The center for Assessment of Prior Learning (CAPL) was established in 2007; a year after the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) introduced the Open Entry Admission System in 2006. The open entry system introduced was able to pave the way for greater access into lifelong learning opportunities. The motion was in line with the Strategic Plan of Higher Education 2007-2010, which focused on the development of human capital. Open University Malaysia (OUM) was the first ODL institution that was given the mandate to implement this system in the country. Through open entry, individuals who did not meet the conventional entry requirements could leverage on their work experience to gain admission in OUM. CAPL was then upgraded to Institute for Learning Recognition & Accreditation (ILRA) in 2015.

Due to the increasing number of enrolment through open entry, MQA decided to introduce the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) mechanism in Malaysia in 2016. APEL is defined as a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning, i.e., knowledge, skills and attitudes, to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for access to a programme of study and/or award of credits. At present, OUM is appointed by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) as the partner University in the implementation of APEL in Malaysia. It also plays an active role in the development of APEL policies in Malaysia.