Back to Standards Index

Recognition of Prior Learning

Standards: Clause 1.12

The RTO offers recognition of prior learning to individual learners.

Standards Glossary Definition

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) means an assessment process that assesses the competency/s of an individual that may have been acquired through formal, non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to. which that individual meets the requirements specified in the training package or VET accredited courses.
a) formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction and is linked to the attainment of an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (for example, a certificate, diploma or university degree);
b) non-formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction, but does not lead to the attainment of an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (for example, in-house professional development programs conducted by a business); and
c) informal learning refers to learning that results through experience of work-related, social, family, hobby or leisure activities (for example the acquisition of interpersonal skills developed through several years as a sales representative).

Related document/links

ASQA website: Provide RPL to highly qualified learners
ASQA website: Can an RTO provide RPL for its own trainers and assessors?
ASQA website: Can a superseded unit be used for RPL for a current unit?

RPL is assessment

RPL is assessment. It has all the same requirements as other types of assessment. It involves collecting evidence and making judgements on whether competence has been achieved. Evidence can be collected through:

  • Examination of work samples
  • Examination of relevant documents
  • Professional conversations
  • Observation and questioning
  • Formal trade tests
  • Challenge tests

QCI considerations

  • How does your RTO inform learners of the RPL option?
  • Does your RTO have an RPL Information Kit?  If so, how is this made available to learners?
  • Does your RTO have an RPL assessment tool for every unit in a qualification?
  • Does your RTO have an Assessor Guide (or Marking Guide) for every unit where there is an RPL assessment tool?
  • How does your RTO record a decision to award RPL?
  • How is the candidate notified of the outcome?

 

Back to Index

Standard 1
Standard 2
Standard 3
Standard 4
Standard 5
Standard 6
Standard 7

Scenario 1

XYZ RTO has a process where their senior administrative assistant works with a RPL applicant to help them gather evidence for a unit of competency. The administrative assistant lets the applicant know if they have sufficient evidence against the RTO’s checklist of requirements for that unit. If so, then the list of evidence is given to the assessor who signs off that the applicant is successful in gaining recognition of prior learning for that unit.

Question
Is this an acceptable RPL process?

No. RPL is assessment and must be conducted by a qualified assessor.

Scenario 2

XYZ RTO delivers a Certificate ll in Work Preparation to young people who have never had a job. They do not offer RPL for this qualification.

Question
Is it acceptable to not offer RPL in this scenario?

Yes. The combination of qualification and the learner cohort means that there is little chance of sufficient prior learning in the units in this qualification.