What is Recognition of Prior Learning?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in vocational education allows you to receive formal recognition, in the form of a diploma, certificate or academic transcript, for the skills, knowledge, and experience you have gained through non-formal and informal learning experiences. RPL acknowledges the learning achieved outside of formal educational settings, such as through work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, or other life experiences
What is the Purpose of Recognition of Prior Learning?
RPL gives you an opportunity to have you existing skills and knowledge assessed and formally recognised, which can lead to a qualification or credit towards a qualification, without the need for additional training or assessment.
How does the RPL process work?
What are the steps in RPL?
Here’s how the RPL process typically works in vocational education:
1. Initial Inquiry
You start by contacting a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offering vocational courses in the area you are interested in.
You should receive information and guidance about the RPL process, including the evidence you will need to provide, the assessment criteria, and the types of qualifications you can attain through RPL.
2. Information and Guidance
You gather evidence to support your claim for RPL. This may include documents, testimonials, work samples, certificates, transcripts, and other relevant materials.
3. Assessment
A qualified assessor or a panel of assessors reviews the evidence you have provided to see if it meets the required competency standards for the qualification sought. The assessment is usually based on the specific criteria of the units within your qualification.
4. Gap Analysis
If there are gaps identified between your evidence and the required criteria, additional assessment or training may be needed to fill those gaps.
5. Feedback and Decision
The assessor provides feedback to you on the assessment outcome. If the evidence is deemed sufficient, the candidate will be granted recognition for the relevant units or a complete qualification.
6. Formal Recognition
Once the RPL assessment is successful, you receive formal recognition for your prior learning. This recognition could result in a full qualification, one or more units, or a micro credential.
What are the benefits of RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning is a valuable approach to promote lifelong learning and inclusivity in education and training systems. It ensures that your knowledge and skills are recognised and utilised effectively, contributing to a more flexible and responsive education and workforce development landscape.
RPL benefits you by saving time and costs associated with redundant training and assessment. It also helps promote lifelong learning and encourages individuals to engage in further education and skill development.
How can I get credit for my previous work experience and education?
At the Australian Qualifications Institute, we specialise in providing recognition of your current skills and knowledge either as a micro-credential or as a shortcut to your Nationally Recognised Diploma of Business, Leadership and/or Management or Human Resources. Get in touch with Australian Qualifications Institute at enquiries@aqi.edu.au for personalised counselling in the recognition of your skills through RPL.
