Recognition of prior learning
What is Recognition of Prior Learning?
Recognition of Prior Learning is the formal recognition of a person's current skills and knowledge, no matter how, when or where the learning occurred.
Even if you have never formally studied or trained in a particular area, you may have gained knowledge and skills through your education, training, work and life experience. RPL suits people who have industry relevant:
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work or trade skills or knowledge
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paid or unpaid work experience
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life experience
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community work experience
Recognition of Prior Learning could provide you with a full or part qualification and avoid duplication of training. It could be used to identify what training you may need to complete a qualification, or could provide a pathway to higher qualifications for people who may not have access to further training.
Benefits
Recognition of Prior Learning can save time in completing a qualification and avoid unnecessary training. It can also provide benefits in other areas of your life, for example:
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improved job security
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re-entry to the workforce
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job promotion
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career change or improvement
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moving from volunteer work to paid employment
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moving from redundancy or unemployment
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reduced study load
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better planning of future training
Four Steps to Recognition of Prior Learning
Step 1. Consider what evidence you already have that demonstrates your skills and knowledge. You need to be able to show your skills are current and meet industry standards. Examples of evidence include:
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work samples
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practical demonstrations in the workplace
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assessment interviews
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references and support from supervisors or others in the community
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a variety of materials including training certificates, photos of work examples, a resume, performance reviews, position descriptions
Step 2. Contact Wide Bay Institute of TAFE Customer Care Centre on 1300 656 188. You will be sent the relevant RPL documentation to complete and return.
Step 3. Forward your completed documentation and supporting evidence to WideBay TAFE. An assessor will then contact you to arrange an initial interview to have your skills "assessed". This might involve interviews, observation, questioning, formal trade tests, work samples, third party reports or presenting other documentation. Generally a combination of assessment types will be used.
Step 4. If the assessor is satisfied that your skills match those required in a particular job or industry and can be verified, you will then be able to have them formally recognised. You will be advised of the cost of RPL and asked to enrol into the qualification. The formal assessment process will then begin.
Download our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - Information for applicants [PDF 213kb dated 11 September 2008] booklet for further information.
Credit Transfer
Credit Transfer is available for applicants who have appropriate documented evidence of achievement in relevant courses and programs from other Registered Training Organisations. If you have successfully completed an identical unit of competency at another Educational Institution or Registered Training Organisation (RTO), then you may be granted Credit Transfer towards your current studies.
To apply for Credit Transfer you must be enrolled in the program for which Credit Transfer is sought. You will need to provide the original Statement of Attainment or certified copy to support your application. No fees apply.
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.
Overseas qualification assessment
Formal qualification gained overseas and awarded by recognised educational institutions can be assessed for comparability. An overseas qualification assessment is a academic assessment of an overseas qualification against Australian educational standards.
To find out more visit the overseas qualification recognition page on www.training.qld.gov.au.
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 |