Recording Government

Recognition of Prior Learning FAQs

On This Page

• What is the Recognition Process?
• What is Recognition of Prior Learning - RPL?
• Why should I apply for RPL status?
• How does RPL work?
• What is Credit Transfer?
• Recognition of Current Competencies
• How much does it cost?
• What is the Assessment process?
• How long does the assessment take?
• What if I am unsure my application will succeed?
• What happens if I am successful?
• What happens if I am not granted RPL?
• Further information

What is the Recognition Process?

The recognition process is a procedure that enables students to gain acknowledgment for current competencies and skills that a student has acquired. It is a term that includes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) and Credit Transfer (CT).

What is Recognition of Prior Learning - RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the assessment and recognition of an individual's current knowledge, skills and competencies against a particular set of criteria. It involves the process of recognising and acknowledging the current skills set of an individual by awarding them status/credit towards an educational program.

So if you already have some skills in a particular area, you can apply for an RPL assessment of those skills as they apply to a particular competency. If RPL is granted, this will mean that you do not have to attend the course for that competency.

Through the RPL process, you may get formal credit for:

• Work experience, either in Australia or overseas
• Education, including training and qualifications attained in Australia or overseas
• Where you can clearly demonstrate the relevance of life experiences.

Why should I apply for RPL status?

By applying for RPL status of your current skills and competencies, it will:

• Save you time, effort and education costs
• Help you move quickly through your course of study
• Recognise the skills you already have.

How does RPL work?

The process of RPL involves matching what you already know and can do to the elements and performance criteria for a competency within a particular subject. It requires that you put in some considerable effort to collect evidence regarding your skills and experience. You are solely responsible for demonstrating to the Trainer how the evidence that you have submitted relates to the competency concerned.

What is Credit Transfer?

Credit Transfer is based upon you having successfully completed an element, or a particular module, of a subject that you have received a qualification for. To achieve a Credit Transfer a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) must have issued the qualification.

Recognition of Current Competencies

Successful completion of some specified SACE (Year 11 and12) units may entitle a student to claim credit towards the State Records Certificate in Recordkeeping. If you feel that this might be a suitable choice for you please contact the Training Co-ordinator.

How much does it cost?

In general, the fee for the Recognition of Prior Learning assessment process is set at 50% of the cost of undertaking and passing that unit of competency. For the fee structure please refer to the applicable RPL Application Form for either Certificate III Recordkeeping (BSB30507) or Certificate IV Recordkeeping (BSB41707).

Related Information:

• Certificate III Recordkeeping RPL
• Certificate IV Recordkeeping RPL

What is the Assessment process?

Once you have decided to apply for RPL and have submitted your portfolio of evidence, the following steps occur. The trainer:

• will carefully peruse your portfolio for evidence to determine your current skills and knowledge
• may contact your supervisor and/or manager to confirm the description of work that you undertake
• may contact any referees nominated by you
• will carry out any other reasonable investigations to confirm the accuracy of your evidence
• may contact you to ask you to provide further information or seek clarification on the evidence submitted
• may organise for you to attend an interview to further discuss your application and/or portfolio.

How long does the assessment take?

You will receive feedback if your application lacks critical evidence. The time the assessment can take varies, but it is approximately 30 days. This period may be longer during the holiday breaks and at peak enrolment times.

What if I am unsure my application will succeed?

You will be allocated an appointment time to discuss your application with the Trainer. This will give you an opportunity to clarify any concerns or questions that you may have about your application, evidence or the RPL process.

What happens if I am successful?

If you are successful in your application a Pass (PA) grade will be recorded for the competency received. This grade will be recorded on your academic record. Upon successful RPL status you will not be required to attend lectures or study for the competency achieved. However please be aware that if you do not obtain full recognition for a subject, you will be required to enrol for the other units of competency.

What happens if I am not granted RPL?

If you are not granted RPL this does not mean that you have 'failed' a unit of competency. It may simply mean that the evidence you have provided does not match the requirements of the national criteria and that further clarification may be needed. However if you disagree with the final outcome you may appeal the decision. Further information is detailed in the Student Handbook.

If you are unsuccessful in your application you will be required to enrol for the units of competency, either by attending lectures or via correspondence. Completion of the formal assessments will be required to achieve competency status for all units where RPL has not been granted.

Course handbook for the Certificate III and Certificate IV nationally accredited training courses given by State Records. Nationally Accredited Training Course Handbook (216 KB PDF File)

Further information

For further information please contact our Training Co-ordinator.