Achieved Prior Learning (APL)
FAQs
What is APL?
Achieved Prior Learning (APL) is a way to earn Moraine Valley
Community College credit for what you already know from prior learning or work
experience. It is designed to help Moraine Valley
students obtain Moraine Valley college credit without repeating material.
Faculty members assess your knowledge through written examinations, interviews
and performance tests. Academic Outreach maintains a list of courses available
for APL credit and the assessment methods.
Who is it for?
APL is open to all Moraine Valley students. Registration is
accepted anytime during the year. Forms are available in the Academic Outreach
Office, Building L, Room L244.
Is there a time limit on completing an APL?
Yes. You have 25 weeks from the day you register for the APL to
complete all requirements, unless your instructor designates a different
schedule.
Do APL credits transfer?
You should check with the registrar of the transfer school to verify acceptance
of APL credits.
When and how can I register?
You can register any time during the year. Pick up instructions
and forms at the Academic
Outreach office, Building L, Room L244.
Is there a limit on how many APL credits I may receive?
To graduate from Moraine Valley, you must earn at least 25 percent
of the program requirements at Moraine Valley, in addition to credit obtained
through APL. Some programs further limit the number of courses for which APL
credit can be received. An APL course appears on a transcript with the
designation "P" and number of credit hours earned.
Can I use APL as an independent study?
No. APL is designed for those who already know the
course material.
How is my prior learning assessed and graded?
Your knowledge is assessed by full-time faculty members in the
appropriate academic or career discipline. The assessment itself may be a
written examination, interview or performance test.
What is the difference between Proficiency Credit and APL (Achieved
Prior Learning)?
Take a look at here.
Achieved Prior Learning (APL) Policies and Procedures
The Achieved Prior Learning program provides procedures, forms, record keeping, and a central office for Moraine Valley students who wish to obtain college credit without having to repeat familiar materials.
If you wish to complete the APL procedures, you must be enrolled at Moraine Valley and taking classes. You cannot repeat or complete a course using APL.
To obtain APL credit, you should
1.
Be briefed by Academic Outreach staff on the APL program.
2. Check the master list
of courses in Academic Outreach. If the class you want is on the list, note the
instructors, options and requirements.
3. Obtain a Pre-Registration Form from
Academic Outreach.
- Complete the student portion of Pre-Registration Form.
- Contact Faculty and obtain consent.
- Have instructor complete faculty portion of Pre-Registration Form.
- Obtain necessary faculty signature(s).
4. Return Pre-Registration Form (with faculty signatures) to Academic Outreach.
- Obtain and complete Achieved Prior Learning Registration/Grade Form.
- Take Registration/Grade Form to Registration Office in Building S to pay tuition and fees.
- Leave all copies of Registration/Grade Form in Building S after registering.
5. Complete assessment with instructor. You are graded on a pass/fail basis. The P/Pass destination represents a grade of "C" or better. This is not calculated as a part of your grade point average. You will receive a copy of the Registration/Grade Form by mail after the faculty complete their evaluation.
The APL fee for a course is nonrefundable and may differ from the amount of tuition charged for a traditional classroom course.
Faculty member returns Registration/Grade Form (with instructor portion completed) and evidence of assessment to Academic Outreach. Students have 25 weeks from registration date to complete their APL, unless a different time schedule is designated by instructor or department chair.
For More Information
Contact Academic Outreach anderson@morainevalley.edu, Building L, Room L244, (708) 974-5710
