Recognition of Prior Learning or RPL,
is the acknowledgment of skills and knowledge obtained through learning
achieved outside the formal education and training system and includes
work and life experience including paid and volunteer work and skills
attained through leisure pursuits such as musical, mechanical or
linguisitic abilities.
RPL recognises any prior knowledge and
experience and measures it against the qualification in which students
are enrolled. The individual may not need to complete all of a training
program if he or she already possesses some of the competencies
taught in the program.
Prior to application, the candidate is provided with information
regarding the qualification in which they wish to enrol. This
information includes the units of competency and the skills and
knowledge required to be deemed competent in these units.
An evidence guide will provide the candidate with information
about the type of evidence that will be required to demonstrate
competence; this may include letters, emails, certificates etc.
The candidate then carries out a self-assessment to
determine whether or not they wish to proceed with the RPL process.
The candidate then enrols in the chosen course and informs the
administrator of their decision to apply for RPL. An introductory
interview will be carried out with an RPL Assessor who will
discuss the candidate's self-assessment and the evidence required
to be deemed competent.
Candidates may choose to apply for RPL in one or more units,
or an entire qualification.
Once the candidate has gathered the required evidence, an RPL
Assessment interview takes place. At this time, the assessor
will discuss the evidence you have provided, ask questions to
establish underpinning knowledge and if necessary, decide upon
any gap training that may be required.
Following on from this, a final assessment will take
place whereby the RPL Assessor determines whether or not the candidate
is competent. If deemed competent for one or more units (or a
whole qualification), the candidate will receive a result of RPL
for this unit/s and will not be required to submit any further
work or attend further training.
Often a visit to a candidate's workplace can be the most effective
and efficient method of assessing an RPL application. It provides
the opportunity for the candidate to describe and demonstrate the
job function on the job.
The assessor can access and view additional forms of evidence if
required which further develops a picture of competence. Authentication
of the candidate's work can also be obtained by their supervisor,
which is an essential aspect of RPL.
