Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

 

RPL is an assessment process of skills and knowledge obtained through learning achieved outside the formal education and training system. RPL recognises any prior knowledge and experience and measures it against the qualification in which you wish to achieve. You may not need to complete all of a training program if you already possess all or some of the competencies included in the qualification.

 

What are the benefits of RPL?

 

If you apply for RPL and are successful you could:

 

• Eliminate the need for training in skills and knowledge you already have
• Save time by not attending classes and completing unnecessary work
• Save money by not having to buy textbooks and learning resources
• Advance more quickly to a higher level qualification if you wish
• Complete your qualification in a shorter time

 

Does RPL cost money?

 

Yes it does however it is a lot cheaper than paying for full training within a course. You will be advised of the fee during your inital skills assessment. Instead of undertaking expensive formal training, you will be gathering your evidence, which will be advised to you, to prove that you are already competent to the required standard.

 

How will RPL appear on my Qualification?

 

Your statement of attainment will record the results against each unit as Competent or Not Yet Competent. There is no distinguishing code to advise others on how the unit was assessed.

 

Do I have the skills to apply for RPL?

 

Qualifications, or courses, consist of a combination of Units of Competence. "A Plus" Skills offers a free skills assessment to advise you prior to paying any course fees if you will qualify for RPL. Additionally you will receive a Self-assessment Checklist which will give a brief description of the skills and knowledge t hat you need to possess to be assessed as competent for each unit. If you feel that you can provide evidence to demonstrate these skills for one or more units, then it could be appropriate to request RPL for those units.

 

How do I request an RPL assessment?

 

You can request an RPL assessment by:

 

• Online enquiry form
• email admin@aplusskills.com.au
• calling - 0468 778 712

 

When you request an RPL for a unit(s), you will be contacted by an "A Plus" Skills RPL Assessor for an initial skills assessment. Your RPL Assessor will discuss with you in detail what is required to be demonstrated for each unit and how your previous experience and informal training matches those criteria. The assessor will then develop an RPL plan which will suggest some types of evidence that could be produced to prove competence and will estimate some timeframes for you to gather that evidence.

 

What can count towards RPL?

 

We learn skills and gain experience all through our lives. Work experience gained on the job or through the practice of skills in other realms of our life, like social or sporting groups, all contribute to our effectiveness. The RPL process allows you to provide evidence of those skills and gain formal recognition towards a nationally accredited qualification.

 

What is meant by Evidence?

 

In order to recognize your prior learning "A Plus" Skills need to have evidence that shows you are competent. Evidence can be in many forms, for example:

 

• In-house training certificates
• Examples of work produced
• Workplace reference
• Statement of duties
• Work project
• Newspaper cuttings of achievements
• Minutes of meetings attended or conducted
• Documents showing organising/supervisor skills
• Awards, commendations, certificates of merit
• A demonstration

 

Your assessor will review all of your evidence presented and will match that evidence against the Performance Criteria stated in the Unit of Competency. The assessor may find it necessary to ask questions about the evidence or ask you to perform work activities or a test to provide evidence where there are gap between what you have provided and what is required.

 

How much RPL can I apply for?

 

It is possible to request RPL for an entire qualification or for one unit only. How much RPL you request will depend on whether you are able to provide evidence for all or some of the units in the qualification.

 

If you have any further questions please contact "A Plus" Skills Pty Ltd