The process of getting your current skills and knowledge formally recognised towards a qualification or statement of attainment is called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL can be a shortcut to getting a complete qualification or, if you have gaps in your knowledge, parts of a qualification which you can then complete with additional training.
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, volunteering (including activities in the community) and life experience.
There are many benefits of having your skills and experience formally recognised, including:
- attaining a formal nationally recognised qualification in a shorter period of time and at a lower cost
- increasing your career and education options, including opportunities for you to get into a university course if you are recognised for 100% of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualification
- not wasting your time studying something you can already do.
How do I get RPL?
To have your skills recognised you need to get a formal assessment. Only a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can recognise your skills and issue you with a qualification or Statement of Attainment. You will be asked to show evidence of past experience, training or skills relevant to the training course you want to do. Useful evidence includes résumés, certificates, performance reviews and job descriptions.
After your RPL assessment your RTO will tell you how much of your chosen course will be assessed or passed – in other words which parts have been recognised. They will then tell you which parts of your training you have ‘done’ and which units you will need to enrol in.
Useful Links
For more information on RPL in your state, see the below links.
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia