What is APEL.Q?

APEL.Q is Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) for Qualification (Q), through comprehensive assessment and evaluation of knowledge and skills acquired from formal, informal, non-formal, corporate training, and practical work experience. This process is widely implemented in Europe and other countries and has recently been recognized as an official national recognition procedure in Asian countries.

APEL.Q is regarded as a transparent, fair, accurate, and cost-effective process that offers flexible learning opportunities for workers, promotes liberal education and labor mobility, and supports lifelong learning.

While traditional programs award qualifications based on academic participation, APEL.Q process follows a reverse approach by assessing actual competencies in relation to job positions and converting them into credits that are mapped to the learning outcomes of qualifications. According to this assessment, professional organizations or universities independently conduct the End-Point Assessment and grant qualifications

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:

1. Portfolios – A detailed record of work experience and career history.
2. End Point Assessment – A comprehensive competency evaluation.

Candidates who complete this process can graduate and receive a diploma, saving up to 85% of study time and 80% of costs compared to studying in Switzerland or UK for a similar program.

Qualification Upon Completion

Upon successful completion of the APEL.Q process, candidate will receive:

• Level 6 Diploma in Business Management from the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body OTHM (Gov Recognition No. 603/2179/9)

Applied Competency Framework

The competency framework used for assessing candidates in the APEL.Q process is based on occupational standards, aligning the required job position competencies with the learning outcomes of the academic program.

MI Swiss – The World’s First Independent Institution to Implement APEL.Q

Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss) is an official international corporate institute member of the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss) and operates under the license and accreditation standards of SIMI Swiss.

MI Swiss takes pride in being the first independent institution worldwide to implement APEL.Q process while ensuring that the results are recognized by professional organizations or partner universities. With a transparent, fair, and precise process, the APEL.Q process at MI Swiss strictly adheres to occupational standards, making it an optimal solution for competency recognition. Instead of relying on traditional examinations, APEL.Q process directly assesses actual competencies, making qualification granting more effective and aligned with modern industry requirements.

1. Earn an Executive Bachelor Level of Business Administration qualification:

Upon successful completion of the process, learners will receive an accredited qualification, widely recognized in the workplace:

• Level 6 Diploma in Business Management from the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body OTHM (Gov Recognition No. 603/2179/9).

2. Globally Recognized Assessment Criteria

All assessment criteria in the APEL.Q program are based on the occupational standard and officially published. These criteria align with real-world workplace requirements and are developed with contributions from prestigious organizations and corporations. View the assessment criteria [HERE]

3. Significant Time Savings

Learners can complete the program in just 9 – 12 months through two key activities:

1. Submit Portfolios detailing work experience and competencies to MI Swiss.
2. Complete the End-Point Assessment and submit the results to MI Swiss.

4. Save Up to 80% on Tuition Costs

Compared to tuition and living expenses for full-time students in the UK and Switzerland, you only need to pay 20% of the total cost.

5. Recognized Qualification in Over 180 Countries and Territories (*)

The awarded qualification provides a significant advantage in the international job market, supporting employment opportunities abroad and within foreign enterprises. Additionally, this qualification facilitates labor mobility and international migration, enabling learners to secure jobs quickly and reduce the risk of unemployment, particularly for mid-career professionals.

(*) Despite various regulations on cross-recognition and qualification equivalence, each country, organization, or institution has the right to determine the recognition and acceptance of qualifications on its own terms. MI Swiss and our partners do not guarantee, commit to, or promise the recognition of qualifications, certificates, transcripts, or other documents issued by the awarding body. Candidates are responsible for checking the usability of the qualification at their intended receiving institution (workplace, government, country, etc.) before applying.

Key Benefits:

• 100% refund policy, ensuring a risk-free process.
• Only 20% of the cost compared to studying in Switzerland or UK for a similar program.
• Competency-based assessment eliminates the need for redundant coursework.
• Completion within 7 months, with qualification awarded in 9 months.
• Accredited qualifications, widely accepted in the workplace.
• Career advantages in multinational companies or working abroad.
• Supports residency and migration opportunities.

About the Ofqual UK.Gov awarding body OTHM:

• Recognized as an organization by the educational authority of the United Kingdom, Ofqual (UK.Gov). Recognition Number: RN5284. Refer to the recognition information [HERE]
• OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management is accredited with the Ofqual UK.Gov code 603/2179/9. Refer to the accreditation information [HERE]

Reference:

To enroll in the APEL.Q competency assessment program, learners must meet the following requirements:

English Language Requirements

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level B2 certificate or an equivalent qualification
• IELTS 5.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 in Reading and Writing, or an equivalent qualification

Note: MI Swiss reserves the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.

Upon completion of the program, learners will receive a qualification recognized in over 180 countries and territories:

• Level 6 Diploma in Business Management from the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body OTHM (Gov Recognition No. 603/2179/9)

The APEL.Q process consists of the following steps:

1. Submit the 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:

• Candidates will receive study materials and detailed guidelines to complete competency assessment tasks.
• Submit the completed assessments to the local partner for formatting support.
• Send the final submission to MI Swiss.

3. End Point Assessment (EPA)

• The competency portfolio and documents are submitted to Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Bodies for evaluation.
• If approved, candidates receive the corresponding UK national qualification.
• If not approved, candidates receive guidance for resubmission or additional evidence if required.

• During the APEL.Q process, if learners do not meet the requirements, they will have the opportunity to retake the assessment (“Retake”) with support from local partners.
• The retake option allows learners additional time and opportunities to refine their competencies or enroll in supplementary courses to meet the assessment criteria.
• Learners are allowed one retake at no additional cost.

APEL.Q is a unique and humanitarian program designed to support individuals affected by pandemics, wars, and crises—situations that force many to migrate or lose their educational and competency documents. Given its nature, the program aims to provide the best possible opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and those directly impacted by war and crises.

Scope of Application:

Disadvantaged individuals are those facing life challenges. According to UNESCO, vulnerable groups include:

• People with disabilities;
• Individuals in extremely difficult circumstances;
• Pregnant women;
• Individuals over 60 years old;
• People with mobility limitations.

Support Policy for Vulnerable Groups:

• 50% financial support for the entire APEL.Q End-Point Assessment stage.
• In case of an unsuccessful End-Point Assessment, vulnerable individuals receive a 100% fee refund.

The Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss) is committed to supporting vulnerable communities through a globally inclusive policy applicable to all programs.

Although under the APEL.Q assessment principles, learners are fully responsible for the entire process, MI Swiss collaborates with local partners to provide support, making the process smoother and more accessible.

Support from London Academy of Sciences

The exclusive scientific partner of MI Swiss will accompany you throughout the APEL.Q process. However, this partner only provides support and does not complete any part of the process on your behalf. Available support includes:

1. APEL.Q Process Consultation: Providing detailed information and guidance on the process.
2. Success Potential Assessment: Offering advice on potential outcomes before submission (note: this is advisory only and not a guarantee).
3. Provision of Regulations and Standards: Including competency assessment criteria and liability disclaimers.
4. Application Guidance: Assisting with APEL.Q application forms, personal portfolios (Portfolios), and supporting evidence.
5. Document Submission: Ensuring that all documents are sent to MI Swiss for the End-Point Assessment (EPA).
6. Interpretation Support: Providing translation or clarification if there are language or interpretational differences in the application.

Transparency and Responsibilities

• Integrity in the Process: All information and supporting evidence must be accurate. MI Swiss will cancel any application and issue no refunds if fraudulent activity or false information is detected.
• Application Submission Rules: Learners may submit only one APEL.Q application at a time and may not submit applications in multiple countries.
• Global Network: Applications submitted at the London Academy of Sciences will be connected with partners of the London Academy of Sciences in Europe, ASEAN, Africa, MENA, and China via the MI Swiss EPA system.

Free Local Partner Support

Learners do not have to pay any additional fees for support provided by the local scientific partner.

No Commitments Beyond Jurisdiction

In compliance with EU regulations, including transparency in communication, fair competition, and GDPR, MI Swiss, its partner universities, and local scientific partners (London Academy of Sciences) are not permitted to make commitments beyond their authority. Please refer to the liability disclaimer on the websites of MI Swiss, its partner universities, and local scientific partners for more details.

Learners participating in the APEL.Q process at MI Swiss will receive their qualification and attend the graduation ceremony in Asia alongside MI Swiss students and partner institutions.

If a learner is unable to attend the graduation ceremony, the diploma and certifications from MI Swiss and its partners will be sent to the local partner. Learners can visit the local partner’s office to sign and collect their diploma.

Graduation ceremony costs (if applicable) are not included in the tuition fees.

As APEL.Q is not a traditional academic program, candidates are not granted access to visit the campus, nor are they eligible for invitation letters for tourist or student visas to Switzerland, as is the case with full-time international students.

The entire competency framework used to assess APEL.Q for the Level 6 Diploma in Business Management is advised by the Senior Leader Bureau, based on the professional competency framework for the Chartered Manager position, published and recognized by the UK government.

The competency criteria were developed with contributions from advisory councils representing organizations such as Serco (employer chair), Civil Service (employer chair), Acivico (Birmingham City Council), Anglo Educational, Barclays, BT, Balfour Beatty, Barchester Healthcare, Boots UK Ltd, British Army, BBC, CMI, Co-op, DFS, Grant Thornton, Interserve, JRV Associates, KPMG, Morgan Sindell, NHS (Dept of Health), Nestlé, Opus Building Services, Pearson, Pendragon plc, Ricoh, Sainsbury’s, Santander UK plc, Speedy Services, umi Digital, Unipart, United Utilities plc, Virgin Media, Wincanton, and XPO Logistics.

APEL.Q for the Bachelor of Applied Business Administration Program corresponds to Level 6 (Bachelor) under the UK’s national qualification framework (RQF), recognized by Ofqual (UK Gov), equivalent to:

Detailed Competency Framework: