APEL.QNew Zealand applies the conversion of experience into qualifications through the “Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)” system

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system in New Zealand is a formal mechanism that helps recognize work experience or informal learning for certification or university credit exemptions. RPL is widely applied in universities, polytechnics, and private educational institutions in New Zealand, allowing individuals to save time and costs when enrolling in formal training programs.

Meanwhile, APEL.Q (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications) of MI Swiss also aims to recognize work experience for credit exemptions or official qualification awards, but it differs in implementation methods, assessment requirements, and international recognition.

This article will provide a detailed analysis of RPL in New Zealand, compare it with APEL.Q of MI Swiss, and assess the applicability of these two systems in higher education and career development.

1. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) System in New Zealand

1.1. Overview of RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process within the New Zealand education system that allows workers with practical experience or informal learning to obtain formal certification or university credit exemptions. This system is managed by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and aligns with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

▶ Reference: New Zealand Qualifications Authority – RPL

1.2. Objectives of RPL

• Helps individuals with work experience gain formal recognition without having to start from scratch.
• Creates opportunities for workers to upgrade their professional qualifications without full-time study.
• Supports migrant workers in having their qualifications recognized in New Zealand.
• Reduces study time and training costs for vocational or university education.
• Applicable to key sectors such as construction, technology, and healthcare.

1.3. How RPL Works

The RPL system is widely applied across various industries, particularly in:

• Construction: Recognizes skills in construction engineering, project management, and execution.
• Technology: Grants credit exemptions to those with experience in programming, IT systems management, and cybersecurity.
• Healthcare: Recognizes practical experience in nursing, medical assistance, and physiotherapy.

▶ Real-life example:
An IT technician with over three years of experience can use RPL to obtain credit exemptions when enrolling in a university IT program, allowing them to complete their studies faster without having to retake knowledge they already possess.

The RPL process consists of the following steps:

1. Application Submission

   • Applicants submit a registration form along with supporting documents such as employment contracts, completed projects, and vocational training certificates.

2. Document Review

   • NZQA experts assess work experience and compare it with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

3. Practical Assessment

   • Applicants may need to undertake a practical test or professional interview.

4. Comparison with Training Programs

   • If the applicant’s experience matches the course content, they will receive credit exemptions or certification.

5. Certification or Credit Exemption

   • Applicants may receive a vocational certificate or university credit exemption if they meet the standards.

2. Comparison of RPL (New Zealand) and APEL.Q (MI Swiss)

Both RPL (New Zealand) and APEL.Q (MI Swiss) aim to recognize practical experience for certification or credit exemptions, but there are some key differences.

3. Strengths and Limitations

3.1. Strengths of RPL

✅ Helps workers reduce study time and costs.
✅ Supports migrant workers in obtaining a New Zealand skilled visa.
✅ Focuses on practical skills, does not require academic essays.

3.2. Limitations of RPL

❌ Mainly applicable in New Zealand, making it difficult to transfer to international education systems.
❌ Does not award formal university degrees, only provides credit exemptions or vocational certification.

3.3. Strengths of APEL.Q

✅ More widely recognized, accepted in multiple international education systems.
✅ Supports academic progression, allowing credit exemptions or official degree attainment.
✅ Applicable to more specialized fields, including business, technology, and healthcare.

3.4. Limitations of APEL.Q

❌ Higher experience requirements (minimum 5 years), making it less accessible than RPL.
❌ Requires completion of an academic essay or research project, demanding higher academic skills.

4. Conclusion

• RPL is suitable for workers with practical experience seeking vocational certification or credit exemptions when studying at a university in New Zealand.
• APEL.Q is ideal for individuals with specialized experience who want to obtain an internationally recognized formal degree.

The choice between RPL and APEL.Q depends on each individual’s learning and career development goals.

References

1. New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). (2025). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Framework in New Zealand. Retrieved from: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz

2. New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). (2025). Standards and Guidelines for RPL and Credit Transfer. Retrieved from: https://www.nzqf.govt.nz

3. Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) New Zealand. (2025). Funding and Policy for RPL in Higher Education. Retrieved from: https://www.tec.govt.nz

4. Ministry of Education New Zealand. (2025). The Role of Recognition of Prior Learning in Workforce Development and Higher Education. Retrieved from: https://www.education.govt.nz

5. Skills New Zealand. (2025). How RPL Supports Career Progression and Skill Certification. Retrieved from: https://www.skills.org.nz

6. Industry Training Federation (ITF) New Zealand. (2025). Pathways for Recognition of Prior Learning in Vocational Education. Retrieved from: https://www.itf.org.nz

7. Workforce Development Council New Zealand. (2025). Assessing Prior Learning for Industry-Based Qualifications. Retrieved from: https://www.wdc.govt.nz

8. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. (2025). RPL and Skilled Migration: Bridging the Gap for International Workers. Retrieved from: https://www.nzte.govt.nz

9. World Bank. (2025). How Credit for Prior Learning Supports Economic Inclusion and Workforce Development: Case Studies from New Zealand and Switzerland. Retrieved from: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/skillsdevelopment

10. New Zealand Immigration. (2025). Recognition of Prior Learning for Skilled Migrants Applying for Work Visas. Retrieved from: https://www.immigration.govt.nz

11. OECD. (2025). Recognition of Prior Learning and Lifelong Learning Policies in New Zealand and Global Context. Retrieved from: https://www.oecd.org/education/rpl-nz.htm

12. UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. (2025). Recognition, Validation, and Accreditation of Prior Learning: New Zealand Case Study. Retrieved from: https://uil.unesco.org/lifelong-learning/recognition-prior-learning

13. UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). (2025). Comparative Analysis of RPL in New Zealand and APEL.Q in Switzerland. Retrieved from: https://www.qaa.ac.uk

14. MI Swiss (Swiss Information and Management Institute). (2025). Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL.Q) – Standards and Implementation. Retrieved from: https://www.miswiss.ch

15. UK ENIC (UK National Recognition Information Centre). (2025). Recognition of Prior Learning: A Comparative Study of New Zealand and Switzerland (RPL vs. APEL.Q). Retrieved from: https://www.enic.org.uk

16. International Labour Organization (ILO). (2025). How Recognition of Prior Learning Contributes to Workforce Upskilling in Developed Economies. Retrieved from: https://www.ilo.org/global/research/rpl-workforce-development

17. McKinsey & Company. (2025). The Impact of Prior Learning Recognition on Career Growth and Higher Education Accessibility. Retrieved from: https://www.mckinsey.com/workforce-transformation

18. Harvard Business Review. (2025). Recognition of Prior Learning in Executive Education and Workforce Development. Retrieved from: https://hbr.org/2025/rpl-in-executive-education

19. British Council. (2025). A Comparative Review of Recognition of Prior Learning in New Zealand and Switzerland: RPL vs. APEL.Q. Retrieved from: https://www.britishcouncil.org/education

20. World Bank. (2025). How Credit for Prior Learning Supports Economic Inclusion and Workforce Development: Case Studies from New Zealand and Switzerland. Retrieved from: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/skillsdevelopment

Note: This document is for reference purposes only.