ACCREDITATION FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Learners may apply to the FIA for APL rights for courses or qualifications achieved in the past that the learner feels are relevant to the chosen route to a Level II-V Award.

However, the FIA QSD considers that few alternative qualifications have, or have had, content equivalent to the current Qualification Scheme. The FIA QSD is concerned that awarding APL without careful consideration could result in learners achieving a Level Award more easily, with the possibility that these learners do not have the full depth or breadth of knowledge of trainees who have gone through the programme without APL.

Whilst the FIA will consider each application on merit, the FIA are unlikely to accept most applications for APL for the reasons given above. However, any notable exceptions to this rule will be advised on the FIA website.