The purpose of this study is to empirically explore the perspectives of recognition of prior
learning(RPL) of adult learners in higher education. To do this, 6,071 adult learners from the
Korea National Open University and 14 major universities for lifelong learning were
surveyed. The results indicate that more than half of respondents reported while their past
studies or certificates from the both formal and non-formal education and learning should be
counted as credit, work experiences etc rarely considered in academic credit approval. In
addition, respondents expected RPL from the point of view of leaning, rather than the views
of cost and effort saving: i.e., they were aware of “RPL” enable them to increase their
self-confidence and to facilitate self-reflection. These results suggested as follows. First of all,
it is necessary that universities and governments make efforts to share the meaning and goal
of RPL. Then, they need to pay attention as learning process as well as assesment
mechanism.