Mission & Vision

The European Network for Recognition of Prior Learning (ERPL Network) is the association of national networks and institutions in higher education in Europe working on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Our mission is to support and promote RPL. For this purpose, we are committed to the advancement and dissemination of the RPL concept in Europe. We are dedicated to raising awareness and use of RPL as well as to the establishment of efficient, transparent and quality-assured RPL procedures in higher education. Firmly believing that RPL benefits everyone, we are open to cooperate with interested sectors and actors on all levels.

A common understanding of recognition of prior learning (RPL) and its benefits for society, individuals and higher education institutions (HEI) is a key prerequisite for what we aim to achieve: With RPL an HEI recognises what a person already knows, understands and can do. This prevents a duplication of learning and allows a person to build on the achieved learning and to be rewarded for it. The knowledge, understanding and skills in question may have been acquired in any area of life, i. e. in formal, non-formal or informal (learning) contexts. RPL benefits society by fostering inclusivity, promoting lifelong learning and enhancing workforce development as well as contributing to economic growth. It is a valuable tool for improving the education and employment prospects of individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences and to reduce educational barriers in particular for non-traditional target groups of academic education. RPL furthermore contributes to the organisational development of HEIs. 

_{The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.}