The Credit for previous learning policy at Lamberhurst is to recognize a student’s learning gained through experience and therefore study only those aspects that are new and challenging as part of the process.
Learning can be assessed – what a student knows and what he/she can do. Recognition for prior learning is based on the belief that adults acquire knowledge and skills through experience. The quality (standard or level) of the learning and not the quantity of experience (years of experience) is important.

Learning will be assessed to establish whether the recognition for prior learning candidates have:
• Foundational competence – that is, their understanding of what they are doing and why they are doing it.
• Practical competence – their ability to perform a set of tasks.
• Reflective competence – their ability to integrate and connect their knowledge and skills so that they learn from their actions and are able to adapt to changes and unforeseen circumstances.
• Applied competence – how they demonstrate the application of their knowledge and skills.

Candidates suitable for enrollment into the recognition for prior learning process are:
• Adults who have at least five years postsecondary school experience that is current; and
• Who have acquired skills and knowledge through one or some of the following:
1. Formal study,
2. Acceptable work experience,
3. Informal study for recreational or personal interest,
4. Cultural experience,
5. Academic aspects related to interests and or hobbies,
6. Academic and professional military experience,
7. Applicable life experience,
8. Self-study and acquired knowledge in science, languages, traveling psychometric, and other related fife experiences,
9. Company related training,
10. Industry related training,
11. Professional seminars, courses and related training,
12. Professional certifications, licenses and skills related to working experts in the field.
• Adults who comply with the admission criteria for the program for which they wish to apply for recognition for prior learning credit.

Unacceptable recognition for prior learning academic prior learning

Recognition for prior learning credit may not duplicate any other academic work. Candidates may not apply for recognition for prior learning credit and register for the same module or course simultaneously. Recognition for prior learning does not assess the vocational or craft skills, or self-improvement experience, unless the significance of this learning extends beyond the individual and is itself acceptable for academic purposes.

Limitations for recognition for prior learning assessment
The maximum recognition for prior learning credits, which may be awarded to candidates for a particular program, must not exceed 75%. As suggested previously, the student may bank any other credits not applicable. This is also a convenient method to ensure that candidates who do not qualify or are currently not in the position to complete their studies, or those who may wish to apply later for a second degree may utilize these credits towards this program.

Postgraduate students may apply for a whole degree, in which case status will be given to allow them to carry on with their studies and research work. A master’ degree which comprises a thesis only cannot be awarded in part through the recognition for prior learning system. A master’s degree that contains coursework in part could be awarded in part through recognition for prior learning subject to rules and regulations set by Lamberhurst University.

Recognition for prior learning credit granting

Credit is granted when the candidate’s knowledge and skills match the learning outcomes for a specific module, course or program, referenced against standard courses and modules. Candidates should indicate on their portfolios and relative application forms which courses they wish to gain recognition referenced against the work or training and education they have received.

Once a candidate has been accepted as a recognition for prior learning candidate by faculty, they will either do a challenge examination, assignment, or compile a portfolio of evidence to support their application and learning. The faculty will decide whether they write a challenge examination or a portfolio, according to general assessment criteria and the nature of the specific module or course. A faculty assessor who will recommend or decline credit will assess candidate’s evidence. Credits obtained through recognition for prior learning are recorded on the candidate’s transcript.

If a candidate is unsuccessful and does not receive the credits for which he or she applied, he or she may enroll for the module or course, or receive in cases where the outstanding work is limited top-up work, assignments and applicable coursework to complete the course, followed by an examination or challenge examination.

Credits awarded will be acknowledged for at least five years after accreditation, after which they will be forfeited if the person has not completed at least an addition set of modules as applicable to each case for the program they have enrolled.