If you are new to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, you may be finding it a little confusing or maybe even overwhelming. We get it! That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to RPL assessment, so you can feel confident in taking the next steps in your career advancement or personal growth.
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is a process that acknowledges skills and knowledge acquired through formal and informal learning, such as in the workplace or other life experiences, and translates them into nationally recognised qualifications. This allows individuals to gain credit for units of the training program or qualification they are currently undertaking in which they are already competent, thereby avoiding the need for unnecessary, costly, and time-consuming training and fast tracking their qualification.
In order to undertake this process, you will be required to gather and present valid and current documentation to prove your knowledge and understanding, as well as practical skills. This evidence will be assessed by an RPL assessor to determine whether you are competent in some or all of the requirements for full or partial completion of an accredited course or qualification.
Who is Eligible for RPL?
Generally speaking, migrants, mature aged job seekers and those already in the workforce wanting to take their career to the next level are good candidates for RPL.
You may be eligible if you have;
- completed relevant work experience (either paid or voluntary), an accredited higher education course or non-accredited learning
- gained skills through informal, formal or non-informal learning
- gained skills through workplace learning, company training or self-directed learning
- have an overseas qualification
To be successful in your RPL application you must ensure that your prior learning and experience is relevant to the qualification you are seeking, and that your skills and knowledge is current and applicable to industry standards. You must also be able to provide adequate evidence to prove your competency.
What is the RPL Process?
When applying for Recognition of Prior Learning through Skills Recognition you can look forward to a well-structured and impartial process, designed to ensure that you meet the requirements for formal qualification based on your prior skills and experiences.
Here’s what you can expect:
Step One: Book a Free Skills Assessment
Find out if you are a good candidate for recognition of prior learning credit for your chosen course by booking a free skills assessment.
Step Two: Initial Consultation
The next step in the process is to meet with your trainer and an expert on RPL under the Australian Qualification Framework to further discuss your background, experience and qualifications and determine whether RPL is an appropriate pathway for you.
The RPL assessor will provide you with information on how the RPL process works and guidance on how to proceed. They’ll also be able to answer any questions you have regarding the criteria you will need to meet, and the documentation you will be expected to collect and submit.
Step Three: Obtain and Clearly Collate Your Supporting Evidence
Now it’s over to you to gather the documentation you need to support your application. You will be given clear instructions by your RPL assessor on what types of evidence are required, as well as how to organise them to align with specific qualification criteria.
This is the most time-consuming step in the process and requires you to actively collect evidence from a number of different sources. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the complexity of your experience and how readily accessible the documentation is. We recommend starting this stage as soon as possible to ensure that deadlines are met in a timely manner. This will help you avoid last-minute stress!
It’s important to note that gathering the evidence is just one component of this step – you also need to compile it into a well-organised portfolio. Ensure that all documents are clearly labelled and presented in a logical, easy-to-follow format. Categorise each piece of evidence according to the specific competency or learning outcomes it addresses and include a table of contents listing all of the documents you are submitting and include a brief description. This will give your RPL assessor a comprehensive view of your competencies and allow them to map them against the qualification requirements and determine your competency level.
Step Four: Submit Your Evidence
Once you have gathered all of the required evidence to support your RPL application you are ready to submit it for assessment. We recommend taking advantage of a Skills Recognition RPL expert’s support and knowledge before you submit your paperwork. They can help to review the evidence to make sure that you have satisfied the criteria and ensure your best chance of obtaining RPL certification.
Assessment of the Evidence and Decision
After submission, all of the evidence provided is passed on to an RPL assessor to review. After careful consideration of all of the evidence the assessor will provide you with a final assessment report informing you whether or not your RPL application was successful. In the event that the RPL assessor decides that there is insufficient evidence to grant the recognition of prior learning certification, you will be provided with feedback and suggestions on how you can proceed to best meet the gaps in the evidence, such as further training.
Types of RPL Evidence
The good news is that there are many different types of evidence that you can use to support your RPL application. Understanding how evidence is categorised in the RPL process is key to building a portfolio that successfully demonstrates your competencies. Your RPL assessor will go through this information with you at length to ensure you understand what is required of you.
There are three types of evidence:
Direct Evidence
Direct evidence refers to tangible, first-hand proof of your skills and knowledge. This might involve the RPL assessor observing you in your workplace in real-time, or via video. In instances when this is not a viable option, simulations, role-play, work samples and demonstrations can be used so your assessor can observe your competency.
Indirect Evidence
Indirect evidence can take the form of certificates, licenses, documented work history, performance appraisals and other documents that support your claims of competence.
Supplementary Evidence
Supplementary evidence is any other evidence that isn’t an example of your work but supports your application. This can include job descriptions, references, testimonials, and work diaries, etc.
What are the Rules of Evidence?
It is helpful when gathering your evidence to understand what your RPL assessor will be looking for when they examine each piece of evidence to determine whether it complies with the rules of evidence. Consider whether each piece of evidence will stand up against the rules of evidence – validity, sufficiency, currency and authenticity.
Validity
The validity of the evidence refers to its relevance to the unit of competency you are trying to gain credit for. Ask yourself whether it meets the performance criteria for each unit.
Sufficiency
How sufficient is the evidence? Is it enough to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a variety of work contexts?
Currency
The evidence you provide needs to be up to date to reflect your current abilities and demonstrate skills and knowledge that are applicable to current industry standards and practices. Generally speaking, evidence accepted as current will need to be from the last two or three years. However this may depend on the field of study, as some industries experience rapid technological advancements, in which case, evidence may need to be produced from the past 12 months. Your RPL assessor will discuss your individual circumstances and requirements with you in detail at the start of the process.
Authenticity
It is imperative that the evidence you submit for assessment is your own. The RPL assessor will ensure that your evidence has not been fabricated or plagiarised. Only submit evidence that is genuinely your own work and verifiable and avoid misrepresenting your skills and knowledge.
The Legal Aspects of RPL: Your Rights
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) ensures that those seeking to have their qualifications recognised via the RPL process receive quality, consistency and fairness from their registered training organisation (RTO).
This means that you are entitled to a fair assessment that considers your unique circumstances and allows you sufficient time to present the evidence of your prior learning and skills.
The legal framework around RPL ensures that the process is accessible to all individuals with relevant experience and should be conducted without bias towards age, gender, cultural or ethical background, disability, sexuality, language skills, literacy or numeracy level, unemployment, imprisonment or remote location.
It is up to your RTO to ensure that their RPL policies and procedures are transparent, accessible and in line with the standards for RTOs. They must provide clear information about the RPL process, offer support and guidance throughout, provide transparent pricing and maintain meticulous assessment methods. Furthermore, assessment must be conducted according to the principles of assessment (validity, reliability, flexibility and fairness) and students must be informed of their status at reasonable intervals.
If you feel that your assessment has not been conducted fairly or in line with legal and regulatory requirements, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your RTO or escalate the matter to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
The Cost of RPL Certification
The cost of obtaining RPL certification in Australia varies depending on the qualification and industry but generally ranges between $1000 and $6000. There are also government subsidies available for eligible students, and payment plans to help manage these costs.
Whilst costs may seem high, they should be weighed against the potential benefits. For example, fast-tracking your qualification may actually save you time and money you would have spent on additional study, not to mention the career opportunities that can arise from gaining formal qualifications and the potential for higher earnings.
The cost of obtaining an RPL for your individual circumstance will be clearly stated at the start of the RPL process, however you should be aware that other incidental costs may arise during the process that you will be required to pay related to obtaining evidence from relevant authorities outside of the RTO.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about how Skills Recognition can help you to obtain the recognition you deserve for the skills and knowledge you have already obtained, whether at work, through volunteering, in formal or informal education, or even through your everyday life experiences.
We will support you through the process, provide quality learning and course material, and give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. As experts in RPL, we can provide you with the expert advice and support you need to ensure a successful outcome.
Contact us today and find out how we can help you fast-track your career.
