Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an assessment process giving you credit for skills, knowledge and experience gained through working, learning & life experience. It can be gained at any stage of your life, through active participation in work & the community, informal training such as in house & non-accredited training, discussion groups, accredited short qualifications, workshops & seminars or through other activities such as volunteering, sporting activities, membership participation in club activities etc. RPL is sometimes known as RCC (Recognition of current competency).
WHAT IS RECOGNITION?
Skills recognition acknowledges the skills you have gained through prior learning while identifying that those skills are current.
Recognition means you gain credit towards a vocational qualification – sometimes a full qualification – without undertaking a complete training program. Recognition is faster, less costly & more efficient than putting people through training in areas they already know well.
THE BENEFITS OF RPL
- Confirming competence for a workplace position
- Confirming eligibility for entry to credit within a qualification
- Ensuring that learners do not have to relearn skills & knowledge they already hold
- Reducing the amount of time required to acquire a qualification
- Ensuring that training time is spent acquiring new skills and competencies.
HOW DOES THE RPL PROCESS WORK?
The RPL process involves the candidate & the educator working together to gather evidence to enable the assessor to make a decision on your competency. Your educator will assist you to identify relevant units of competency & explain the types of evidence (proof of your skills & knowledge) required. When you have provided this evidence it is compared with the competency standards and your assessor will decide whether sufficient evidence has been provided to determine the extent to which you have achieved the required learning outcomes or standards.
HOW DO I APPLY?
To apply for RPL complete the RPL document supplied with your qualification and attach all the evidence you have gathered to support your application. The more relevant evidence you can provide the better understanding the assessor will have of your level of skill / knowledge. Please do not include evidence that does not directly relate to your qualification. When your RPL has been assessed you will be notified of the outcome in writing & of any gap training which may be required.
WHAT IF I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ASSESSMENT DECISION?
If you are not satisfied with the assessment decision the right of appeal is available to all RPL candidates. Please see your student handbook for further information about the appeals process.
Download a guidline to presenting your RPL Portfolio >>> Creating an RPL Portfolio
