Recognition For Prior Learning

The Recognition Process

Recognition is a process by which candidates seek confirmation of the skills and knowledge they have acquired through earlier work, life and other experiences. Recognition can be gained through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or by Credit Transfer.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning is a process by which the skills and knowledge developed by the trainee, outside of formal education, is recognised against the qualification and competencies they are undertaking. The judgement is made by an assessor or assessment team against the competencies of the Training Package.

Why apply for Recognition?

If you are successful in receiving Recognition of Prior Learning, you may be able to complete your training program earlier. You will be able to focus your training on learning and developing new and relevant skills

Evidence of prior learning

The candidate has a great deal of responsibility to gather suitable evidence to prove what they have achieved. The assessor may guide you as to what kinds of evidence you might need to provide, but candidates have the flexibility to decide on the kinds of evidence they can put together to confirm their competence. Candidates need to be aware that the more recent the prior learning, the more value such evidence has as an indication of current competence. You will be encouraged to think about what you do and what types of things you can use to confirm competence and help you to come up with suitable evidence.

Evidence used for RPL may include: Work Records; Records of workplace training; Challenge tests of current knowledge & skills; Third party reports from current and previous employers and supervisors; Examples of work products;

Recognition of Prior Learning is only granted against a full Unit of Competency. You may have some skills and knowledge that can be recognised but do not have all of the required skills for the unit. In this case you may be granted Advanced Standing. This means that your skills and knowledge have been recognised but you will need to complete further training and assessment to fill the gaps between your recognition and the Unit of Competency.

Credit Transfer

Credit Transfer is another form of recognition. Credit transfer is based upon Qualifications and Statements of Attainment received from other educational institutions. The assessor or assessment team will examine evidence provided and make a decision regarding the Credit Transfer. If the Qualifications or Statement of Attainment can be mapped against the qualification the student is enrolling in, automatic credit transfer will be granted. As with RPL, Credit Transfer can only be issued against a full Unit of Competency.

Examples of Recognition

Paul's Story Paul had worked from time to time in stables and on farms. He had owned a horse which he rode on his parent's property. He had several other jobs including horse transport driver, barrier attendant and bookmaker's clerk. He wanted to complete a Certificate III as a Trackrider but wasn't sure how much he knew or what new skills and knowledge he would need to get a qualification. The training centre sent him an RPL kit which explained the process. He read the explanation of the units of competence (the skills and knowledge required).He filled out the self-assessment forms which gave him a clearer picture of his situation. Then, he had an interview with an assessor who discussed what evidence he needed to provide. It was agreed he would ask former and current employers to complete a report (checklist) with comments and sign it where indicated. These checklists described the jobs he had performed particularly the details of his skills in horse handling, horse care and stable work. Based on the evidence Paul provided he was able to receive RPL for his horse handling skills and transporting of horses.

 

Alison's Story Alison had been involved in the equestrian industry, competing in dressage and showjumping. She had also attended the local Agricultural College and completed a Diploma in Equine Management. She had never had any experience in the racing industry. Alison wanted to know what Recognition she would receive for her experience and qualifications. Alison provided references from current and former employers, as well as her qualification. On examining the evidence, the assessor gave Credit for the common horse units that she had completed in the Diploma. Alison was unable to receive RPL or Credit for some Units of Competency due to lack of experience in the Racing Industry.

Remember: The more detailed your evidence to support your request for Recognition, the greater the chance you have of being successful in being granted RPL.