Process of confirmation by an authorised body that learning outcomes (knowledge, know-how, information, values, skills and competences) acquired in non-formal or informal settings have been assessed against relevant standards.
Comment
- Validation of non-formal and informal learning outcomes consists of four phases: identification, documentation, assessment and certification of learning outcomes;
- it makes knowledge and skills of individuals visible and increases their value;
- validation relates to various terms and acronyms, including: assessment of prior experiential learning (APEL); accreditation of prior experiential learning; assessment of prior learning (APL); recognition of non-formal and informal learning (RNFIL); recognition of prior learning (RPL); validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL). All these terms encompass related notions of similar processes, related to making visible and providing value to the knowledge and skills that individuals have.
Source
Council of the European Union, 2012; Cedefop.