RPL and Skill Recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of recognising that the student may be competent in an area of study or subject, regardless of how, when or where their learning occurred.
It is defined by the VET Quality Framework as “an assessment process that assesses an individual’s 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.”
A candidate’s RPL application should be based on their ability to demonstrate levels of skill and knowledge detailed in each unit of competency applied for. They must also be able to apply these skills and knowledge practically.
The RPL process used by AIET is a guided and supported process that relies on the candidate’s ability to demonstrate their competence by providing a range of evidence as follows:
Primary Evidence
- Documented evidence of previously gained skills, knowledge and experience eg: testamur, transcripts, work documents, work reports, case files, client reports, testimonials, photographs, recordings, videos, (this includes Credit Transfer)
Supplementary Evidence
as required to fill evidence gaps from primary evidence as identified by the AIET accessor
- Competency Conversation Questions ie to act as further evidence and further opportunity for the candidate to provide evidence clarification, additional evidence, demonstrate knowledge.
- Direct observation by the assessor of the candidate undertaking work functions as relevant to the competency unit
- Third party evidence including employer reports, supervisor’s reports, client reports, testimonials
This evidences to be provided in a structured evidence portfolio and submitted to the AIET RPL Assessor for assessment and outcome.
This kit provides planning tools that guide the evidence gathering. Use these tools and tables to build up your planned evidence. Here are some tips for putting your portfolio together.
- Look for evidence that meets the requirements for multiple units of competency. If you can demonstrate evidence that covers several units of competency, it will minimize time spent searching for and compiling multiple forms of evidence for each unit.
- Authenticity: You need supporting evidence to authenticate that the products and processes you are submitting are indeed your work. Third-party letters or references may be requested to support your portfolio.
- Recent evidence is preferred: The assessor is looking for the currency of competence so use recent projects as evidence. As a rule of thumb, evidence from the last two years is preferable and do not go back more than five years. This should be discussed with the assessor. Your academic training and qualifications may go back further than five years to demonstrate knowledge of vocational education and training.
- Label the evidence: Complete the cover page, evidence summary matrix, provide an index and label the evidence. The assessor will not proceed unless the cover page and summary are submitted and the evidence is organized and labelled.
At all stages support is available from your assessor and from student services
Stage One
Enquiry/Contact Australian International Education and Training, obtain RTO and Course Information. Attend a Pre-registration interview (which includes an LLN Test). If you pass the Interview, complete the Enrolment Form and submit to AIET along with supporting documentation and the first fee instalment.
Stage Two
AIET will provide you with this RPL kit and arrange your first RPL meeting with the RPL assessor assigned to you.
Stage Three
- Read RPL kit thoroughly.
- Attend your first RPL meeting.
- Commence collating the evidence you have for your portfolio.
Stage Four
- Continue creating your evidence portfolio.
- Attend further arranged meetings with your Assessor and/or request support by phone or email (or in person!)
- Follow the instructions as provided by your Assessor regarding evidence gaps form your primary evidence and collaborate with your assessor to close gaps by providing further evidence as requested.
- Pay fees as per fee schedule.
Stage Five
- Submit portfolio either when you consider it to be complete or by the end of your scheduled duration(whichever comes first)
- Pay remaining fee instalments.
- Assessor reviews and issues an RPL Outcome Statement.
Deemed Competent
- Conversation with Assessor.
- RPL checklist completed.
- Assessor and Candidate signs off.
Deemed not yet competent
- If submitted prior to end date: Assessor will provide feedback and request additional evidence on supporting documents provided.
- If submitted on duration end date and you wish to continue then re-regiser (pay extra fees) and submit additional evidence.
Qualification or Statement of Attainment issued.
To have skills formally recognised in the national system, assessors must make sure you have the skills, knowledge and ability to meet the industry standard. This means you must be involved in a careful and comprehensive process that covers the content of all unit/s or qualification/s you can be recognised for.
Assessment happens in a variety of ways. Being prepared can save you valuable time and hassle and make the recognition process stress-free for you.
Here are some tips and hints for you:
- Have evidence on your Job roles and your work history, submit a detailed resume or document down a few points about where you have worked, either paid or unpaid and what you did there.
- Submit your position description and any performance appraisals you have from any businesses or facilities you have worked in.
- Referees? Would you feel comfortable to have the assessor contact your workplace or previous workplaces so your skills can be validated?
- Think about who can confirm your skill level. Think about current or recent supervisors who have seen your work in the past 18 months and will be able to confirm your skills. The assessor will need to contact them. You may also have community contacts or even clients themselves who can vouch for your skill level.
- Collect any certificates and transcripts any training you have done in the past.
- You can speak with your training organisation about other ways you can show your skills in management.
- These could be letters from employers, records of your professional development sessions, employers or clients in related industries or government agencies, acknowledgements, workplace forms (as long as they don’t show client details) or other relevant documents
