated: 2 July 2026