Recognition of Previous Learning Policy

Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure
  Version Number  IBS/RPLP/26Apr/V001
  
  Member of Staff Responsible  Jonathan Liu
 
  Record of Revisions to Policy
  Date  Details  Approved by
April 2026PublishedBoard of Directors
   
April 2026ReviewedBoard of Directors
Jul 2023ReviewedBoard of Directors
   
  Date of Current Policy  April 2026
  
  Next Review Date  March 2027
  Review to be approved by  Board of Directors

Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of assessment that considers whether a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning. International Business School (IBS) aims to provide opportunities for learners to submit evidence using recognised prior learning that can be mapped against learning outcomes and assessment criteria, to contribute to a recognised qualification.

1. Purpose

International Business School (IBS) recognises prior learning to enable learners to avoid duplication of learning while ensuring that academic standards, assessment integrity, and regulatory compliance are maintained.

This policy sets out how IBS:

  • Assesses prior certificated and experiential learning
  • Awards credit or exemption
  • Ensures decisions are valid, reliable, and auditable

2. Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

  • Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition (E10, H5, G6)
  • Office for Students (OfS) regulatory framework (quality, standards, consumer protection)
  • Awarding body requirements (e.g. Qualifi, OTHM, ATHE)

IBS ensures that RPL:

  • Does not compromise academic standards
  • Is subject to the same quality assurance as formal assessment
  • Is transparent and consistently applied

3. Definition of RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process through which IBS assesses whether a learner’s previous learning (formal, non-formal, or informal) meets the learning outcomes of a unit or qualification.

RPL includes:

3.1 Prior Certificated Learning (PCL)

Previously achieved qualifications or units

3.2 Prior Experiential Learning (PEL)

Learning gained through:

  • Work experience
  • Professional practice
  • Life experience

4. Forms of Recognition

IBS recognises prior learning through:

4.1 Credit Transfer (Equivalency)

  • Transfer of credit from regulated qualifications
  • Must be at the same or higher level
  • Must match learning outcomes

4.2 Exemption

  • Recognition of certificated achievement (regulated or non-regulated)
  • Does not carry credit

4.3 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

  • Assessment of experiential learning
  • Leads to credit where standards are met

5. Principles of RPL

All RPL decisions must be:

  • Valid – aligned to learning outcomes
  • Reliable – consistent across assessors
  • Authentic – learner’s own work
  • Current – reflects up-to-date knowledge
  • Sufficient – fully meets assessment criteria

RPL is not a shortcut and requires the same academic standard as taught provision.

6. Limits on RPL

To protect academic integrity:

  • Maximum 70% of a qualification may be achieved through RPL, credit transfer, or exemption
  • Minimum 30% must be completed through IBS assessment
  • Additional restrictions may apply where required by:
    • Awarding organisations
    • Professional/regulatory bodies
    • Partner universities

RPL cannot normally be applied to:

  • Externally assessed units
  • Work placements
  • Regulated professions
  • Licence-to-practice qualifications

7. Currency of Learning

  • Evidence must normally be within the last 3 years
  • Older learning may be accepted only if competence can be demonstrated as current

8. Evidence Requirements

Learners must provide verifiable evidence, such as:

Certificated Learning

  • Certificates
  • Transcripts
  • Unit specifications

Experiential Learning

  • CV and employment records
  • Reflective statements
  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Employer references

IBS may require:

  • Professional discussion
  • Challenge assessment
  • Additional testing

9. RPL Process

Stage 1: Information, Advice and Guidance

Learners are informed of:

  • RPL opportunities
  • Requirements and timelines
  • Fees (if applicable)

Stage 2: Application

Learner submits:

  • RPL application form
  • Supporting evidence

Stage 3: Mapping and Assessment

  • Assessor maps evidence to learning outcomes
  • Evidence evaluated against assessment criteria
  • Additional assessment may be required

Stage 4: Internal Quality Assurance

  • All RPL decisions reviewed by IQA
  • Ensures consistency and fairness

Stage 5: Decision and Credit Award

Outcome may include:

  • Full credit for unit(s)
  • Partial recognition (with further assessment required)
  • Rejection

Where applicable, awarding bodies confirm credit.

Stage 6: Feedback and Appeals

  • Learners receive written feedback
  • Appeals handled under IBS Appeals Policy

10. Roles and Responsibilities

IBS Management

  • Ensure compliance with Ofqual and OfS
  • Maintain policy and procedures

Assessors

  • Evaluate evidence objectively
  • Ensure alignment with learning outcomes

Internal Quality Assurers (IQA)

  • Monitor consistency
  • Approve RPL decisions

Learners

  • Provide valid and sufficient evidence
  • Meet deadlines

11. Quality Assurance and Compliance

IBS ensures:

  • RPL assessment meets Ofqual Condition H5 (sufficient evidence)
  • Processes are documented and auditable
  • Decisions are consistent and standardised

For OfS compliance, IBS ensures:

  • Academic standards are maintained
  • Student outcomes are not adversely affected
  • Information is clear and accessible

12. Data Protection

All RPL data is processed in accordance with:

  • UK GDPR
  • IBS Data Protection Policy

13. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be:

  • Reviewed annually
  • Updated in line with regulatory and awarding body changes