recognition of prior learning (RPL)

You may be able to ‘fast track’ your learning with RPL or Credit Transfer!

Your life experience, past education or industry training could qualify you for RPL. We recognise that not all learning is done in a formal environment, so our courses are structured to take account of any relevant skills, knowledge or experience that you or your team may already have.

All students enrolled with Australian Operator Training who consider that they have, and can demonstrate current skills and knowledge in the qualifications or individual units of competency in the program may be eligible for ‘Recognition;’ through ‘Recognition of prior learning. Australian Operator Training recognises current qualifications and /or Statements of Attainment issued by other RTOs.

What does RPL stand for?

RPL, or Recognition of Prior Learning, is an assessment procedure that leverages your pre-existing skills, knowledge, and experience to attain a formal qualification or units of competency instead of traditional study methods.

RPL serves as an assessment method that enhances accessibility to formal qualifications for individuals already employed, supporting the advancement of their careers.

Who qualifies for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a valuable assessment approach designed to make formal qualifications more attainable for individuals who are already part of the workforce. This method acknowledges and values the skills, knowledge, and experience individuals have acquired through their work and life experiences. By undergoing the RPL process, employed individuals can showcase their existing expertise, potentially bypassing the need for traditional study methods.

The primary aim of RPL is to facilitate career advancement by providing a pathway for individuals to obtain formal qualifications based on their demonstrated competencies. This process acknowledges that learning occurs in various contexts beyond formal education, and it allows individuals to showcase their practical skills and knowledge acquired on the job.
Through RPL, individuals can compile evidence of their capabilities and align them with the relevant units of competency required for a specific qualification. This not only streamlines the qualification process but also ensures that individuals receive recognition for the skills they have developed through practical experience.

Ultimately, RPL serves as a bridge for working professionals to enhance their career prospects by obtaining formal qualifications that align with their demonstrated skills, fostering a more accessible and flexible approach to education and career development.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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.

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);
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
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).

Can I use a superseeded unit of competency towards an RPL?

Yes, a superseded non-equivalent unit of competency can be used as part of an RPL process toward the award of a current unit of competency.

However, currency is a particular risk with recognition of prior learning. Australian Operator Training may be presented with evidence gathered over a number of years, including evidence of competency from a superseded non-equivalent unit of competency. This does not mean the superseded non-equivalent unit is not valid; however, you must ensure there is sufficient evidence of the person’s competence at the time you make the assessment decision.

For example, if a learner is applying for recognition of prior learning for the unit SHBXCCS007 Conduct salon financial transactions and provides evidence of previously completing the superseded non-equivalent unit SHBXCCS001 – Conduct salon financial transactions, Australian Operator Training will:

Consider all of the requirements of the unit SHBXCCS007 and compare them to the skills awarded in SHBXCCS001.
Identify any additional forms of evidence the student could provide to demonstrate competence.
Ensure the total evidence provided by the learner shows they have current skills and knowledge in all requirements of SHBXCCS007.
Retain all evidence collected during the process

What if I have a unit of competency that is clustered with multiple units:

Under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015, will offer recognition of prior learning (RPL) to individual learners—unless the requirements of the training package or licensing requirements prevent this.

Offering RPL ensures you as the learner has the opportunity to participate in assessment that is flexible and fair. Where units, and assessments, have been clustered:

In developing our assessment tools, Australian Operator Training has a mechanism for ensuring all requirements of each unit of competency are addressed—for example, a mapping process. Australian Operator Training uses this mechanism to identify which components of an assessment have been addressed by awarding RPL for a unit, and which tasks are still required to be completed. It is possible the units have been clustered because of their similarities. A student may be able to demonstrate competency by RPL for all units in the cluster.