Recognition of Prior learning
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may be defined in a number of ways (Recognition of Current Competence – RCC, has also been a term used concurrently in the past). However, the general meaning is that RPL involves the assessment of previously unrecognised skills and knowledge an individual has achieved outside the formal education and training system.
In applying for RPL the participant must provide evidence against each performance criterion (for more information download the RPL booklet or contact Customer Service)
Credit Transfer |
Credit Transfer means the granting of credit for subjects, modules or units of competency you may have previously completed (for example, at TAFE or another RTO). The previous credits and assessments must be equivalent to the required learning outcome of the current SAI Global certification.
Definition |
While RPL and credit transfer are related, and the boundaries between them are often blurred, they are distinguished as alternative pathways to an AQF qualification. They are distinguished by the way they relate to learning achieved through formal education and training (credit transfer) and learning achieved outside the formal education and training system (RPL):
- RPL is an assessment process that assesses the individual's non-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 qualification; and
- Credit transfer assesses the initial course or subject that the individual is using to claim access to, or the award of credit in, the destination course to determine the extent to which it is equivalent to the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards in a qualification. This may include credit transfer based on formal learning that is outside the AQF framework
- Source: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Advisory Board, 2004
For more information refer to ‘RPL National Principles’
RPL Example 1
Harry has worked as an auditor for 10 years. During this time he completed a Lead Auditor course with another training organisation, however it was not nationally accredited to any units of competency. It was however RABQSA approved (International auditing certification body). Harry would like to be recognised formally for his experience through the Diploma of Business (Quality Auditing).
Harry will need to review the RPL information provided by SAI Global and discuss his application with Customer Service. If he decides to go through with his application he will be assigned an assessor and will have to address all relevant criteria, and provide appropriate information as to the context, and evidence to back up his claims. Harry will need to map his experience and qualifications to the specific units of competency (subjects) that he wants to achieve. He may also provide evidence of the course, providing documentation which can provide a synopsis of what was covered in his training course. It may prove appropriate to provide a detailed resume of his auditing experience outlining his responsibilities, tasks and achievements and proof of work against what he claims. This, in Harry’s case will help show that he is applying the necessary skills in the workplace; as his training course was completed more than 5 years ago, making it quite out of date. He will be kept informed and given the opportunity to add to his application where required, he will also be made fully aware of the fees involved.
RPLExample 2
Eliza has worked as a frontline manager of a team for five years. She has been involved in recruitment, performance management and appraisals, team planning and building, OHS, monitoring performance and improving the team’s performance, writing budgets, counselling staff and project management. Eliza would like for this experience to be recognised and contribute to some of the units that make up the qualification – BSB40807 Certificate IV Frontline Management.
Eliza will be assigned an assessor and will need to map her experience and qualifications to the specific units of competency (subjects) that she wants to achieve. It may prove appropriate to provide a detailed resume of her experience outlining her responsibilities, tasks and achievements and proof of work against what she claims. It may be that during the course of her application it is found that she had completed a course that gave her a few units of competence that fit into the packaging rules of the qualification that can be recognised. In this case she will have to submit verified copies of her qualifications. Once verified her RPL fees will be adjusted down to account for the credit transfer. She will be kept well informed of the assessment process and fees.
Critical Factors
The critical factors for RPL are:
- That you explain the context in which you feel you are eligible for RPL
- That you map your evidence (proof of work, responsibilities, tasks, experiences, accredited and non-accredited courses, references, performance reports, job description, examples of work, articles etc) to all of the performance criteria that make up each unit. This is important as the assessor will be looking at how you meet all of the performance criteria.
- That you supply appropriate evidence (that is verifiable, listed and well collated)
The critical factors for credit transfer are:
- That your previous education is accredited, that is, a qualification from a vocational education provider. If your prior course is unaccredited then please refer to Recognition of Prior Learning for more information.
- The course you are comparing it to must be of the same or higher level. That is, if you are enrolled in a Diploma level course at SAI Global and you have completed a Certificate III level course with TAFE, then this will not be accepted as a credit transfer. A solution to this would be for you to provide additional evidence to support the units gained from the Certificate III, to the same level of the units you are claiming as its equivalent through RPL.
Further Enquiries
For costs and registration please contact the customer service team on 1300 727 444 or email training@saiglobal.com
