Validation

What is validation?

Validation is a process that involves a structured assessment, evaluation, and documentation, as well as a recognition of knowledge and skills an individual possesses regardless of how they were acquired. (Source: The Validation Delegation's final report: SOU 2019: 69 Validation – for competence supply and lifelong learning).

Validation mainly consists of two parts, mapping and assessment that ends with recognition in a decision.

The purposes of validation in higher education include:

• Meeting the entry requirements for education. Assessment is based on qualifications other than formal grades.
• Credit transfer for a whole or part of a course. An assessment against the learning outcomes in the course syllabus determines if you fulfil the requirements. Credit transfer can shorten your study time by recognising what you already know. Note that there may be gaps in the programme syllabus if you receive credit for a course.

What is prior learning?

Prior learning includes the actual knowledge and skills an individual possesses, regardless of when, how, or where the skills were developed.

It serves as a separate basis for eligibility for education within the University, supplementing formal eligibility based on grades. The assessment of prior learning in these contexts refers to the applicant's ability to assimilate the education.

An individual can apply for an assessment of prior learning based on experiences such as:

• Work experience – employment or self-employment.
• Education – formal education like upper secondary school or adult education, as well as education outside the traditional system, including internal and staff training, study circles, etc.
• Non-profit work – involvement in associations, political engagement, etc.
• Other experiences – parenting, family life, caregiving, military service, etc.

Do I need to validate my prior learning?

If you are prevented from applying for studies or work because you do not have formal qualifications, validation of prior learning can help you move forward. You may not have the qualifications required for education or employment. Investigate the possibilities for validation with the education provider that offers the education you are interested in. To apply for validation before credit transfer, you must be a student or have been a student at the relevant higher education institution. Student refers to those who are admitted to and conduct university studies.

What will be the result of validation?

The result of an assessment in a validation process is a decision on approval, partial approval, or denial. The decision is registered as a credit transfer (TG) in Ladok (a national study administration IT system) if approved or partially approved. Ladok states what the credit is based on and what it corresponds to in the current content and extent. The credit can then be included in a degree.

Do I get grades after a validation?

No, the result will be a credit transfer (TG) and not a specific grade. TG means that there is a recognition regarding the corresponding knowledge and skills as the learning outcomes. Each course has grading criteria linked to the learning outcomes. The knowledge assessed in a validation does not have predetermined goals that can link to grading criteria in the same way.

How do I apply for validation for entry requirements and credit transfer?

Entry requirements:

For more information, email: helpdesk.antagning@hh.se

Credit transfer:

Through a digital application form. The application form is sent to you via email when you contact helpdesk.validering@hh.se

Start from our course syllabus, learnings outcomes and course content, when you describe your previous learning linked to the current course. Your application will be a self-assessment that describes WHAT you did and HOW you did it, all related to the syllabus you want to validate.

Search among the University’s course syllabi

For more information and support with the application, contact the coordinator for validation to credit transfer at Halmstad University, email: helpdesk.validering@hh.se.

When can I apply for validation?

Entry requirements:

The Admissions Service must receive the documents no later than the last date to apply for higher education; see further information at antagning.se

Credit transfer:

Any time during the year. Applications for validation of prior learning to credit transfer usually are processed and decided within two months after the complete application is received.

What does the validation process look like at Halmstad University?

Entry requirements:

First, the University maps and reviews your application, and if something is missing, we will contact you for additions. The assessment is made by the education officer in collaboration with those responsible for education. When the equivalence assessment is complete, you will be notified of the result, if you are eligible for the specific course you have applied for or not.

Credit transfer:

First, the University maps and reviews your application, and if something is missing, we will contact you for complementary additions. The assessment is done by the course coordinator or the person who has subject knowledge in the course you are applying for to credit. You are assessed based on learning outcomes to see if you have the equivalent knowledge. We weigh level, scope, quality and focus on your knowledge and skills. The assessor chooses a suitable assessment method. When the assessment is complete, you will receive a decision. The result can be approval, partial approval, or rejection.

How is the assessment done?

Entry requirements:

An education administrator assesses your prior learning based on eligibility requirements and your opportunities to assimilate you – manage to study the education you have applied for. If necessary, the case will be sent to those responsible for the training for help with assessment.

Credit transfer:

A subject-skilled assessor reviews the application based on the learning outcomes and dimensions, scope, quality, and focus. Sometimes the assessment is supplemented with an assessment method, oral, written, or practical assignments to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills that correspond to the course's main content and learning outcomes.

How long does it take until I am notified?

Entry requirements:

The processing time is between one and three months, but notice always comes before the first selection.

Credit transfer:

Applications for validation of prior learning aiming to credit transfer are usually processed and decided within two months of the complete application will be received.