Have you been wondering what Recognition of Prior Learning is all about and how you can choose this assessment pathway to gain your qualification? We give you a low-down of it to help you make an informed decision.
You started your career as a trainee, a paid employee, or a volunteer. Unlike others, you entered the workforce early and quickly earned the skills and experience in your industry without really having to complete a formal qualification. It could be in the hospitality sector, or management, community services, or any trade. But now you think you need to evolve in your current role or perhaps want to get back to the workforce after a work hiatus or to study further, and in the ever-advancing professional world, levelling up is the only way forward. But because of your current commitments, the thought of enrolling in a formal course and dedicating several hours to attend classes or completing assignments all seem like a daunting task and maybe stopping you from propelling your career in the right direction.
Wouldn’t it be great if what you have learned on-the-job and your past years of experience were recognised and converted into a formal qualification without having to relearn what you already know?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a learning pathway that can help you get promoted, increase your earning potential, help you re-enter the job market, or build a path for you to study further in higher education.
We have listed down common questions we get asked by our students.
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an evidence-based assessment method to gain a qualification. If you have the skills, knowledge, and experience gained through work, training courses, and work-based training to meet the requirements of the course. You will be issued a certification based on the supporting evidence of your skills and experiences in your sector without having to sit through classes and repeat the same learnings that you already have through your years of work or prior experience.
What is the purpose of RPL?
If you are looking at upskilling, opting for RPL can help you save both time and money to get a certification. RPL qualifications can help you move forward in your career, get into uni for courses you may not have prior qualifications for. Our RPL qualification on Hospitality and Building and Trade is on the occupation list that will build a pathway to help you get a permanent resident in Australia.
How is RPL assessed?
At Frontier, we assess through three assessment methods divided into five assessment instruments to collect work evidence that meets the unit requirements.
The three methods are:
Evidence Validation: Evidence gathering, Third-party Report (payslips, job cards, customer feedback, reference letters, among others.)
Questions and Answers: Competency Conversation Interview, knowledge-based questions, gap assessment
Observation: Practical demonstration of skills, gap assessment.
Please note that the documents required may vary according to the course you have chosen to apply for.
How long does it take to complete RPL?
The RPL process takes only a few weeks to complete and is largely dependent on the amount of recognition required for your chosen course as well as how much time is taken for you to gather the evidence of your skills and experience.
Will overseas experience count for RPL assessments?
If you are certain of your experience, knowledge, and skills in the respective field, the RPL assessor will take into consideration your existing skills irrespective of whether they were acquired in Australia or overseas and assess them in a practical, formal, or non-formal setting to see if you can demonstrate the required competencies as per Australian standards.
What is the RPL process?
To be sure you are eligible for an RPL assessment, you can take a pre-eligibility check.
Here is the step-by-step guide to the process:
Step 1. Decide on what to study
Choose a qualification.
In deciding on the appropriate qualification and module(s) for RPL credit, take into account your previous work experience and your future academic requirements.
Step 2. Meet the requirements
Make sure that you meet the admission requirements of the selected qualification for your chosen qualification.
Step 3. Complete and submit the RPL application form
Fill the RPL Application form, gather supporting documents and proof of payment of the application fee.
RPL credits are granted based on proof of evidence of learning. RPL credits are awarded for the relevant learning gained as a result of experience, and not for the experience alone.
Step 4. Set up LMS account, PTR, and LLN test
You will receive confirmation of receipt of your application as soon as we have received all your documents and the payment of the prescribed fees. Confirm your Cloudassess account through the link and take the LLN test and PTR (Pre-training review).
Step 5. Complete RPL stages
On LMS, complete RPL stages. Your knowledge, skills, and competence
Further assessment may take the form of a challenge exam, an interview, a work-related project, or a portfolio (which contains records of your experience, knowledge, and skills). Further guidelines regarding each of the assessment options will be provided to you if your RPL application is viable. It will be assessed by an RPL panel based on the relevant evidence you submit.
Step 6. Interview with Assessor
An interview through the phone will be scheduled between the assessor and the student. This interview may be recorded.
Wait for feedback from the Frontier RPL team.
Step 7. Successful Completion
Congratulations, you will receive your certificate.
