Gaining recognition for your policing knowledge and skills towards further study.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a way of recognising an individual’s knowledge and skills, helping them to achieve credits towards educational qualifications. RPL can be used by:
- individuals
- forces
- organisations
- higher education institutions (HEIs)
- awarding organisations (AOs)
College of Policing programmes and curricula can be recognised as educational credits towards further study.
How RPL works
RPL works by assessing previous College of Policing programmes of learning against educational levels and outcomes to establish the potential value. These credits can then be used to access a course or learning programme.
The College, in consultation with key stakeholders across higher education, has devised a specific methodology which is aligned to Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) guidelines.
Based on this approach, RPL examines:
- the coverage of the learning in each College of Policing programme
- the assessment associated with each programme
- the complexity, depth and duration of the learning
The credit estimator shows how many credits may be recognised from previous learning. If you have not used it before, you can find out more about the credit estimator.
All recognition of learning for College programmes are subject to a provider's final decision and is not a guarantee of the credit and level which will be accepted.
About the credit estimator
You can use the credit estimator to find out the educational level and the estimated amount of credits for programmes in:
- the police leadership programme (all stages)
- public protection
- police constable entry routes (PCER), including special constables and police community support officers (PCSOs)
- conducting investigations
- information and intelligence
- roads policing
Educational credits may give you access to a different year of study or allow you credits towards modules on a programme. You won't be able to gain an academic or professional qualification without completing additional study.
It's important to note that the educational level and credits displayed are an estimate based on a minimum value.
The application of RPL is the decision of a HEI or AO and is undertaken on an individual basis. It's also important to be aware that most HEIs and AOs will have a limit on the number of credits you are able to claim towards a qualification.
Educational levels
Educational levels involve categorising learning stages based on:
- complexity
- depth of knowledge
- expected outcomes
In the UK this is formalised through qualification frameworks. For more information go to: What qualification levels mean.
Educational credits
Educational credits are a way of quantifying and recognising learning whenever and wherever it is achieved.
Credits are awarded in recognition of achievement of learning outcomes at a specified level, with one credit usually equating to 10 hours of learning.
For more information go to: Higher Education Credit Framework for England: Advice on Academic Credit Arrangements.
Further information and feedback
We would like to hear your thoughts on how we can improve the credit estimator. Email [email protected] with any feedback on:
- programmes you would like added
- whether the information meets your needs
- how the pages are presented
You can also email us for enquiries or to find out more about RPL and the credit estimator.