Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning is the process that recognises a student's current skills and experience regardless of where and when the learning occurred.
Recognition of Prior Learning.
Trade recognition.
Credit for your skills or work experience.
Overseas qualification assessment.
WideBay TAFE RPL Unit contact details.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is one way that you can have your current skills and knowledge assessed by a registered training organisation to see if they meet industry standards.
RPL is the process that lets you obtain formal recognition for your skills and experience. You may have gained the skills through any combination of formal or informal training and education, work experience or general life experience.
RPL is being fostered so that skilled workers can gain formal recognition of skills that they already possess, without having to undertake formal training in areas where they are already competent.
Having your skills recognised benefits workers and students by:
- reducing duplication of training
- completing studies in a shorter time
- encouraging individuals to assess their own skills
- increasing career options, and
- providing pathways to higher qualifications.
Download our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - Information for applicants [PDF 248kb dated 14 February 2008] booklet for further information.
Applying for RPL
You can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning for a whole module/unit of competency or a complete Qualification. If you wish to have your existing skills formally recognised you should contact the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE Customer Care Centre.
Unsuccessful applicants have a right to formally appeal the RPL assessment, through the institute academic appeals process.
RPL Process
Follow this simple step-by-step process to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning:
- View the RPL process flowchart contained in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - Information for applicants [PDF 248kb dated 14 February 2008] booklet or contact the Customer Care Centre.
Providing Evidence
To gain Recognition of Prior Learning, you must be able to show your skills are current and meet industry needs. Evidence must be provided in a manner that enables an assessor to determine whether the required competencies have been demonstrated.
There is no one way to approach the gathering of evidence; the following list provides some examples:
- Previous qualifications or Academic transcripts from previous studies.
- Confirmation of your attendance at other training or professional development activities (eg conferences, workshops)
- Workplace Supervisor Reports/References
- Resume
- Work samples
- Photographic evidence of your work
Credit Transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of study already completed, which counts towards further study. Transfer of credit provides you with exemption from relevant units of competency.
Credit transfer may be granted where there is documentary evidence that equivalent competencies/learning outcomes have been achieved by the completion of previous formal study or training with a recognised training provider, school or university.
You can not receive credit for your whole program of study. At least one competency must be achieved through normal enrolment or Recognition of Prior Learning.
Mutual Recognition
Mutual recognition is the process that recognises Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTO) enabling individuals to receive national recognition of their achievements.
Mutual recognition can be either a direct recognition of a course completed at another RTO or a combination of mutual recognition and credit transfer.
Trade recognition
Recognition of work or training (trade recognition) allows people to gain a certificate of recognition in Queensland in an apprenticeship occupation, where:
- a formal, apprenticeship has not been completed, or
- an apprenticeship has been completed overseas.
Credit for your skills or work experience
If you have been working in an apprenticeship occupation for a significant period of time (at least six years full-time after you turned 21 years of age), you may be eligible to have your existing skills recognised. This process of recognising existing skills is called Trade Recognition.
If you think you may be eligible, this process should be undertaken prior to entering into an apprenticeship.
If you are not eligible for Trade Recognition or you are a trainee, once you have entered into your apprenticeship or traineeship you should discuss the skills you already have with staff at WideBay TAFE. Getting your skills recognised this way is called RPL.
Overseas qualification assessment
An overseas qualification assessment is a general academic assess Overseas qualification assessment of an overseas qualification against Australian educational standards. Overseas qualification assessment is a free service provided by the Queensland Government.
Contact the Training Hotline 1300 369 935 or Employment Hotline 1300 369 925.
WideBay TAFE RPL Unit contact details
|
Name |
Phone number | |
|---|---|---|
| Ann-Marie Chapman RPL Coordinator |
(07) 4120 2450 | ann-marie.chapman@deta.qld.gov.au |
| Leeza Foley Administration Officer |
(07) 4120 2331 | leeza.foley@deta.qld.gov.au |
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