APEL.Q Procedures
3 STEPS OF APEL.QGET FULL ACCREDITED ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION IN 9-12 MONTHS AT ONLY 20% OF THE COST COMPARED TO FULL-TIME STUDY IN EUROPE!
1. Submit Portfolios
2. Evidence of Competence
3. End Point Assessment
Detailed APEL.Q Process
1
Portfolio Submission
Complete the APEL.Q Application
- Submit the application form provided.
- Provide supporting evidence of work experience, prior qualifications, and accumulated certificates.
2
Demonstrate competence
Complete the competency assessment assignments
- Candidates receive study materials and detailed guidelines to complete the competency assessment assignments.
- Candidates complete all assessment assignments according to the provided instructions.
- Candidates submit the final assessment to MI Swiss.
Pre End Point Assessment
Internal Competency Assessment (IQA)
3
Comprehensive assessment
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
The End-Point Assessment is an independent evaluation and verification process conducted by the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body. This assessment follows the principles:
- Reviewing the candidate’s portfolio to ensure compatibility with competency requirements for each subject and the entire program.
- Verifying the candidate’s competency evidence against the learning outcomes of the program for which the qualification is being awarded.
Through independent assessment and result recognition by the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body, the APEL.Q program ensures transparency, accuracy, and fairness.
Before apply APEL.Q please read our policies
What is APEL.Q?
APEL.Q – Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications is an accreditation process (APEL) for obtaining a qualification (Q – Qualification) through a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of knowledge and skills acquired from formal and informal learning, corporate training, and real-world work experience. APEL.Q is implemented in most advanced education systems worldwide. In Asia, Malaysia was the first country to adopt a national-level APEL.Q process, managed and regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia. APEL.Q is considered an effective policy to promote liberal education, labor mobility, and lifelong learning.
APEL.Q provides an opportunity for individuals with expertise and practical experience but without formal academic qualifications to convert their experience into an official qualification. This process is designed to be transparent, fair, precise, and cost-effective, offering flexible learning opportunities for workers.
While traditional programs award qualifications based on participation in learning activities, APEL.Q follows a reverse approach: assessing actual competencies based on job positions and government-published levels to recognize and grant qualifications. The qualifications are awarded by professional organizations or universities that acknowledge this process.
APEL.Q Process at MI Swiss
At the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss), the APEL.Q process is implemented through two specific steps:
- Portfolios – A detailed dossier describing work experience and career history.
- End Point Assessment – A comprehensive competency evaluation.
Learners who complete this process can graduate and receive a qualification, saving up to 85% of study time and 80% of costs compared to traditional full-time programs in Europe.
Applicable Competency Framework
To ensure international recognition and effectiveness in the professional environment, MI Swiss applies the competency framework developed by the UK government with the participation of major organizations and enterprises such as Barclays, BT, BBC, NHS, Santander UK plc, Virgin Media, and other reputable institutions. This framework is advised and supported by the Senior Leader Bureau, providing practical value and meeting real labor market demands.
MI Swiss is the First Independent Institution to Implement APEL.Q
MI Swiss is proud to be the world’s first independent institution to implement APEL.Q while ensuring its results are recognized by partner universities. With a transparent, fair, and precise process, APEL.Q at MI Swiss strictly adheres to national competency frameworks, making it an optimal solution for competency recognition. Instead of relying on traditional examinations, APEL.Q directly assesses actual competencies, making qualification awarding more efficient and relevant to modern requirements.
The APEL.Q process can only be applied when it has full accreditation and recognition from partners and academic partners. APEL.Q is an independently assessed process by MI Swiss. Each candidate applying for APEL.Q evaluation is allowed to register for only one program at a time.
Programs Applying the APEL.Q Process:
The APEL.Q process can only grant qualifications alongside meeting the competency framework requirements and the applicant’s ability to demonstrate competency equivalence. It must also be recognized by accreditation and qualification-awarding bodies.
MI Swiss has collaborated with partners, accreditation bodies, and qualification-awarding institutions that hold full international accreditation from Switzerland and Europe to validate APEL.Q results and grant qualifications.
Please refer to the APEL.Q Programs for more details.
APEL.Q Application Requirements
To apply for the APEL.Q process, applicants must demonstrate a minimum years of working experience related to the program they wish to apply for.
| Diploma | APEL.Q Bachelor | APEL.Q Master | APEL.Q Doctorate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | High School IGCSE A-Level T-Level Level 3 EQF |
10 years | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 2 | Certificate Level 4 Intermediate Level 4 EQF |
5 years | 15 years | Not Applicable |
| 3 | Diploma Level 4 College Level 5 EQF |
5 years | 10 years | Not Applicable |
| 4 | Bachelor Level 6 EQF Diploma |
Immediately | 5 years | Not Applicable |
| 5 | Master Level 7 EQF Diploma |
N/A | Immediately | 10 years |
| 6 | Doctor Level 8 EQF |
N/A | N/A | Immediately |
In cases where applicants do not meet the required years of relevant experience but have outstanding academic and professional achievements, they may be considered for application. MI Swiss will review and make the final decision for these cases. These cases are reviewed by MI Swiss on an individual basis, and the decision-making authority rests with MI Swiss.
The APEL.Q process consists of the following steps:
1. Submit APEL.Q Application
- Submit the application form as per the provided template;
- Provide supporting evidence of work experience, prior qualifications, and accumulated certifications.
2. Competency Evidence:
- Applicants will receive study materials and detailed guidelines to complete competency assessment tasks.
- Submit the completed competency assessment tasks to the local partner for formatting support.
- Submit the final version to MI Swiss for Pre End Point Assessment and Internal Quality Audit (IQA).
3. End Point Assessment (EPA)
- The competency portfolio and documents will be submitted to Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Bodies for evaluation.
- If successful, the applicant will obtain qualifications.
- If unsuccessful, guidance will be provided for resubmission or additional evidence if required.
The personal portfolio is a collection of official evidence of an applicant’s learning and work experience, serving as the basis for competency assessment and approval. Evidence can be formal or informal, qualifications may be official or non-official, and learning experiences can include classroom education, online learning, workplace training, or any other form of training.
A portfolio is a document that demonstrates the applicant’s competencies in alignment with the learning outcomes of a specific program. All items listed in the portfolio must be accompanied by supporting evidence. The evidence must be accurate, truthful, and organized according to the program’s learning objectives (PLOs).
Before submitting the APEL.Q application to MI Swiss, applicants must ensure:
- Using the official MI Swiss APEL.Q application template.
- All required information is fully completed and submitted on time.
Applicants must use the MI Swiss APEL.Q template to complete and provide supporting evidence. This template is designed to align with the program’s learning outcomes and competency framework.
Evidence is considered “acceptable” if it meets the following criteria:
- Accuracy: Evidence must be accurate, truthful, and easily verifiable.
- Relevance: Evidence must be relevant to the objectives and competencies being demonstrated.
- Reflectiveness: Evidence must clearly reflect the applicant’s competencies in alignment with the learning outcomes of the chosen program.
- Validity: Evidence must remain valid and applicable up to the time of APEL.Q submission.
When enrolling in the APEL.Q process, the End-Point Assessment (EPA) is a crucial evaluation step before proceeding to the assessment and qualification issuance phase within the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Bodies. EPA serves as a record documenting what has been learned (in both workplace settings and previous courses) and the competencies acquired. EPA provides evidence that the applicant meets the program’s learning outcomes (PLOs). It outlines all required PLOs, and for each PLO, the applicant describes the knowledge gained, skills acquired, theories applied, improvements they wish to contribute, and supporting evidence.
The EPA is written as a report (with templates and guidelines provided by MI Swiss) with a word limit of 4,000 words, excluding accompanying evidence. The EPA is a critical document for MI Swiss to assess the applicant’s actual competencies, alongside competency assessment tasks, to validate their capabilities and forward the results to the accreditation and qualification-awarding bodies.
Implementation Timeline
Immediately after submitting the APEL.Q application to MI Swiss, applicants may begin working on their EPA. The EPA must be completed within two months from the date of receiving MI Swiss’s Letter of Acceptance.
Requirements
An effective EPA should demonstrate knowledge, skills, and behavior with corresponding evidence.
EPA Structure:
Part 1: Reflective Learning Log (RLL)
The RLL is a document outlining the learning outcomes of a program. The applicant must demonstrate that their current competencies align with and meet these learning outcomes.
When describing a competency, applicants must address:
A. Knowledge
- How previous knowledge supports a PLO.
- What knowledge was acquired through work experience that contributes to a PLO.
- What knowledge is missing and needs further development to meet a PLO.
- Supporting evidence.
B. Skills
- What skills have been learned that support a PLO.
- How skills acquired through work experience contribute to a PLO.
- What skills need improvement or additional development to meet a PLO.
- Supporting evidence.
C. Behaviour/Attribute
- In a workplace setting, what attitudes and behaviors are necessary to achieve a PLO.
- What attitudes or behaviors need improvement for better effectiveness in the future.
- Supporting evidence.
Part 2: Supporting Evidence to Demonstrate Competency for Each PLO
In this section, applicants provide a concise list and references to supporting evidence such as reports, meeting minutes, emails, client and stakeholder feedback, and workplace performance evaluations.
The list of supporting evidence is unlimited, and the more comprehensive, the better. However, all evidence must be relevant, accurate, truthful, and verifiable. Effective evidence supports the verification of knowledge, skills, and behavior (KSB) to demonstrate competency for a PLO.
Direct Evidence
Certificates and Qualifications
You can provide various certifications and qualifications you have accumulated:
- Diplomas, certificates
- Verification of results
- Courses conducted by businesses (with certification)
Work-Related Documents
You can provide documents and records that you have accessed or created during your work:
- Photos, diagrams, charts, processes, etc.
- Reports
- Written documents
- Projects
- Objectives
- Products or works you have contributed to
Company Activity Records
Documents generated through business activities that you can provide:
- Notes
- Emails
- Completed records and documents
- Workplace contracts and agreements
- Client contracts
Other Documents
You may provide other types of evidence generated in daily life:
- Articles published in newspapers
- Awards from professional associations, communities, etc.
Indirect Evidence
Records
You may provide completed records (forms or documents) including:
- Work logs
- Records
- Scientific papers
- Blog posts, social media articles, etc.
Emails
You can provide email communications with relevant parties to demonstrate your competencies:
- Customer feedback
- Task lists
- Documents showcasing “writing and communication” skills
Support Letters
You may provide letters verifying your competencies from:
- Business owners
- Communities, associations
- Colleagues, partners, or individuals who have worked with you
In some cases, when the portfolios and evidence provided by APEL.Q applicants are not sufficiently convincing, the assessment board may require additional competency verification through the completion of specific competency assessment tasks.
The competency assessment tasks are conducted via the APEL.Q online learning portal.
General Information:
- The APEL.Q process is independently implemented by the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation. According to EU regulations and international practices, the APEL.Q process ensures transparency, fairness, independence, and efficiency following established guidelines. However, it is not a government program and does not receive financial support, scholarships, or other government funding.
- The APEL.Q process at the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation is independent and recognized by partner universities, but it is not influenced or controlled by partner universities or any third party. The assessment of APEL.Q is conducted solely by the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation, and the final decision rests with them. Partner universities or qualification-awarding bodies will only recognize the results once the APEL.Q Assessment Report has been completed by the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation.
- Partner universities or national competency qualification systems are the only entities authorized to issue qualifications. The Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation and local partners do not issue degrees or academic diplomas of any kind to applicants in the APEL.Q process.
- Applicants may not use the APEL.Q Assessment Report (if applicable) to transfer to universities other than the officially recognized partner universities or those explicitly approved in writing by the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation.
- Neither the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation, local partners, qualification-awarding bodies, nor partner universities make any guarantees beyond their respective decision-making authority. They bear no responsibility for the use of the qualification, its recognition, career advancements, immigration opportunities, or employment prospects after graduation.
- The Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation reserves the right to immediately revoke APEL.Q results without any refund if an applicant violates the agreed terms before applying for the APEL.Q process.
- If an applicant provides fraudulent evidence or inaccurate information in the APEL.Q application, the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation and its partners reserve the right to cancel both the APEL.Q results and any awarded qualifications. In such cases, no refunds or reimbursements will be issued for any costs incurred, and the applicant assumes full responsibility for any risks or damages caused by falsified or inaccurate information.
- The Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation reserves the right to accept or reject APEL.Q applications at its discretion.
- The standard timeline for the entire process is 09 months, provided that applicants submit complete documentation and successfully complete the End-Point Assessment on time. Applicants failing to adhere to the predefined timeline will not receive their graduation confirmation letter or qualification within six months. In cases where the student does not reside in Europe, a graduation confirmation letter will be issued first, followed by the qualification. The issuance timeline depends on the qualification-awarding institution’s processing, printing, and shipping schedules.
- The APEL.Q process fee does not cover expenses related to graduation ceremonies (if applicable), diploma delivery fees, or other costs unrelated to the APEL.Q process.
- The APEL.Q application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Due to differences between education systems and the discretion of institutions recognizing qualifications, the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation, local academic partners, national qualification-awarding bodies, and partner universities do not guarantee:
- Admission to the final stage of the partner university’s program through the APEL.Q process if the applicant does not meet the required standards and regulations.
- Qualification issuance upon entering the final stage if the applicant fails to meet academic standards and partner university regulations.
- Recognition of the qualification in the applicant’s home country or any other country where the qualification is used.
- Opportunities for immigration, career advancement, employment, study visas, or travel visas before, during, or after graduation.
APEL.Q from MI Swiss is a transparent, fair, and rigorous process supervised by partner universities and independent accreditation bodies. To ensure efficiency, accountability, and transparency for authorities and third parties, APEL.Q applies the following quality assurance principles:
LEARNER-CENTERED AND VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
- APEL.Q is a voluntary process and not mandatory. Learners take the initiative and are responsible for providing evidence to demonstrate their work experience and competencies relevant to the applied program.
- The APEL.Q process is based on application documents, portfolios and End-Point Assessment (EPA) where applicants take full responsibility for all steps and the accuracy of the information provided. MI Swiss and partner universities guide applicants but do not complete tasks on their behalf or provide additional evidence to support competency validation.
ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED MUST BE COMPLETE AND TRUTHFUL
- Information submitted for APEL.Q evaluation must be accurate and truthful. MI Swiss will immediately terminate an APEL.Q application without any refunds if any falsified information is detected.
- The APEL.Q assessment process by MI Swiss is designed to ensure effective verification through 360-degree interviews, cross-checking, independent third-party verification, collaboration with qualification assessment agencies, professional associations, and internal databases of MI Swiss and its partners.
FLEXIBILITY IN ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION
- Each applicant has different circumstances, work environments, and professional experiences. The evaluation process considers objective factors and differences when recognizing competencies.
- Recognition of differences is only applied if the applicant demonstrates they meet the minimum competency requirements for the applied program.
- The APEL.Q assessment process takes into account objective factors such as wars, pandemics, economic crises, and individual circumstances.
STRICT, FAIR, AND TRANSPARENT PROCESS
- The entire APEL.Q evaluation process is transparent and fair. MI Swiss makes no commitments beyond their authority or without an official decision from the Approval Committee.
Ensuring Public Transparency of the Process
- All processes, regulations, disclaimers, and relevant information about APEL.Q are publicly available on the global APEL.Q website and official local information platforms.
Ensuring Consistency in Understanding and Application of APEL.Q Policies
- To maintain process consistency, all APEL.Q applications worldwide must be in English. Local language translations are for reference only.
Ensuring Applicants Understand APEL.Q and Their Responsibilities
- All applicants accessing the APEL.Q process receive detailed information about APEL.Q from the beginning and may receive guidance (if applicable) from MI Swiss and partners.
- Before applying, candidates must sign an APEL.Q policy commitment to prevent misunderstandings and ensure transparency and integrity in information provision and communication.
Ensuring Equal Access to APEL.Q
- APEL.Q, implemented by MI Swiss, applies consistently across all countries and territories, without discrimination based on race, color, religion, or political ideology.
- All processes and standards remain uniform across different regions. While applying a “flexible recognition policy,” this policy does not compromise fairness, accuracy, or competency verification relative to an academic program.
- The application and admission process does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, or political system.
- There is no discrimination based on race, color, religion, or political ideology under any circumstances.
- MI Swiss reserves the right to accept or reject applicants, but such decisions are not influenced by race, color, religion, or political ideology.
Ensuring Accountability to Stakeholders
- The entire process, procedures, forms, competency frameworks (Competency), PLOs (Program Learning Outcomes), and KSB (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviors) are reviewed and recognized by partner universities.
- All frameworks and processes are verifiable and serve as a basis for competency validation.
QUALITY ASSURANCE IN EACH EVALUATION STAGE
Applicants undergo a three-stage evaluation process:
- Verification of the accuracy and authenticity of the application;
- Assessment of evidence submitted during the End-Point Assessment (EPA);
Each stage includes verification and evaluation by partner universities or independent accreditation bodies. After successfully completing all three stages, the student will receive a qualification from the partner institution.
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APEL.Q of Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss) is the first independent APEL.Q provider in the world. The learner could get a full accredited academic degree within 6 months
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