Recognition of Prior Learning
RPL, or Recognition of Prior Learning, is a process that formally acknowledges the skills and knowledge an individual has acquired through various experiences, including work, training, and life, against a specific set of standards or learning outcomes. It’s a way to gain formal recognition for what someone already knows and can do, potentially leading to a qualification or credit towards one.
With RPL, you can get recognition from a higher education institution for the prior learning you’ve done in work, life, and the community.
RPL is itself a learning process as it involves reflecting on your past experiences and identifying and documenting what you have learnt. Relevant learning can then be assessed and, if it meets the required standard, be recognised by a higher education institution and used by the applicant for:
Gain entry to a programme in higher education
Start a programme at an advanced level, like year 2 or 3
Gain module exemptions or credit for learning you have already achieved
In some higher education institutions, RPL may also be used to gain a full academic award. The availability of full awards is at the discretion of each higher education institution.
You can apply for RPL at any level (1 – 10) of the National Framework of Qualifications.
Criteria for RPL access have at least five years’ relevant working experience in the study field in which you would like to apply for admission to a qualification (This means that if you want to apply for access to a BCom Finance degree, for example, your experience should be in finance.
There are a few boxes to tick before you can get underway with Recognition of Prior Learning. Your eligibility will be determined by the industry you work in, the type of qualification you’re seeking, and any relevant formal or informal prior learning you’ve attained.
The cost of a nationally recognised qualification achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning is dependent on the type of qualification you’re seeking and how you wish to make payment. The total price is generally determined by the course level, ranging from a Certificate II to a Graduate Diploma.
