1. Purpose

This policy describes how American Professional School (APS) determines competency demonstration and mastery in its competency-based education (CBE) professional credential programs, provides feedback, maintains academic integrity, and handles appeals of demonstration decisions. It supports transparency, fairness, and the credibility of the Professional, Master, and Executive pathways.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all competency demonstrations used to determine mastery and credential eligibility in APS programs. It covers demonstration design and criteria, evidence submission, feedback, integrity expectations, and the process for appealing demonstration outcomes.

3. Principles

APS competency demonstration and appeals processes are guided by the following principles:

• Mastery is determined by demonstrated competency against clearly stated criteria
• Criteria and expectations are communicated to learners in advance
• Decisions are consistent, evidence-based, and fair
• Learners receive timely and constructive feedback
• Academic integrity is required of all participants
• Appeals are available through a clear, impartial process
• Outcomes support professional relevance and continuous improvement

4. Demonstration of Competency

APS uses competency-based demonstration. Learners are provided with learning materials that address the required knowledge, skills, and professional capabilities prior to demonstration. Learners then demonstrate mastery through evidence that is evaluated against defined criteria.

Key features include:

• Learning materials are provided to learners before demonstration tasks
• Demonstration tasks and evidence requirements are aligned to the competency statements for the relevant credential pathway
• Criteria describe what constitutes satisfactory demonstration of each competency and mastery
• Evidence may include scenario exercises, knowledge checks, case analyses, judgment exercises, performance tasks, or other structured exercises as specified for the program
• Demonstration is criterion-referenced rather than norm-referenced; success depends on meeting the stated standard, not on comparison with other learners
• Higher-stakes or final credential decisions may include moderation or a second review to support consistency

Learners are informed of the available learning materials, demonstration requirements, criteria, and submission expectations at the start of the relevant program or module.

5. Awarding of Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

American Professional School awards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for eligible learning events in accordance with the processes described in this section. A CEU is a unit of measure used to recognize participation in organized continuing education and professional development activities.

Calculation and Recording of CEUs

APS calculates CEUs based on contact hours of instructional participation. One (1) CEU equals ten (10) contact hours. Partial CEUs are recorded in tenths (for example, 0.5 CEUs for five contact hours or 1.5 CEUs for fifteen contact hours). The calculated CEU value, learning event title, completion date, and learner identification are recorded in the learner’s training record upon successful completion.

Communication of Requirements at the Start of the Learning Event

At the beginning of each learning event for which CEUs may be awarded, APS communicates the following to learners:

• The intended learning outcomes of the event
• The requirements learners must meet to earn the CEU (including any demonstration or participation expectations)
• The number of CEUs that may be awarded upon successful completion

This information is provided in writing (for example, in the course overview, syllabus, or platform introduction) and, where the delivery format allows, reinforced at the start of the event.

Verification of Learner Identity

APS maintains a process to verify that the learner who registers for and participates in the learning event is the same individual who receives the CEU. This may include confirmation of identity at registration, secure login credentials for online delivery, and cross-checking of completion records against the original enrollment record before the CEU is awarded.

Informing Learners of Results

After review of the learning outcomes, APS informs each learner whether they have or have not met the established criteria for earning the CEU. Learners who meet the criteria receive recognition of successful completion through a certificate of completion or training transcript that includes the number of CEUs awarded. Learners who do not meet the criteria are notified of the outcome and, where applicable, of any options for remediation or further demonstration consistent with this policy.

Records of CEU awards are retained in accordance with the Record-Keeping and Retention Policy.

6. Feedback

Learners receive feedback on submitted evidence that:

• Indicates whether the evidence meets the stated criteria for demonstration and mastery
• Identifies strengths and any gaps
• Provides guidance on what is needed to meet the standard (where the evidence is not yet sufficient)
• Is provided within a reasonable timeframe after submission (normally within the period stated in program materials)

Feedback is intended to support learning and successful demonstration of competency and mastery. It is recorded as part of the learner’s demonstration record.

7. Academic Integrity Expectations

All learners are expected to submit authentic evidence that represents their own work and professional capability. The following are not permitted:

• Plagiarism (presenting another person’s work, ideas, or words as one’s own without appropriate acknowledgment)
• Use of unauthorized assistance or materials where the task requires independent work
• Fabrication or misrepresentation of evidence, experience, or outcomes
• Submission of work completed by another person or generated in a way that does not reflect the learner’s own competency
• Any other action that undermines the validity of the demonstration

Learners are responsible for ensuring the authenticity of their submissions. Where sources or tools are used, they must be acknowledged in accordance with any program guidance provided.

Suspected breaches of academic integrity are investigated. Confirmed breaches may result in the evidence being disallowed, a requirement to resubmit authentic work, or, in serious or repeated cases, denial of credential eligibility or other appropriate action. Learners are informed of the concern and given an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.

8. Appeals Process

A learner may appeal a demonstration decision if they believe:

• The demonstration criteria were not applied correctly or consistently
• There was a procedural irregularity that affected the outcome
• Relevant evidence was not considered
• There are grounds related to a previously agreed reasonable adjustment that was not implemented

Process

1. The learner submits a written appeal (email preferred) within 10 business days of receiving the demonstration decision. The appeal must state the grounds and include any supporting information.
2. APS acknowledges the appeal within 5 business days and confirms the person responsible for the review.
3. An impartial review is conducted by someone not involved in the original demonstration decision. Appeals involving academic judgment (application of criteria, evidence evaluation, or integrity determinations) are reviewed by the Academic Quality Lead or a designated independent academic reviewer. The review may include examination of the evidence, criteria, feedback, and any relevant records.
4. A written outcome is provided normally within 15 business days of acknowledgement. If more time is required, the learner is informed of the revised timeline and the reason.
5. The outcome may confirm the original decision, require re-evaluation of the evidence, or identify another appropriate remedy. The decision on the appeal is final within APS processes.

Appeals are handled confidentially and in accordance with the Privacy Policy. Raising an appeal in good faith will not disadvantage the learner.

9. Roles and Responsibilities

• Learners: Submit authentic evidence, meet stated requirements, and raise any appeal within the required timeframe.
• Demonstration reviewers / leads: Apply criteria consistently, provide feedback, and document decisions.
• Academic Quality Lead: Leads academic quality of competency demonstration processes, including alignment of criteria to competencies, moderation or second-review practices for higher-stakes decisions, investigation of academic integrity matters involving judgment of evidence, and impartial review of appeals that involve academic judgment. Ensures demonstration practices confirm achievement of intended learning outcomes and mastery.
• Operations Manager (or designated administrative reviewer): Oversees the operational integrity and administration of demonstration processes, ensures appeals are handled in a timely and procedurally fair manner, and makes or confirms final administrative decisions where required.
• All relevant staff: Follow this policy and maintain confidentiality.

10. Records

Demonstration decisions, feedback, integrity investigations, and appeal outcomes are recorded and retained in accordance with the Record-Keeping and Retention Policy. Records support consistency, audit, and quality review.

11. Continuous Improvement

Demonstration outcomes, feedback themes, integrity cases, and appeal results are reviewed periodically as part of APS quality assurance processes. The Academic Quality Lead leads the academic aspects of this review. Findings are used to refine criteria, guidance, reviewer practice, and this policy.

12. Review of This Policy

This policy is reviewed at least annually by the Academic Quality Lead, with endorsement by the Operations Manager, to ensure it remains clear, fair, and aligned with APS CBE credential standards and applicable expectations for professional learning providers. Updates are version-controlled and communicated to relevant staff and learners as appropriate.