Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning RPL

Recognition of prior learning means recognition of competencies currently held, regardless of how, when or where the learning occurred. These competencies may be attained through any combination of formal or informal training and education, work experience or general life experience. In order to grant RPL, the assessor must be confident that the student is currently competent against the endorsed industry or enterprise competency standards or outcomes specified in Australian Qualifications Framework accredited courses. The evidence may take a variety of forms and could include certification, references from past employers, testimonials from clients and work samples. The assessor must ensure that the evidence is authentic, valid, reliable, current and sufficient.

Short Courses Australia appreciates the value of workplace and industry experience and recognises that students will acquire vocational skills and knowledge from a variety of sources other than formal training. These skills are legitimate irrespective of how they were acquired and the RPL process is designed to provide validation of such relevant skills.


For more information regarding RPL please review our Student Handbook

 

Short Courses Australia Recognition of Prior Learning Process

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that assesses an individual' formal, non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual has achieved the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry to, and/or partial or total completion of a VET qualification.
The recognition of prior learning (RPL) process will be offered to and explained to all relevant students. All students will have access to Short Courses Australia RPL policy which is contained in the Short Courses Australia student handbook and is available on request.


Students who believe they have already obtained current skills and knowledge that would otherwise be covered in the qualification/unit of competency for which they intend to attain should apply for RPL at the time of enrolment. The student' skills and knowledge will be assessed and validated, and where appropriate, units of competency acknowledged and face-to-face training reduced.


As part of the Short Courses Australia enrolment policy, trainers will advise students of the availability of RPL policy, explain what the process involves and how it relates to the attainment of the qualification in some circumstances. Trainers will remind students of this option progressively throughout their time in training, in order to provide multiple opportunities for students to engage in the RPL process.

 

When approached by a student seeking RPL, trainers will:

  • Provide the student with copies of an RPL Introduction Letter;
  • Provide the student with information about the types of evidence that can be used to support an RPL application.

 

Recognition of prior learning fee

The student will be charged 100% of the scheduled course fee. This includes the initial application, consultation either in person or via phone with the suitably qualified assessor, the RPL assessment and (if successful) certification.

Where the student is not able to achieve the full qualification through RPL and gap training is required, a training plan and costing structure will be mutually agreed upon. The basis of the cost structure will be pro-rata on a unit by unit basis based on the scheduled course fee.