Purpose
This policy prescribes CICCC’s requirements for granting credit to students for their prior learning, including the types of learning that may be recognized, the processes CICCC uses, and the types of credit that can be granted.
Scope
The policy is applicable to all CICCC diploma courses currently offered. All applications for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) will be assessed according to CICCC policies. Credit and learning objective recognition assessed prior to an applicant being made an offer of admission does not guarantee the applicant a place in the course.
Definitions
Types of learning:
- Formal learning: Learning that takes place through a structured program of learning and assessment that leads to the full or
partial attainment of a credential from a recognized PTIB institution or other qualification formally recognized
by CICCC. An example of this may include formal work experience or be demonstrated by challenging an
exam. - Informal learning: Learning gained through work-related experiences. Unlike ‘formal’ and ‘non-formal’ learning, ‘informal
learning’ is not organized or externally structured in terms of learning objectives, time or learning support
from an institution recognized by CICCC. - Non-formal learning: Learning that takes place through a structured program of learning but does not lead to a formal qualification
recognized by CICCC.
Processes for recognizing credit and learning objectives: All applications for a PLA must be submitted in writing with the proper paperwork, proof of transcripts and the PLA review fee. Additional charges may apply based upon the number of qualified credits a student is
granted.
Credit and Learning Objectives Transfer
CICCC provides students with consistent credit and learning objectives in a CICCC diploma program based on identified equivalence in learning outcomes, volume of learning, program of study including content, and learning and assessment approaches from other institutions. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) The assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning by the Senior Education Administrator (SEA) and the PLA Committee to determine the outcome of that individual’s application for credit towards a CICCC qualification.
Policy Principles
CICCC encourages lifelong learning, including formal, informal and non-formal learning, and provides the opportunity for students to have prior learning recognized for credit in their courses.
Prior learning must be assessed by the SEA and the PLA Committee as being equivalent to the CICCC credit and learning objectives. This assessment will consider the learning outcomes, volume of learning, program of study including content, and learning and assessment approaches of the previous learning.
The PLA Committee will consist of at least two individuals (plus the SEA) who are knowledgeable in the field of study of the courses being assessed.
Policy Statements
A. Specific course requirements
Regardless of the nature or amount of credit or learning objectives recognized, all other admission requirements must be met before a student can be admitted into a program.
B. Currency of knowledge and skills
The previously acquired knowledge and skills of an applicant must still be current, in the context of the course
to which the student has been admitted, for credit recognition to be approved. The time frame of prior learning
that can potentially be accepted for credit by CICCC will be determined for a course or subject by the relevant
SEA and the PLA Committee.
C. Assessment of knowledge and skills
The SEA and the PLA Committee of CICCC may, at its discretion, but subject to the requirements of any formal credit or learning objective recognition arrangements, set additional requirements, such as testing or portfolio submission, and academic paper writing for the process of recognizing credit and learning objectives for a course or subject.
In other exceptional cases, and on a case-by-case basis, the Senior Education Administrator may recommend to the PLA Committee that credit recognition be approved in excess of the limits defined above.
D. Once-only use of prior learning for credit and learning objectives
Prior learning can be recognized only once in any individual CICCC diploma program. That is, prior learning deemed as equivalent to a specific CICCC subject(s) or other course component cannot be used again as credit for another subject or course component in that program.
E. Applicants’ responsibilities
Applicants are required to provide the information specified and meet the processing deadlines set by CICCC in relation to credit and learning objective recognition applications.
F. Ownership of decisions
The SEA and the PLA Committee is responsible for all credit recognition matters and the determination of the SEA and the PLA on any particular application is final.
G. Quality assurance
The SEA and the PLA Committee are responsible for setting specific credit and learning objective recognition requirements within the CICCC Prior Learning Policy, ensuring that a systematic approach to assuring the quality of credit recognition processes and decisions is established, and for monitoring the current and updated trends related to credit and learning objective recognition.
The SEA is broadly responsible for the implementation of the Prior Learning Policy and Procedures, including providing education to the CICCC community about their operation, and reporting to management and owners as required on the effectiveness of the policy and its implementation.
