The BCU Accredited Prior Learning (APL) process allows a coach or aspirant coach to apply to have any of their prior learning identified as being of equal or higher standard to a BCU training course or award. The BCU recognises that an individual may have relevant experiences from other sports, countries and learning opportunities that they can bring to their Paddlesport coaching.

APL is mainly used to allow individuals access to a BCU qualification where they do not hold the specific prerequisite for that award, but have equitable prior learning. For example an individual may want direct entry to the BCU (UKCC) Level 2 Training course; in this instance their application would be asking to APL the pre-requisite of the BCU (UKCC) Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport.

Examples of prior learning include:
•    Old Style BCU Coaching Awards – where coaching status and / or membership has expired
•    Coaching Awards from other sports
•    Higher or Further Education Coaching Diplomas or experience  
•    Coaching Awards from other countries

How to apply and what to include
Applicants should complete the APL Application Form. You should ensure that you read the APL Guidance Notes before completing the form as it will help you include the correct information.

Applications should include evidence of prior learning and experience equivalent to that of the pre-requisite the applicant is applying for APL from holding. It is important to ensure that you provide as much evdidence of prior learning as possible to provide the Panel with enough information to make an informed decision.

Application forms should state which BCU Award or qualification that wants to be achieved and which pre-requisite the applicant is applying for APL against. Applications cannot be considered by the Panel if this information is missing.

Along with the completed application form the following should be sent:
•    A current logbook providing evidence of how active the applicant is plus the level currently being worked at, preferably under conditions relevant to Paddlesport coaching in the UK
•    A letter of recommendation from a current BCU Coach (at least one award higher than that being applied for) stating that the BCU referee has observed the applicant working to the standard acceptable to BCU
•    First Aid certificate, relevant to the award wanting to be achieved and which has been issued within the last three years

If a Coaching Diploma or an award from another sport or country is being used as equivalent evidence a copy of your certificate must be included with the application plus a copy of the syllabus (in English) along with a reference from the NGB to confirm where the award sits within the BCU Award Scheme.

Please note, an application for APL does not guarantee it will be granted. The Panel make a decision based on the content in application forms so these should contain as much information as possible evidencing prior learning and experience. If APL is granted from holding a pre-requisite to move onto another course, this does not confer the award that has been missed out. For example if APL is granted from holding 4 Star Leader Assessment to proceed to 5 Star Leader Training, this does not mean the applicant holds the 4 Star Leader Award. The BCU does not give an award to an individual unless an assessment has been completed and passed. No element of an assessment can be missed through applying for APL.

Completed application forms should be sent to BCU Awarding Body APL Officer, 18 Market Place, Bingham, Nottingham, NG13 8AP.

What happens next?
Once applications are received by the APL Officer they are logged and will be considered by the APL Panel at the next meeting. The APL Panel has representation from all four Home Nation Associations and meets every 2 months. Applications must be received by the dates below to be considered at the next Panel meeting; outcomes of applications will be communicated within 4 weeks of the closing date.

Application Closing Dates:
•    31st October 2012
•    2nd January 2013