Validation of Prior Experience (VAE)
Get your professional experience recognised and earn an IACC-accredited, IVQA-verified diploma — without going back to school.
Why Choose VAE?
Validation of Prior Experience (VAE) is a process that allows you to obtain, in whole or in part, a diploma, title, or certificate based on your professional experience. A minimum of one year of experience — continuous or discontinuous, full-time or part-time — is required.
These competencies may cover all or part of the requirements of a professional certification (title, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, engineering degree). A VAE candidate may only submit one application per calendar year for the same diploma, and no more than three applications for different certifications.
Recognised Diploma
Earn a diploma of equal value to one obtained through traditional study
No Need to Return to School
Leverage your professional experience without going back to the classroom
Trilingual
Diplomas issued in English, French, and Spanish
Career Advancement
Boost your professional career with a recognised certification
Our Validation Pathways
Choose the pathway that matches your profile and professional goals
VAE — Validation of Prior Experience
Obtain a diploma in whole or in part through your professional experience. A minimum of 1 year of experience is required in the field of the targeted certification.
VES — Validation of Higher Education
Get your previous studies recognised from another institution — university, school, or training centre — in the UK or abroad.
VAPP — Validation of Professional & Personal Experience
Access a programme without the required diploma. A minimum 2-year break from initial studies is required, or 3 years in the case of prior failure.
VAEC — Validation of Coaching Experience
Certification dedicated to coaching professionals. Validate competencies acquired through professional coaching practice.
Multilingual Diplomas
UKPSA issues VAE diplomas in English, French, and Spanish, ensuring international recognition and accessibility.
IVQA Verification
All diplomas are verifiable online via the IVQA platform, ensuring the authenticity and credibility of each certification.
Who Can Apply?
VAE is open to anyone who can demonstrate significant professional experience, regardless of their status.
Submit My ApplicationEmployees & Self-Employed
- Professionals with 1+ year of experience in their field
- Employees, freelancers, or entrepreneurs
- Continuous or discontinuous activity, full-time or part-time
Volunteers & Community Workers
- Volunteers and community organisation leaders
- Union representatives or elected officials
- Interns and work-study participants
Academic Backgrounds
- Individuals with prior higher education studies (VES)
- Candidates without the required diploma seeking access to a programme (VAPP)
- Professionals in career transition
Coaching & Training
- Professional coaches seeking formal certification (VAEC)
- Trainers and development consultants
- Professional support practitioners
How Does It Work?
A clear and guided process, from submitting your application to receiving your diploma
Application Submission
Complete the VAE application form with your professional background and supporting documents. Our team supports you from this very first step.
Portfolio Review
Our academic committee reviews your experience against the requirements of the targeted certification. An adviser guides you through building your portfolio.
Panel Evaluation
An expert panel assesses your competencies through your portfolio and, if necessary, an interview. The panel is composed of professionals and academics.
Decision & Certification
The panel grants full or partial validation. Your diploma is issued and verified via the IVQA platform for international recognition.
Available Certification Levels
VAE covers all certification levels offered by UKPSA University
Professional Titles
- Specialised Technician (Bac+2)
- Certified professional title
- Certificate of competencies
Bachelor's & Master's
- Professional Bachelor (Bac+3)
- Professional Master (Bac+5)
- UKPSA institutional diploma
Doctorate & Engineering
- Doctorate (Bac+8)
- Engineering degree
- Coaching certification (VAEC)
Key Strengths of UKPSA VAE
What sets our validation process apart
IACC Accreditation
Programme officially adopted by UKPSA's Academic Council, IACC accredited.
IVQA Verification
Every diploma is verifiable online via the international IVQA platform.
Trilingual Diplomas
Certificates issued in English, French, and Spanish for worldwide reach.
Personalised Support
A dedicated adviser guides you from application submission to diploma award.
Fast Process
Efficient evaluation and diploma delivery within the shortest timeframe.
Expert Panel
Panel composed of recognised professionals and specialised academics.
Why Choose UKPSA University for Your VAE?
UKPSA University is a leading institution for professional education from London:
- IACC-accredited university based in London
- IVQA-verified diplomas, internationally recognised
- Unanimous validation by the Academic Council
- 4 validation pathways: VAE, VES, VAPP, VAEC
- Multilingual diplomas (English, French, Spanish)
- Fully guided and transparent process
- Network of students and graduates in 30+ countries
- Online verification platform via IVQA
United Kingdom Professional
Studies Academy
London, United Kingdom
Get Your Experience Recognised
You have the experience, we have the certification.
Submit your VAE application and earn your diploma with UKPSA University.
