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RPL - Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning is the acknowledgement of a person’s skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a unit of competency.  A range of evidence is usually used including examples of previous work; documentary evidence of previous achievements, references from persons familiar with the candidate’s achievements and in some cases demonstration of performance by means of specially designed RPL tools from within the training and assessment material and tests.

A request for RPL is to be made on the Application for RPL form.  The form must be submitted to the Principal or Training & Assessment Manager for approval.  It is preferred that RPL are requested and confirmed prior to enrolment.  If the RPL application is approved, the candidate will be notified to make a briefing arrangement.  At the briefing the candidate will be given an explanation of the RPL process and requirements.  An assessor will be assigned to work with the candidate on the RPL plan and evidence gathering.  When ready, the candidate presents evidence to demonstrate competence at the arranged assessment interview.  If successful, the results are formally recorded on the candidate’s transcript.  For details ask for the RPL Process Guide at reception.

Any RPL request after the commencement of study will not vary the payment details on the Application Form at enrolment and that the shortening of the course duration must be reported to DEEWR & DIAC via PRISMS under section 19 of the ESOS Act 2000.  In such a case, the student must continue to study full-time and if their course is finished early, the student must either enrol in another CRICOS-registered course or depart Australia immediately unless they have been given authorisation by DIAC to remain in Australia.

When a student has been granted an RPL which lead to a reduced study load, the student must continue to attend the school full-time by choosing a subject from those offered on rotation.  The student must ensure they register in a unit relevant to the qualification they enrolled in.  If unsure of the appropriate subject to attend s/he should see the Principal for advice.

RPL Process Guide

Briefing Candidate receives briefing on the process and requirements.
  • Including: what RPL is; how RPL can assist to complete the qualification; what is involved in the RPL process, content of each unit of competency, self-assessment checklist.
  • A planning interview is arranged to develop RPL plan.
  • Internal training and assessment material is used as tools to validate and assess RPL applications against appropriate units of competency.
Planning Interview Assessor works with candidate to develop an RPL plan.
  • The candidate provides details of their experience and prior learning that they think demonstrates their competence in the unit(s) of competency for which they seek RPL.
  • The assessor will provide the candidate with a detailed Evidence Guide specifying all elements of the unit(s) of competency.
  • Types of evidence are suggested with the candidate to satisfy the elements of competency and performance criteria of the unit(s) sought.
  • Training gaps are identified.
  • RPL plan is developed to establish timelines for the gathering of evidence including the agreed and established Academy assessments to be used.
Evidence Gathering The candidate collects sufficient evidence and undertakes any identified gap training and completion of any required work activities.
  • Demonstrate all elements of competency as suggested in the Evidence Guide.
  • Finalise portfolio for presentation to the assessor.
  • Arrange assessment interview.
Assessment Interview

Candidate presents portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competence.

  • The assessor reviews all evidence provided by the candidate to establish competence.
  • The assessor confirms that the evidence provided relates to the elements of competency and performance criteria of the unit(s).
  • Supporting evidence from third parties is checked for validity and currency.
  • Evidence is confirmed by questioning &/or observation, and underpinning knowledge is confirmed and documented on the Academy’s Assessment Record for the unit.
  • If the evidence provided is not sufficient, the assessor shall advice the candidate with details of further evidence requirement and a revised assessment interview is scheduled.
Results Results are provided to candidates and are confirmed by recording the result on the Academy’s learning management system.
  • Results for RPL enrolments are recorded.
  • The candidate is advised of the outcome of the assessment and any implications that the results will have on the course of study &/or qualification.

 

Qualifications      Certificate II      Certificate III      Certificate IV      Diploma


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