Recognition of prior learning: guidance for awarding organisations
Introduction to the CII recognition of prior learning scheme
The CII operates an extensive recognition of prior learning scheme for certificated learning for both academic and professional qualifications which are sufficiently similar to CII qualification units.
The principle of recognition of prior learning is to recognise duplicate learning by awarding credits in the CII qualification framework; this means in practice the CII awards exemption from the closest matching CII unit.
If there is not a close match then the CII may, on occasions, consider a discretionary award of ‘non unit specific credits’ to recognise non-CII qualifications that partial meet the CII learning outcomes across a range of CII units and the assessment is of an equivalent standard.
CII recognition of prior learning is for individuals and any award made is dependent not only on the match to an individual’s prior qualification but on other factors such as the CII qualification units that the individual already holds prior to their application and the CII qualification completion rules.
There may be differences between awards made to different applicants even where they have completed the same qualification at the same time. CII qualifications evolve and awards can change as new units are introduced, units are withdrawn and the learning content and assessment changes.
A separate section on the CII website provides comprehensive information for applicants, including frequently asked questions: cii.co.uk/prior-learning
Benefits of an awarding organisation liaising directly with the CII
Whilst the scheme is for individuals there are advantages of an awarding, organisation liaising directly with the CII.
Benefits for the awarding organisation
• Certainty of the maximum award entitlement for graduates
• Guidance on wording for potential students in your marketing material
• Reduced administration
Benefits for the individual applicant
• Faster processing
• Reduced administration
Eligible qualifications
In order to be eligible for CII recognition of prior learning the non-CII qualification(s) must be ‘certificated learning’ and must match a current CII unit. Certificated learning means that there has been a formal assessment and the awarding organisation must be recognised by a national qualifications regulator.
We recognise that not all awarding organisation will have the UK ENIC recognition and we may recognise qualifications that have recognition from the Ministry of Education and/or Market Regulator.
Recognition of prior learning is not awarded for qualifications, membership or awards that have been achieved through experience.
How CII determines awards
We recognise qualifications from awarding organisations based in the UK and outside the UK and our awards are based on how closely they match current CII qualifications.
We recognise that qualifications for students based outside the UK are likely to contain localised legislation, regulation and market practice and that UK legislation, regulation and market practice, which feature in our qualifications, may not be relevant to non-UK audiences. Our recognition of prior learning awards do not penalise localisation.
The standards for determining eligibility to prior learning are contained within the scheme rules.
Further information
Further information and FAQs for awarding organisations and a list of documentation we require within university submissions.