Recognition of Prior Learning
How can RPL benefit you?
What is competence?
What can I use as evidence?
National recognition
Credit transfer
Contact us
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of gaining recognition for skills and knowledge that you have acquired through previous formal or informal studies and current work experience.
You may also have gained the skills or knowledge through non-paid work.
Even if you have never formally studied or trained in a particular area, RPL could provide you with a full or part qualification. It could also be used to identify what training you may need to complete a qualification.
The RPL process enables you to match your skills and knowledge to a qualification in which you are seeking. This ensures that you do not undertake unnecessary training.
How can RPL benefit you?
There are times when it is useful to have formal qualifications of your skills. There are many ways in which RPL could benefit you.
Benefits include:
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gaining a higher qualification in less time and for less money
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increasing your work productivity
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promotion, which can lead to higher income
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taking less time away from your work and life for training
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career change or re-entry to the workforce
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better planning of future training
What is competence?
Competence requires the application of specific skills, knowledge and attributes relevant to effective participation in an industry, industry sector or enterprise.
This means that:
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You can perform a task/job/activity to an industry specified standard
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You can do it in a consistent way over time
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You have sufficient knowledge to enable you to perform it in a range of situations
What can I use as evidence?
RPL is about demonstrating knowledge and skills. During your assessment, you will be advised on what evidence you need to collate in order to support your claim for recognition.
Examples of evidence you may want to consider using include:
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work samples
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practical demonstrations in the workplace
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assessment interviews
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references and support from your supervisors or others in your community
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a variety of materials including previous qualifications, videos and/or photos of work examples, a resume, performance reviews
The Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE can help you provide the best examples of evidence to support your application. RPL assessment can set you on the way to a full qualification, or result in a statement of attainment for partial completion.
National recognition
To receive credit for previous study, you will need to be enrolled in the program and provide certified copies of your qualifications, Statement of Attainment or Statement of Results to the Institute. All TAFE Queensland institutes use the same student administration system so you don't need to provide your results if you have studied at another TAFE Queensland Institute.
You cannot receive credit for your whole program of study; at least one competency must be achieved through normal enrolment or RPL.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the process that recognises accredited study equivalent to the competencies in the program you are enrolled in. You need to complete an "Application for Credit Transfer From" to apply for credit transfer. Unsuccessful applicants have the right to formally appeal the result through the academic appeals process.
Contact us
For further information contact Recognition Services on (07) 4750 5451.