At i-CATS University College, we recognise that meaningful learning extends far beyond the traditional classroom environment. Valuable knowledge, professional competencies, technical skills, and practical expertise are often developed through years of work experience, industry practice, leadership roles, community engagement, professional training, and lifelong learning experiences.
Through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Credit Award (APEL.C), i-CATS provides learners with the opportunity to transform their prior experiential learning into recognised academic credit. This initiative reflects our commitment to lifelong learning, flexible education pathways, talent recognition, and inclusive access to higher education. APEL.C at i-CATS is designed to support capable and experienced learners by reducing unnecessary repetition of learning, accelerating academic progression, and recognising demonstrated competencies in accordance with established academic and quality assurance standards. The APEL Centre remains committed to delivering a professional, transparent, learner-centred, and quality-assured assessment process through continuous guidance, academic support, and institutional excellence.
We invite you to embark on your academic journey with confidence and allow your experience to become a valuable pathway towards future achievement.
Recognise your experience. Advance your future.
At i-CATS University College, the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning is currently implemented specifically through APEL for Credit Award (APEL.C).
APEL.C is a formal academic mechanism that recognises learning acquired through work experience, professional practice, and other non-formal or informal learning pathways. It enables learners to demonstrate that they have achieved the required Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) through prior experiential learning.
Through APEL.C, eligible registered learners at i-CATS may apply for credit transfer for selected courses within their programme of study. The assessment focuses on evidence of learning and demonstrated competency, rather than solely on the duration or type of experience.
The implementation of APEL.C at i-CATS is fully aligned with the requirements of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and is governed by the University’s academic quality assurance policies and procedures, ensuring a transparent, consistent, and credible assessment process.
To support effective governance and operational coordination, the APEL Centre operates within a structured institutional framework involving academic leadership, supporting departments, and quality assurance units, as illustrated below.
Organizational Structure of the APEL Centre, i-CATS
The APEL Centre operates under the oversight of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International Office) and is supported by multiple university units including Registry, Finance, Marketing, Corporate Strategy, Academic Quality, Information Technology, and Faculties to ensure effective governance, quality assurance, and operational efficiency.
The APEL.C process at i-CATS follows a structured, quality-assured workflow, as illustrated in the application and credit award flowchart. Each stage ensures transparency, academic integrity, and alignment with Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs).
The process begins when learners submit an enquiry to the APEL Centre. Initial guidance is provided on eligibility, procedures, fees, required documents, and available assessment pathways.
An appointed Advisor conducts a consultation session to explain the APEL.C process in detail, including expectations, CLO requirements, evidence preparation, and suitable assessment methods.
Learners complete the Self-Assessment Form and prepare a CLO mapping report to demonstrate how their prior experiential learning aligns with the course learning outcomes.
The Advisor evaluates the self-assessment and determines whether the learner is eligible to proceed.
● If not eligible, the process ends with appropriate advice.
● If eligible, the learner proceeds to formal application.
Eligible learners submit the APEL.C Application Form together with the required payment of fees to initiate the assessment process.
Learners will undertake one of the following assessment methods, based on the nature of the course and Advisor recommendation:
● Challenge Test
Learners sit for a structured assessment (written, oral, performance-based). The test is subsequently graded by the Assessor.
● Portfolio Submission
Learners submit a structured portfolio containing documented evidence of prior learning mapped to CLOs. The portfolio is assessed and graded accordingly.
All assessment outcomes (Challenge Test or Portfolio) are compiled and reviewed by the APEL Centre before proceeding to the decision stage.
● If Pass:
The results are forwarded for formal endorsement by the University Senate, and the appropriate credit(s) are awarded.
● If Not Pass:
Learners may decide whether to proceed with an appeal.
Learners who are not successful may submit an appeal request within the stipulated timeframe. The appeal will be independently reviewed in accordance with i-CATS procedures.
Upon approval:
● Credits are officially endorsed and recorded as CT (APEL)
● The Registry issues formal notification to the learner
The process concludes once the learner receives the final outcome.
Applicants must:
● Be registered learners of i-CATS
● Apply for courses within an accredited programme
● Demonstrate relevant prior experiential learning
● Achieve at least 50% of each Course Learning Outcome
● Apply only for courses not yet taken or registered
● Submit complete documentation and evidence
APEL.C does not normally apply to final-year projects, dissertations, and certain practicum or industrial training components unless permitted by the applicable framework.
Applicants are required to submit:
● APEL.C Application Form
● Self-Assessment Form
● CLO Mapping Report
● Payment receipt
● Portfolio evidence, where applicable
● Identification and student information
● Any additional supporting documents required by the APEL Centre
The official forms include counselling, self-assessment, application, portfolio submission, assessment rubric, moderation, and appeal forms.
A proctored assessment designed to determine whether the learner has achieved the course learning outcomes. It may include written, oral, practical, performance, or presentation-based assessment.
A structured compilation of evidence showing how the learner’s experience, training, work, and self-learning meet the course learning outcomes.
● Are recorded as credit transfer
● Do not carry grades
● Are not counted in GPA or CGPA
● Count toward graduation requirements
● Are awarded only for the specific course applied for
APEL Centre, i-CATS
Jalan Stampin Timur
93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
General Line: +6082-570888
Email: apel@icats.edu.my
Website: https://www.icats.edu.my
APEL Portal: https://apel.icats.edu.my
