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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is a process that assesses a learner’s competency which has previously been acquired outside of the formal training and education system, to determine if a learner meets the requirements for a unit of competency. The RPL process removes any duplication of training and assessment and enables learners to gain formal qualifications based on the informal training and education they possess.

As RPL is a type of assessment, evidence needs to be collected to prove that the learner have the knowledge and skills previously acquired through informal training, work, volunteering, life and other relevant experiences. The evidence collected must prove that the knowledge and skills held by the learner is sufficient, valid, authentic and current.

The RPL process does not rely solely on documentary evidence. It uses a combination of questioning, practical assessment and supporting evidence to provide evidence of the student’s competence.

Contact us to arrange a RPL interview to check the suitability of this path for the student. During this conversation a list of required evidence will be created for the student to gather to support their RPL application.

Examples of some acceptable RPL evidence
  • Assessments of current knowledge
  • Certificates of informal learning or training undertaken by the Learner in the past 5-years
  • Evidence of relevant unpaid or volunteer experience
  • Examples of work products
  • Job descriptions and/or letter of offer detailing the Learner’s job scope
  • License documents
  • Observation by an assessor in the workplace
  • Performance appraisals or reviews
  • Photographs or videos of the Learner carrying out their work
  • Practical assessments of current skills
  • Professional or trade memberships
  • Records of workplace training
  • Reports from current and previous supervisors or managers
  • Resume
  • Testimonials from clients
  • Verified references from current and previous supervisors or managers
  • Work records
  • Work samples

Steps in the RPL Process

1. Initial RPL interview
  • Contact us to book an RPL interview. You will be sent a RPL package for the student to start filling in ready for the interview.
  • During the interview the trainer will ask broad questions about the students expectations of the RPL process, work history, and relevant personal circumstances.
  • Then together the trainer and the student will develop the RPL Assessment Plan. This plan will include a date for the student to return the Self-evaluation Tools, the likely time-frame for the RPL, possible dates for workplace assessment visits, and any other responsibilities or expectations
  • Based on the students work roles and tasks the student has undertaken we will suggest the supporting evidence required for the RPL application.

On receipt of all required documentation the trainer/assessor will consider all the evidence and arrange for a Competency Conversation.

2. Competency Conversation

The ‘competency conversation’ interviews, provide an opportunity for the student to confirm their knowledge as identified in the initial interview and for the assessor to assess the units of competency.
After the Competency conversation, if further evidence is required, the trainer/assessor will arrange to observe the student demonstrating the skills and knowledge required.

Where an assessor considers that additional workplace verification is required for any aspect, this can be gathered with a Third-Party Report.

3. Gap training

The trainer/assessor will come to a professional judgement on whether the student is competent or not yet competent in the units being assessed;

  • Where the student is assessed as competent for all the units required for the qualification, the RTO will undertake the process to issue the qualification.
  • Where the Learner has not met the full qualification requirements, Connected Training will undertake the process to issue a Statement of Attainment listing any units successfully attained. Then will discuss enrolment options for the units that are still to be attained.

Credit

Connected Training provides credit transfer to students once suitable evidence, that they have successfully completed a nationally recognised unit has been provided.

Suitable evidence include AQF certification documentation issued by any other RTO or AQF authorised issuing organisation, or an authenticated VET transcript issued by the Registrar.

Learners may only apply for a credit transfer for units which are included on our scope of registration.

If the credit sought for has a different title or code to the unit or module held by the learner, it is necessary to establish their equivalency. In these circumstances, the learner may want to apply for a recognition of prior learning instead;

Where a unit of competency has been superseded and not equivalent, a credit transfer will not be granted – in these circumstances, the learner may want to apply for an RPL instead.
It is important to note that credit transfer is not recognition of prior learning. Recognition of prior learning is a form of assessment and is addressed in our Recognition of Prior Learning policy.

Any AQF certification documentation provided as evidence of attainment of a unit or module will need to be verified.

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