APEL.A

Experience Matters.
It’s Your Bridge to a Degree Programme

Your life and work experience is your greatest
asset. Let it be your gateway to a multitude of degree programmes allowing you to unlock your true potential.

Ready to take the next step with APEL.A?

Your journey to academic success starts here, because we recognise the value of your real-world working knowledge and experience.

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Application Timeframe

APEL.A assessment process may take a maximum period of 4 months (involving the aptitude test, portfolio assessment and an interview session, where applicable)
From the date of submission of complete application form and the relevant documentary evidence.
So you are advised to apply for your APEL.A certification well in advance of admission date for desired programmes.

APEL.A Entry Requirements

Masters & Postgraduate Diploma

At least 30 years of age in the year of application.
Possess at least an STPM/ Diploma/ equivalent qualification
Or those with higher qualifications, e.g., Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
Possess relevant work experience.
Pass the APEL.A assessment for Master’s level.

Bachelor & Graduate Certificate

At least 21 years of age in the year of application.
Possess relevant work experience.
Pass the APEL.A assessment for Bachelor’s degree level.

Diploma

At least 20 years of age in the year of application.
Possess relevant work experience.
Pass the APEL.A assessment for Diploma level.

APEL.A Application Process

To undergo APEL.A assessment at WOU, you must officially register with MQA on their website.

Register with MQA

Once you’ve registered with MQA, complete your application process on WOU’s website by submitting your details here.

Select WOU as APEL Centre of Choice

We’ll also invite you to a detailed briefing to prep you for the Aptitude Test and Portfolio submission, along with specimen questions to get you exam ready.

We Help Prepare You for Your Assessment

Assessment Component

Aptitude Test	Diploma	Bachelors	Masters
SUBJECTS: Bahasa Malaysia English Language Numeral Literacy General Knowledge Critical Thinking Digital Literacy	100% (Tested at PMR (Grade/Year 9 competency level)	30% weightage (Tested at SPM/Grade/Year 11 competency level)	40% weightage (Tested at 1st year of the Bachelor’s degree)
WORKING PORTFOLIO: Evidence of work experience/ prior experiential learning compromising formal, informal and non-formal learning components	Not required	70% weightage	40% weightage
RESEARCH INTENT & PRESENTATION	Not required	Not required	Not required
INTERVIEW	Not required	Not required	20% weightage

Find the Right Programme for You

Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is APEL?

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning i.e. knowledge, skills and attitudes, to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for admission/access to a programme of study and/or award of credits. Learners can base their applications on any combinations of formal, non-formal and informal learning.

Which levels of study are offered for APEL.A application and assessment in WOU?

The following three levels of study are offered for APEL.A application and assessment in WOU:

Master’s Degree Programme
Bachelor’s Degree Programme
Diploma Programme

What are the APEL.A application criteria?

The APEL.A application criteria are listed below:

1. Programme at Master’s Degree level
The applicant shall be 30 years of age in the year of application with at least STPM/Diploma/equivalent qualifications and must possess relevant work experience.

2. Programme at Bachelor’s Degree level
The applicant shall be 21 years of age in the year of application and must possess relevant work experience.

3. Programme at Diploma level
The applicant shall be 20 years of age in the year of application and must possess relevant work experience.

How long would the APEL.A assessment take to complete?

The APEL.A assessment may take as long as two to four months to complete. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for APEL.A certification six months prior to the date of admission into the intended institution and programme.

1. Master’s Degree level
Minimum period of three months from the date of submission of complete application.

2. Bachelor’s Degree level
Minimum period of two months from the date of submission of complete application.

3. Diploma level
Minimum period of two months from the date of submission of complete application.

The minimum periods stated above are only an estimate for the evaluation process, without there being repetition of any assessment components due to failure. RepetitiPortfo evaluation period. The evaluation period therefore depends on the individual applicants.

How to submit APEL.A application to WOU?

For candidates who would like to undergo APEL.A assessment at WOU, you must first register with MQA (https://www2.mqa.gov.my/apel_a/) before submitting your application via WOU’s APEL.A Portal (https://myapel.wou.edu.my). The registration form is to be presented for WOU’s verification and validation.

How much are the fees for APEL.A assessment?

The fees for APEL.A assessment are listed below:

LEVELS	FEES (RM)
1 Master’s Degree level	560
2 Bachelor’s Degree level	370
3 Diploma level	240

What are the components in the APEL.A assessment and their weightages?

1. Master’s Degree level Aptitude Test (40%) > Portfolio (40%) > Interview (20%)
2. Bachelor’s Degree level Aptitude Test (30%) > Portfolio (70%)
3. Diploma level Aptitude Test (100%) > Portfolio (Must fulfil the set criteria.)

What is an Aptitude Test?

Aptitude Test is a formal examination which the applicant must pass.
Aptitude Test is to assess the knowledge and competencies of an applicant in the aspects of numerical literacy, languages and general knowledge / critical thinking.

What is the duration for the Aptitude Test?

Test durations are listed below:

LEVELS	DURATION
1. Master’s Degree level	2 hours & 30 minutes
2. Bachelor’s Degree level	2 hours
3. Diploma level	2 hours

What are the weightages and structures of the Aptitude Test?

1. Master’s Degree level – Weightage: 40% Structure

Sections	Number of Questions
Numerical Literacy / Mathematics	Part A: 25 objective questions Part B: 1 structured question
English Literacy	Part A: 12 objective questions Part B: 1 structured question
Bahasa Malaysia Literacy	Part A: 13 objective questions Part B: 1 structured question
General Knowledge / Critical Thinking	Part A: 25 objective questions Part B: 2 structured questions

2. Bachelor’s Degree level – Weightage: 40% Structure

Sections	Number of Questions
Numerical Literacy / Mathematics	10 objective questions
English Literacy	10 objective questions
Bahasa Malaysia Literacy	10 objective questions
General Knowledge / Critical Thinking	10 objective questions

3. Diploma level – Weightage: 100% Structure

Sections	Number of Questions
Numerical Literacy / Mathematics	10 objective questions
English Literacy	10 objective questions
Bahasa Malaysia Literacy	10 objective questions
General Knowledge / Critical Thinking	10 objective questions

What is a Portfolio?

Portfolio is a compilation that documents the prior experiences of an applicant which include formal, informal and non-formal learning. Portfolio must be prepared in English.

What are examples of evidence for APEL.A application & Portfolio?

Below are listed the examples of evidence that can be used to support APEL.A application and Portfolio:

Direct Evidence	Indirect Evidence
Certificates	Written Records
Work Samples	Part A: 12 objective questions Part B: 1 structured question
Bahasa Malaysia Literacy	Email
Records of Workplace Activities	Supporting Letters
Documents

For further details, please refer to Appendix 4 in the ‘APEL.A Learners’ Handbook’.

What are the resources made available for the Aptitude Test Portfolio?

Specimen questions and Portfolio guidelines are made available on the APEL.A page for applicants to make the necessary preparations for the Aptitude Test and Portfolio.

What is an Interview?

Interview is only applicable for APEL.A assessment at the Master’s Degree level. Applicants are required to present their Portfolio to a panel of assessors and explain their acquired learning in greater detail, which will be conducted in the form of an interview and carries a weightage of 10% of total assessment marks.

What is the passing mark?

The passing marks for each component and overall score is at least 50% of the total marks.

Is appeal for APEL results allowed?

Yes, applicants who have failed the Aptitude Test may appeal for a review or apply for a re-sitting. Applicants who have failed the Portfolio assessment (Bachelor’s Degree levels) may re-submit the Portfolio for another assessment. Applicants who have failed either the Portfolio assessment or interview (only for Master’s Degree) MUST re-do both components regardless of which component the candidate failed.

Will applicants who pass the APEL.A assessment be issued any certificate/document?

An official notification letter to inform the results will be issued to the applicant by MQA or the APEL Assessment Centre. Applicants who have passed the APEL.A assessment will be awarded the APEL certification by MQA, which can be used to apply for admission into any of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia.

What is the use of APEL certification?

APEL certification can only be used by applicants for the purpose of furthering their studies at HEIs. It is not the awarding of qualifications like the academic programme at HEIs. The APEL certificate also cannot be used for employment purposes.For example: APEL Certificate for Master’s level (Level 7) can only be used to apply for admission to HEIs to further their studies at Master’s level. It is not an award for a Master’s programme as issued by the HEI.

Does the APEL certificate have a validity period?

The APEL.A certificate has a 5-year validity period from the date the results are announced. However, for those who have the certificate issued before 1 January 2023, the validity ends on 31 December 2027.

Where can applicants refer to for more information about APEL.A assessment?

Applicants can refer to the ‘APEL.A Learners Handbook’ and the MQA APEL
website (https://www2.mqa.gov.my/apel/).

APEL.A

Ready to take the next step with APEL.A?

Application Timeframe