Recognition of Prior Learning Policy

1.1 As a UK regulated awarding organisation, ABRSM is subject to the conditions of recognition set out by the Office of Qualification and Examination Regulation (Ofqual), Qualifications Wales, and the Council for Curriculum Education and Assessment (CCEA). 

1.2 Our regulators recognise Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an accepted form of assessment which uses a candidate’s previous learning to demonstrate competence or achievement within a unit of study or a qualification. 

1.3 Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) cannot not be used: 

• For any ABRSM Level 1, 2 or 3 qualification in Practical, Performance or Music Theory 

• To provide evidence for an entire qualification 

1.4 Individuals or organisations can request RPL and it can be applied to our higher Level 4 and above diploma qualifications.

2.1 Individuals or organisations can use RPL to demonstrate learning and achievement towards part of an ABRSM diploma qualification. We will review whether the evidence is enough to show that a learner has met the relevant assessment requirements within a current qualification. 

2.2 If there is evidence that the learner has previously shown the required knowledge, skills or understanding for part of a qualification, the evidence must be: 

• Valid - Demonstrates that the learning outcomes have been achieved for the qualification against which RPL is being requested. 
• Current - The evidence is up to date and does not feature practices or skills that have significantly changed. 
• Reliable - The assessment of the evidence being submitted is accurate and realistic. 
• Authentic - That the evidence is that of the learner as an individual and was not achieved as part of a team or through collaborative working. 
• Sufficient - There must be enough evidence to fully meet the relevant learning outcome for which RPL is being submitted. 

2.3 Individuals or organisations must submit an application for RPL. We will consider the evidence and make a final decision on whether it can be applied to a qualification.

3.1 We would normally award RPL for learning achieved within five years leading up to the submission of evidence to be considered as RPL. 

3.2 We may consider and approve prior learning achieved more than five years before requesting RPL if: 

a. The organisation confirms that the learning is relevant and meets the learning outcomes. 

b. The learner is still able to demonstrate competency in current practices and knowledge and understanding.

4.1 We will consider RPL from two different routes of learning a. Certified Qualification b. Professional Experience 

4.2 For Certification Qualification, we require: 

• a copy of the qualification certificate and transcript or course report 
• a copy of the qualification or programme specification including assessment criteria and learning outcomes. 

4.3 For Professional Experience, we require: 

• a personal statement from the applicant, endorsed by the organisation (if applicable). This should include: 
  • a personal reflection on the relevancy of the evidence and 
  • any provisional cross mapping showing how the professional experience satisfies the learning outcomes of the relevant ABRSM qualification
  • a performance/teaching resume to contextualise the request for RPL.

5.1 Organisations who wish to use RPL must ensure that the initial appraisal of evidence is carried out by suitably qualified staff. 

5.2 You must email your request to us, stating which qualification and component the evidence is to be considered against. Send this to us at [email protected] 

5.3 Our Assessment and Curriculum team will consider the RPL request. We may request additional information from the organisation or individual before making a decision. 

5.4 We will normally respond to applications for RPL within 10 working days. 

5.5 If we need to carry out a cross mapping exercise of the qualification or its components, then we may need to extend this timescale in agreement with the individual or organisation. 

5.6 We will respond to the individual or organisation in writing confirming the outcome of the RPL application. 

5.7 There are two possible outcomes to an application: 

• If there is enough evidence to support the claim for RPL, and that evidence provides parity of esteem with the relevant learning outcome, we will give recognition. 
• If there is not enough evidence to support the claim, or the evidence does not provide parity of esteem with the relevant learning outcome, we will not give recognition. We will then need to use the standard assessment methods, set out in the qualification specification, to generate a secure assessment decision.

6.1 If there's something you are not happy with, please let us know. We take all complaints seriously and will do everything we can to put matters right. 

Version 2.  Policy review date: September 2025