Centre for Prior Learning Assessment

The Centre for Prior Learning Assessment (CPLA)

Welcome to the Centre for Prior Learning Assessment.

The Centre is under the Academic Registry Department and it is responsible for assessing and crediting un-certificated relevant prior learning, here referred to as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

RPL underscores the notion that learning occurs all the time anywhere. What has been learnt deserves to be recognised and credited if it can be confirmed to meet the specified assessment criteria for a qualification or part qualification.

Purpose of RPL in Botswana Open University

• ACCESS - RPL can enable a candidate to gain access to a programme based on demonstrable knowledge and skills from the workplace and other interactions that make them competent to handle the programme’s learning outcomes.  

• CREDIT - RPL can also be used to recognise and credit a candidate for a course/s if they have experientially acquired the knowledge and skills that match the course learning outcomes. Following some assessment processes, successful candidates are granted credit in the course/module and can be exempted from doing it. The RPL policy shall apply.

Other services obtainable in the Center for Prior Learning Assessment

• EXEMPTION - A student can be exempted from doing the courses that were sufficiently covered in the previous qualification. You can be exempted from at most 40% of the courses, the remaining 60% you will have to do with the institution.

• CREDIT TRANSFER - In the event that one did not complete a programme in the previous institution and desires to complete it with Botswana Open University; the credits of the completed courses can be transferred. The transfer of credits and exemption are possible when:

• The National Credit and Qualification Framework (NCQF) level is the same.
• The notional hours are approximately the same.
• Learning overlaps with at least 80% in terms of cognitive ability and subject matter knowledge.
• The RPL and Credit Accumulation and Transfer policy shall apply.
• Only 50% of credits can be transferred.

When applying for RPL, you can download the following documents from the BOU website:

• Application Forms (Choose the relevant form)
• How to Apply
• Frequently Asked Questions
• RPL Brochure
• Self-assessment questions

The Regional Campuses and the CPLA staff at Headquarters can be contacted for inquiries regarding RPL.