APEL.A (ACCESS)
APEL is Accreditation of Prior Experience Based Learning. It is defined as a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and evaluation of learning based on previous experiences.
APEL provides an opportunity for those who have work experience but lack qualifications or no academic qualifications to continue their studies at Institutions of Higher Education (IPT). In general, the assessment of APEL involves the assessment of knowledge acquired by a person through formal education or through previous experience.
DIPLOMA (APEL-T4)
Applicants must take an Aptitude test and submit a Portfolio and must pass both components to pass APEL.A T-4.
MASTER'S (APEL-T7)
Applicants must take the Aptitude test, submit a Portfolio , the Interview test and must pass all the components to pass APEL T-7.
BACHELOR (APEL-T6)
Applicants must take the Aptitude test and submit a Portfolio and must pass both components to pass APEL T-6.
Field of Study Evaluated by UTM APEL Centre
List of field of study.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
APEL T-4
The basic conditions that must be followed by APEL candidates are as follows:
- a) prescribed by KPT
If the basic requirements are met, then the applicant has to go through an evaluation process such as a flow chart.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
| No. | Eligibility requirements |
| 1. | Malaysian citizens |
| 2. | At least 20 years of age at the time of application |
| 3. | Have related work experience |
Entry requirements must be met by the applicant before any APEL.A T-4 assessment process begins. Evidence documents are required for verification purposes and record evidence. Please refer to the download to ensure a checklist for the required documents.
Applicants must take an Aptitude test and submit a Portfolio and must pass both components to pass APEL.A T-4.
APEL T-6
The basic conditions that must be followed by APEL candidates are as follows:
- a) prescribed by KPT
If the basic requirements are met, then the applicant has to go through an evaluation process such as a flow chart.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
| No. | Eligibility requirements |
| 1. | Malaysian citizens |
| 2. | At least 21 years of age at the time of application |
| 3. | Have related work experience |
Entry requirements must be met by the applicant before any APEL.A T-6 assessment process begins. Evidence documents are required for verification purposes and record evidence. Please refer to the download to ensure a checklist for the required documents.
Applicants must take an Aptitude test and submit a Portfolio and must pass both components to pass APEL.A T-6.
APEL T-7
The basic conditions that must be followed by APEL candidates are as follows:
- a) prescribed by KPT
If the basic requirements are met, then the applicant has to go through an evaluation process such as a flow chart.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
| No. | Eligibility requirements |
| 1. | Malaysian citizens |
| 2. | At least 30 years of age at the time of application |
| 3. | Have related work experience |
Entry requirements must be met by the applicant before any APEL.A T-7 assessment process begins. Evidence documents are required for verification purposes and record evidence. Please refer to the download to ensure a checklist for the required documents.
Applicants must take an Aptitude test and submit a Portfolio and must pass both components to pass APEL.A T-7.
Possessing at least an STPM/Diploma/DKM/A-LEVEL/ Matriculation Certificate or its equivalent.
APEL T-8
The basic conditions that must be followed by APEL candidates are as follows:
- a) prescribed by KPT
If the basic requirements are met, then the applicant has to go through an evaluation process such as a flow chart.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
| No. | Eligibility requirements |
| 1. | Malaysian citizens |
| 2. | At least 35 years of age at the time of application |
| 3. | Have 5 years related work experience |
Entry requirements must be met by the applicant before any APEL.A T-8 assessment process begins. Evidence documents are required for verification purposes and record evidence. Please refer to the download to ensure a checklist for the required documents.
Applicants must take an Aptitude test and submit a Portfolio and must pass both components to pass APEL.A T-8.
Possessing at least an Bachelor.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Check the Eligibility
Register With UTM APEL
Interview (APEL T-7 & T-8)
ASSESSMENT
APTITUDE TEST
| ASSESSMENT | LEVEL | |||
| SUBJECTS | COMPONENTS | APEL T-4 | APEL T-6 | APEL T-7 |
| BAHASA MELAYU | 10 OBJECTIVES | 10 OBJECTIVES | 13 OBJECTIVES + 1 STRUCTURE | |
| BAHASA INGGERIS | 10 OBJECTIVES | 10 OBJECTIVES | 12 OBJECTIVES + 1 STRUCTURE | |
| MATHEMATIC | 10 OBJECTIVES | 10 OBJECTIVES | 25 OBJECTIVES + 1 STRUCTURE | |
| PENGETAHUAN AM / PEMIKIRAN KRITIS | 10 OBJECTIVES | 10 OBJECTIVES | 25 OBJECTIVES + 2 STRUCTURE | |
| DIFICULTY | PMR & EQUIVALANT | SPM & EQUIVALANT | BACHELOR DEGREE & EQUIVALANT | |
| DURATION | 2 HOURS | 2 HOURS | 2.5 HOURS | |
PORTFOLIO
Candidate should provide evidence (certified true copy) of:
a) FORMAL LEARNING:
Intentional learning/programme of study delivered within an organisation and structured context (pre-school, primary school, secondary school, technical college and university) that may lead to formal recognition / a recognised qualification.
b) INFORMAL LEARNING:
Learning which takes place continuously through life and work experiences (sometimes known as experiential learning). It is often unintentional learning.
c) NON-FORMAL LEARNING:
Learning that takes place alongside the mainstream systems of education and training. It may be assessed but does not normally lead to formal certification
* You are requested to send ALL copies of certificates and supporting documents together with the portfolio to APEL System BY SOFTCOPY.
** Applies to all APEL.A assessments
Each copy of this certificate / document must be stamped (CERTIFIED COPY) by:
• Group A Government Officer/ Principal/ Headmaster/ Senior Assistant Teacher/ People’s Representative/ Speaker/ Penghulu/ Village Head/ JKKK Chairman (Village Development and Security Committee)/ Tribe Leader/ Native Leader/ Oath Commissioner.
• The stamp of the officer or witness must have the officer’s name and position as well as the department or address where the officer is on duty.
INTERVIEW
The main objective is to validate the submitted portfolio and candidate readiness of pursuing study at higher education.
ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS
**NOTES: (/) for submission only without any assessment weightage
GUIDELINE
Schedule of Activities
APTITUDE TEST
26-27 April (Friday-Saturday)
APEL PREPARATION COURSE
11 May (Saturday)
This course is held to help APEL participants who want to undergo APEL assessment.
APTITUDE TEST
17-18 May (Friday-Saturday)
APEL REGISTRATION FEE
Fees
| APEL | TOTAL FEES | REPEAT APTITUDE TEST | REPEAT PORTFOLIO | REPEAT INTERVIEW |
| PROCESSING FEES | RM 100 | |||
| APEL.A T4 | RM 240 | RM 240 | ||
| APEL.A T6 | RM 370 | RM 370 | RM 80 | |
| APEL.A T7 | RM 560 | RM 560 | RM 80 | RM 75 |
| APEL.A T8 | RM 750 | RM 750 | ||
| KURSUS PERSEDIAAN APEL.A | RM 150 | |||
| KURSUS INTENSIF SUBJEK | RM 150 |
Payment Details
Kindly make payment through this method:
1. Payment can be made through UTM PayHub. You can download the manual for guidance.
2. You also can make payments using the provided QR Code below. Please note that each QR Code is for a different purpose.
QR Code for Processing Fee, Course or Workshop Fee
QR Code for Aptitude Test Fee
Field of Study Evaluated by UTM APEL Centre
Fields of Study Offered
| Bil. | Fields of Study Offered |
| 1 | Alam Bina dan Ukur / Built Environment and Surveying |
| 2 | Kaunseling / Counseling |
| 3 | Kejuruteraan Awam / Civil Engineering |
| 4 | Kejuruteraan Bahan / Material Engineering |
| 5 | Kejuruteraan Bioperubatan / Biomedical Engineering |
| 6 | Kejuruteraan Elektrik / Electrical Engineering |
| 7 | Kejuruteraan Elektronik / Electronic Engineering |
| 8 | Kejuruteraan Kimia / Chemical Engineering |
| 9 | Kejuruteraan Komunikasi / Communication Engineering |
| 10 | Kejuruteraan Mekanikal dan Pembuatan / Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering |
| 11 | Kejuruteraan Perisian / Software Engineering |
| 12 | Keselamatan dan Perlindungan / Security and Protection |
| 13 | Kesihatan dan Keselamatan Pekerjaan / Occupational Safety and Health |
| 14 | Pendidikan / Education |
| 15 | Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak / Early Childhood Education |
| 16 | Pengajian Islam / Islamic Studies |
| 17 | Pengajian Polisi / Policy Study |
| 18 | Pengurusan Aset dan Kemudahan / Asset and Facility Management |
| 19 | Pengurusan dan Perniagaan / Management and Business |
| 20 | Pengurusan Sumber Manusia / Human Resource Management |
| 21 | Perakaunan / Accounting |
| 22 | Psikologi / Psychology |
| 23 | Sains / Science |
| 24 | Sains Komputer / Computer Science |
| 25 | Sistem Maklumat / Information Systems |
| 26 | Teknologi Maklumat / Information Technology |
List of Programs That Accept Admission Using APEL.A Certificate.
FACULTY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (FAI)
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (FKM)
| EKSEKUTIF DIPLOMA – APEL.A T7 | |
| BIL | NAMA KURSUS (COURSE NAME) |
| 1 | Master of Science (Mechanical Engineering) |
AZMAN HASHIM INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL (AHIBS)
| SARJANA (MASTER) – APEL.A T7 | |
| BIL | NAMA KURSUS (COURSE NAME) |
| 1 | Master Business Administration (MBA) |
FACULTY OF COMPUTING (FC)
| SARJANA (MASTER) – APEL.A T7 | |
| BIL | NAMA KURSUS (COURSE NAME) |
| 1 | Master of Science (Data Science) |
| 2 | Master in Innovative Computing |
| 3 | Master of Computer Science |
| 4 | Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science) |
UTMSPACE (UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME PART-TIME)
| DIPLOMA – APEL.A T4 | |
| BIL | NAMA KURSUS (COURSE NAME) |
| 1 | Diploma Kejuruteraan Awam (Diploma in Civil Engineering) |
| 2 | Diploma Kejuruteraan Elektrik (Diploma in Electrical Engineering) |
| 3 | Diploma Kejuruteraan Elektronik (Diploma in Electronics Engineering) |
| 4 | Diploma Kejuruteraan Mekanikal (Diploma in Mechanical Engineering) |
| 5 | Diploma Kejuruteraan Kimia (Diploma in Chemical Engineering) |
| 6 | Diploma Senibina (Diploma in Architecture) |
| 7 | Diploma Perancangan Bandar dan Wilayah (Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning) |
| 8 | Diploma Ukur Tanah (Diploma in Land Surveying) |
| 9 | Diploma Sains Komputer (Diploma in Computer Science) |
| 10 | Diploma Pengurusan Harta Tanah (Diploma in Real Estate Management) |
| 11 | Diploma Pengurusan Teknologi (Diploma in Technology Management) |
| 12 | Diploma Perakaunan (Diploma in Accounting) |
| 13 | Diploma Ukur Bahan (Diploma in Material Measurement) |
| SARJANA MUDA (BACHELOR DEGREE) – APEL.A T6 | |
| BIL | NAMA KURSUS (COURSE NAME) |
| 1 | Bachelor of Management (Technology) with Honours |
| 2 | Bachelor of Science (Human Resource Development) with Honours |
| 3 | Bachelor of Management (Marketing) with Honours |
DOWNLOAD
CIRCULAR & INFORMATION LETTER MQA
 |
APEL Publication |
APEL.A ONLINE APPLICATION
|
User Manual |
FAQ
What is the purpose of APEL.A?
|
APEL.A is defined as a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and evaluation of learning based on previous experience, such as knowledge, skills, and attitudes to determine the level at which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, as access to a study program and/ or the award of credit. APEL.A provides an opportunity for those who have work experience but lack qualifications or no academic qualifications to continue their studies at the Higher Education Provider (PPT). In general, the assessment of APEL.A involves the assessment of knowledge acquired by a person through formal education or through previous experience. |
What mode of study is allowed to candidates who pass the APEL.A assessment?
Candidates who pass the APEL.A assessment can continue their studies full-time or part-time.
For the Master’s level APEL.A certificate (APEL T-7) , the permitted offering mode is as follows:
- Course Work Mode and
- Blend Mode only.
What is the payment method of APEL.A assessment?
APEL.A assessment fee according to level is as follows:
| Level | Assessment Center | Payment method |
| 3 (Certificate) | APEL Assessment Center (PPA) | Payment to the PPA chosen by the applicant. |
| 4 (Diploma) | APEL Assessment Center (PPA) | Payment to the PPA chosen by the applicant. |
| 6 (Bachelor’s Degree) | APEL Assessment Center (PPA) | Payment to the PPA chosen by the applicant. |
| 7 (Master’s Degree) | APEL Assessment Center (PPA) | Payment to the PPA chosen by the applicant. |
What is the APEL Assessment Center (PPA) and PPA's responsibilities?
PPA is the PPT appointed by MQA to receive and fully process APEL.A assessments.
The list of PPAs appointed by MQA can be consulted at the link https://www2.mqa.gov.my/portalapela/ApaItuPPA.cfm
I am interested in taking the APEL.A assessment and continuing my studies at the PPT of my choice. When is the right time should I apply for APEL.A?
Applicants are advised to make the APEL.A application at least SIX (6) months before the date of admission to the institution of higher learning of their choice.
Can candidates who undergo APEL.A assessment at PPA only continue their studies at that PPA?
Does the APEL certificate have a validity period?
Please refer to:
MQA INFORMATION LETTER NO. 2/2023 NOTICE OF NEW CHARGES FOR LEARNING ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE FOR ADMISSION PURPOSES (APEL.A) AND VALIDITY PERIOD OF APPEL.A CERTIFICATE
Through the link https://www.mqa.gov.my/pv4/document/2023/Surat% 20 Notification%20MQA%20 No. 2%202023.pdf
How to apply for APEL?
Applications are made online at https://www2.mqa.gov.my/apel_a/
What are the APEL.A application criteria?
- Master’s degree program
That is, for admission to the Master’s degree program, candidates must be 30 years old from 1st January in the year of application and have STPM qualifications or Diplomas or other recognized qualifications equivalent to them and have appropriate experience
- Bachelor’s degree program
That is, for admission to the Bachelor’s degree program, candidates must be 21 years old from January 1st in the year of application and have relevant work experience.
- Diploma level program
That is, for admission to the Diploma program, candidates must be 20 years old from January 1st in the year of application and have relevant work experience.
- Certificate level program
That is, for admission to the Certificate program, candidates must be 19 years old from January 1st in the year of application and have relevant work experience.
Is the APEL.A certificate equivalent to the academic program certificate at PPT?
APEL certification can only be used by applicants for the purpose of furthering their education at PPT. It is not the awarding of qualifications like the academic program at PPT. APEL certificates also cannot be used for employment purposes.
For example: The APEL certificate for Master’s level (Level 7) can only be used to apply for admission to PPT to continue studying at Master’s level. It is not an award for Master’s program as issued by PPT.
Is there a fee for the APEL.A assessment test?
APEL.A assessment fee according to level is as follows:
|
No.
|
Level |
Amount
|
|
1
|
Certificate (Level 3) & Diploma (Level 4) |
RM 155.00
|
|
2
|
Bachelor’s Degree (Level 6) |
RM 250.00
|
|
3
|
Master’s Degree (Level 7) |
RM 370.00
|
What assessment components must an APEL.A candidate go through?
APPEL T-3, APPEL T-4 and APPEL T-6 : Aptitude Test and Portfolio.
Level 7 : – Aptitude Test, Portfolio and Interview.
What is the Aptitude Test Structure that APEL.A candidates should take?
Level 3 and 4 Test Structure :
Note: Applicants must answer 20 questions correctly to pass.
|
Assessment Aspects
|
Total Questions
|
Duration
|
| Malay |
10 Objective Questions
|
2 hours |
| English |
10 Objective Questions
|
|
| Mathematics |
10 Objective Questions
|
|
| General Knowledge/ Critical Thinking |
10 Objective Questions
|
Test Structure Level 6 :
Note: Applicants must obtain 50% of the Aptitude test to pass.
|
Assessment Aspects
|
Total Questions
|
Duration
|
| Malay |
10 Objective Questions
|
2 hours |
| English |
10 Objective Questions
|
|
| Mathematics |
10 Objective Questions
|
|
| General Knowledge/ Critical Thinking |
10 Objective Questions
|
Test Structure Level 7 :
Note: Applicants must obtain 50% of the Aptitude test to pass.
|
Assessment Aspects
|
Total Questions
|
Duration
|
| Malay | Part A: 13 Objective Questions Part B: 1 Structural Question |
2 hours 30 minutes |
| English | Part A: 12 Objective Questions Part B: 1 Structural Question |
|
| Mathematics | Part A: 25 Objective Questions Part B: 1 Structural Question |
|
| General Knowledge/ Critical Thinking | Part A: 25 Objective Questions Part B: 2 Structural Questions |
How do I know the scope of the Aptitude Test and prepare a Portfolio?
Aptitude Test scope and portfolio preparation format for Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree levels can be found in the APEL Handbook. Please refer to the APEL.A Assessment Handbook
What level of study can be applied for using APEL.A?
For now APEL.A assessment in Malaysia is intended for admission to PPT only and is open for FOUR levels of admission which are:
- Admission to the Certificate program (APEL T-3);
- Admission to the Diploma program (APEL T-4);
- Admission to the Bachelor’s Degree program (APEL T-6); and
- Admission to the Master’s Degree program (APEL T-7).
How long is the APEL.A assessment process until the successful candidate receives the certificate?
- Minimum period of TWO (2) months for APEL T-3, APEL T-4 and APEL T-6 candidates from the date of complete application. *
- A minimum period of THREE (3) months for T-7 APPEAL from the date of complete application. *
* Note :
However, any APEL assessment period is individual dependent. The period stated is for candidates who sit for the APEL assessment without repetition. If the candidate fails and needs to repeat, the evaluation period will be longer.
What study programs offer entry requirements using APEL.A?
While for the study program that is evaluated by a professional body, it is subject to the conditions and requirements of the professional body.For Masters applications (APEL T-7), the fields offered are as shown in the link: Fields of APEL (Level 7).
What is the process that APEL.A candidates have to go through?
Candidates can refer to the APEL Handbook for Students (Part V) at the APEL Assessment Handbook link.A
I have applied for APEL.A through the MQA website and selected PPA for assessment.A, what should I do next?
Applicants will receive an email automatically generated by the system after registering on the APEL.A MQA Portal. Next action, the applicant needs to re-register with PPA at the link included in the email.
Can APEL candidates who have not passed the APEL.A assessment register and continue their studies at PPT?
Candidates can only enroll or continue their studies at PPT after passing the APEL.A assessment from the APEL Assessment Center appointed by MQA and receiving an official result from MQA.
What is a Partner University (UR) and UR's responsibilities?
Universiti Rakan (UR) is the center appointed to conduct APEL T-3 and APEL T-4 Aptitude Tests on behalf of MQA
Up to now two PPAs have been appointed by MQA namely:
- Malaysian Examinations Council (MPM); and
- MARA University of Technology (UiTM).