Millions of African professionals hold competence that no transcript records. This paper sets out a portfolio standard used by Durham University to award limited credit for prior learning without selling exemptions. We audited 180 RPL claims from public servants, NGO programme leads and private-sector supervisors. Claims that included third-party evidence, dated artefacts and a reflective map to module outcomes were upheld at 64%. Claims based on job titles alone were rejected. External examiners confirmed that the standard did not dilute the award when credit was capped and when a supervised assessment still had to be passed. AFU should keep RPL narrow, documented and appealable. Ministries and employers should accept that a digital university can recognise work already done in Lusaka or Douala without pretending that experience is automatically a master’s degree. Honesty about credit is part of academic integrity.