Recognition of Prior Learning applications
How to get it | applying before enrolment | applying after enrolment
What is RPL / RCC?
The various forms of Recognition assessment are described on this page. We recommend that you read it before proceeding, so that you can be sure you understand what it is you are applying for.
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How can I apply for it?
Applying for Recognition is simple. However, we recommend that you access the appropriate RPL Manual as they contain useful information about the process:
- Business Programs RPL Handbook
- HLT02 Short Course (excluding Pathology) Programs RPL Handbook
- Training and Assessment RPL Handbook
If you are a new applicant to our Academy, you will need to send in an enrolment form (which is available through our Enrolment page). You will also need to download and send in this Application for an RPL Kit form. It contains additional guidelines and information regarding the collection of appropriate evidence.
Existing candidates need only download the appropriate RPL Handbook (listed above) and an Application for an RPL Kit form, then follow the guidelines and information regarding the collection of appropriate evidence.
The whole process depends on the validation of evidence which it is your responsibility to provide against the standards set in the Units of Competency. If you say 'I can do that", you have to be prepared to prove it.
Granting of RPL may result in the negotiation of a customised course which accelerates your learning. However, RPL is not an 'easy way to avoid completion of course work, nor should it be undertaken lightly.
If the assessor decides that it is to your benefit to complete or revise a course component (for example, if your original qualification is more than five years old and there have been major changes in techniques and standards since that date), then you would be advised to do so.
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Recognition of Prior Learning applications prior to enrolment
All applicants, whether enrolling for a full Certificate program or for individual Units, may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC).
If you feel that you can provide evidence that you meet the requirements of any Unit, and can demonstrate this through documentation or work portfolios, please ask us for an RPL self-assessment kit.
This contains a manual setting out the procedures for making applications and gathering evidence and a set of templates against which you can record a summary of your evidence.
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Applying after enrolment
Sometimes, an applicant realises after commencing their training, that a unit or units in their program reflect skills or experience which they are already able to demonstrate. We encourage applicants to contact us when this occurs so that we can help you prepare appropriate evidence rather than "running a race to prove you have legs".
This can result in either:
- negotiating arrangements to complete assessments through work portfolios or work-based evidence in place of the set assignments or
- an application for RCC where the evidence can meet the full requirements of the Unit
If you enrol in a self-paced or workshop pathway and subsequently believe you can apply for recognition, please contact the Academy to discuss their situation. Provided that you have not already commenced training and/or assessment activities, a pro-rata refund may be extended for any unit/s for which Recognition is subsequently granted.
For more detail regarding Recognition pathways, please refer to the RPL Self-assessment Kit available upon application to the Academy or included with your Information Kit.
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Last updated on August 13, 2008