Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL)

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process by which prior qualifications, experience and informal learning can be recognised formally through assessment or “skill recognition”.

The RPL process requires the collection of evidence to assess an individual against the Competency Standards of a particular industry in order to determine whether they have achieved the required competence for a particular employment position through informal, formal, past or present learning and industry experience.

This process is ideal for volunteers or employees who wish to gain a formal qualification or accreditation for the work they are currently doing in order to receive a pay increase, promotion or career change.

How does the process work?

Evidence is a major aspect of the RPL process, and the ability of an individual to provide their assessor with appropriate, and varied examples of their experience can mean the difference between receiving a full qualification or having to complete “skill gap” units.

Evidence can include:

• Any completed formal qualifications in any industry
• Letters of recommendation from employers or supervisors and character references (including community and volunteer organizations)
• Records of any committees or regular meetings (including staff meetings and sporting or social committee meetings).
• Job descriptions and staff performances reviews
• Your life experience: caring for others, home-help assistance (including unpaid and/or voluntary work)
• Current resume with time worked in paid and non-paid work
• A journal, diary or resume of work history, volunteering commitments of related and unrelated experience.
• Any related work practices you undertake (e.g. forms)

The above mentioned examples are not mandatory requirements, but are suggested as a guide for when you are compiling your evidence.

Getting Started

RPL interviews are conducted throughout the academic year at CHARLTON BROWN College. Contact the college directly to arrange an appropriate time.

For organisations who have a number of employee’s or volunteers seeking to upskill through Recognition of Prior Learning, CHARLTON BROWN can arrange a suitable date and time to conduct a group session in a central location.

What do I need to do?

1. Decide which qualification you wish to RPL towards. The National Training Information Service (NTIS) website (www.ntis.gov.au) contains useful information about the Community Services Training Package, which CHARLTON BROWN offers training in Aged Care, Child Care, Disability Work, Out of School Hours Care and Community Services Management.
2. Compile your evidence in relation to your chosen qualification.
3. Arrange an interview time with an Assessor at CHARTON BROWN. Interview times range between 1 to 3 hours, so please ensure you allow sufficient time for the interview to be conducted. During your interview, your Assessor will ask you a series of questions relating to your chosen qualification. Your responses may be verbal and can be supported by your evidence.
4. Your assessor will verify all of you evidence against performance criteria of your chosen qualification to ensure all requirements have been met. Once this has been done, CHARLTON BROWN College will issue the individual with either a Statement of Attainment or the full qualification. Please note this vertification may take 2 to 3 weeks to complete.
5. If the assessor identifies any gaps between the evidence supplied and the performance criteria, you can choose to complete “Skill Gap Units” in order to acheive the full qualification. These units can be completed via correspondence or by attending classes at CHARLTON BROWN.

Fees and Charges

RPL interview and assessment

The full cost of the RPL assessment is $750 for Certificate II, III and IV. The full cost of the RPL assessment is $1250 for Diploma and Advanced Diploma.

Skill Gap units

Each unit is $140.00 and is payable prior to commencing study. Students may purchase units individually or in bulk.

Save money on RPL

Skilling Solutions Queensland (SSQ) is an innovative program developed by the Queensland Government to enable candidates to gain a formal qualification or upgrade their existing qualification which may lead to an increase in wages, promotion or a career change. For students interested in undertaking RPL, a visit to a SSQ branch will save you money on your interview and assessment. Participants will only have to pay CHARLTON BROWN $250 for the assessment and the Department of Education, Training and the Arts will fund the rest!

More Information

Skilling Solutions Queensland: 1300 654 687 or www.skillingsolutions.qld.gov.au or contact CHARLTON BROWN.

2007 Winner

---