Recognition of Prior Learning

Take your work experiences and turn them into a nationally-recognised qualification. Gimbal Training’s Recognition of Prior Learning service (RPL) through a skills assessment can help you take your career to the next level.

Getting an RPL is the perfect solution whether you’re looking to: 

  • acquire credits to shorten your study time;
  • have your work experience formally recognised;
  • obtain a licence; or
  • expand your employment opportunities

What Is Recognition of Prior Learning?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment approach that enables individuals to receive a nationally recognised qualification. By proving your skills and experience in a specific field, you can turn informal work experience into a qualification. This assessment method relies on evidence of your past experience and educational background in the industry to obtain the desired qualifications.

How Does RPL Work?

Gimbal Training believes that learning can occur in various ways and acknowledges that people’s experiences and knowledge are just as valuable as traditional classroom-based learning. RPL is a testament that practical experience is the most valuable asset in many industries.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment approach that enables individuals to receive a nationally recognised qualification. By proving your skills and experience in a specific field, you can turn informal work experience into a qualification. This assessment method relies on evidence of your past experience and educational background in the industry to obtain the desired qualifications. 

It is a fantastic opportunity for those who have gained practical skills and underpinning knowledge over the years without having formal qualifications to prove their expertise.

At Gimbal Training, we specialise in training people in the fields of construction and engineering through our Registered Training Organisations (RTOs): Gimbal Construction (RTO ID 32201) and Gimbal Engineering (RTO ID 31820). Our team understands the importance of being professionally qualified in the industry.

So get started on your process today to acquire your formal qualifications with Gimbal.

In Australia, all workers, permanent residents and citizens can apply for RPL, regardless of whether they have completed formal education or not. 

The RPL process assesses an individual’s prior learning experiences, which can include work experience, previous training, and any informal education.

An RPL assessment provides you with the opportunity to certify any existing skills and knowledge that you have gained through work experience. By undergoing an RPL assessment, you can fast-track your certification, bypass formal education requirements and gain the qualifications your employers need for their desired candidate. In addition to this, you also open more doors for career opportunities and fill in the gaps of skilled labour within the industry. Well done you!

RPL Enquiry Form

  • The qualifications we offer can only be undertaken through by an employed Apprentice or through the formal trade recognition assessment process (RPL) for those that have been in the industry for a minimum of 4 years

Why is Recognition of Prior Learning Important?

There are a few reasons why getting your qualification for an RPL could drastically improve your job prospects.

Cost Efficiency

It’s an effective way to limit costs, especially when planning to further your education. Getting a few credits in hand, thanks to your previous relevant work experiences, can significantly shave off costs for your next course.

Accessibility

On the other hand, if you’re looking to go down the route of work experience instead of study, RPLs can help formally qualify your time at your current role. It offers a much cheaper and more efficient option for those who do not have the means or time to pursue a higher degree, diploma or master’s.

If you have a minimum of four years of work experience at your chosen company, Gimbal Training can help turn that into a valid formal qualification without the trouble of studying for a certification.

Getting an RPL is the perfect solution whether you’re looking to:

  • acquire credits to shorten your study time;
  • have your work experience formally recognised;
  • obtain a licence; or
  • expand your employment opportunities

The RPL Qualification Process

Gimbal Training believes that learning can occur in various ways and acknowledges that people’s experiences and knowledge are just as valuable as traditional classroom-based learning.

RPL is a testament that practical experience is the most valuable asset in many industries.

It is a fantastic opportunity for those who have gained practical skills and underpinning knowledge over the years without having formal qualifications to prove their expertise.

At Gimbal Training, we specialise in training people in the fields of construction and engineering through our Registered Training Organisations (RTOs): Gimbal Construction (RTO ID 32201) and Gimbal Engineering (RTO ID 31820).

Our team understands the importance of being professionally qualified in the industry. So get started on your process today to acquire your formal qualifications with Gimbal.

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Are RPL Qualifications Nationally Recognised In Australia?

Our qualifications are nationally recognised all over Australia. Upon completion of the full RPL qualification assessment, you will be able to move and work in any state in the country.

It’s important to note that licences are not valid across the country and have different requirements from state to state. To learn more, feel free to check out more information we have about getting your trade licence.

Who Can Apply For RPL in Australia?

In Australia, all workers, permanent residents and citizens can apply for RPL, regardless of whether they have completed formal education or not.

The RPL process assesses an individual’s prior learning experiences, which can include work experience, previous training, and any informal education.

What Are The Benefits Of Getting An RPL Qualification?

Choose Gimbal Training For Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) today. An RPL assessment provides you with the opportunity to certify any existing skills and knowledge that you have gained through work experience.

By undergoing an RPL assessment, you can fast-track your certification, bypass formal education requirements and gain the qualifications your employers need for their desired candidate.

In addition to this, you also open more doors for career opportunities and fill in the gaps of skilled labour within the industry.

How Do I Get A Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Certificate In Australia?

To begin your assessment with Gimbal Training, simply get in touch with one of our specialists to get the process started. Make sure to keep all relevant documents related to your previous work experiences, complete with letters, photos and video proof.

To learn more about the process, feel free to check out this guide on the RPL assessment today.

Recognition of Prior Learning FAQs

The process can take up to three months, depending on how long it takes to gather your documents for evidence. The RPL process may take longer if there are gaps in your training.

To get your RPL, you have to ensure that you have the following prepared. Training and employment evidence are an important part of confirming your previous experience. 

Your evidence will give our assessors a good idea of your existing experience in practical aspects of your professions. Here’s what you will need:

Training Evidence

  • International qualification
  • Statement of attainment
  • Apprenticeship documents
  • Non-accredited training certificates
  • Induction Cards
  • International or Australian Work Licences


If you have been previously employed in a profession related to your certification, you will need to provide two pieces of relevant employment evidence. Here’s what you’ll need: 

Employment Evidence  

  • Contract of employment
  • Letter from employer
  • Position description
  • Pay slips
  • Resume or CV


You may be required to submit professional references who can attest to your employment history and skills.

Yes! Our team is always happy to discuss where your application fell short and what your next steps should be. For more information on the appeals process, please visit our resources page.

Yes, you can use an RPL to gain credits through your international studies and practical experience. RPL is a reliable way for international applicants to acquire qualifications in Australia and Gimbal Training can assist you with the RPL process. For those looking for offshore skill assessments, you can take a look at our visa skills website for a pathway.

Costs of RPL vary on a case-by-case basis based on whether or not you are eligible for government funding. You will be provided with an estimate before we begin our process.

At Gimbal Training, we conduct training and assessments mainly in the field of construction and engineering. 

With our expert assessors and training, you can acquire nationally recognised qualifications in anything from cabinet making to engineering. Find the right path for you by speaking to one of our experts today!

Feel free to contact us by filling in this form or read more about our step-by-step process for more information.

How RPL Is Assessed

With our simple six-step process, you’ll have your formal qualification in a short period of time.

Step 1: Enquiry

Speak to one of our friendly team members and provide to get started on your consultation.

Step 2: Pre-enrolment

In this step, we ensure you are eligible for an RPL by asking you the necessary questions and giving you login details for our online platform. Collect and organise your experience for your assessor with a combination of workplace documents, interviews, videos and reports from previous employers. 

The assessor will then make contact to discuss your application, explain the process and let you know what further evidence is required including workplace documents, references and videos

Step 3: Enrolment

In this step you complete an online knowledge test, provide any additional video evidence and complete an interview with the Assessor on the technical aspects of your qualification

Step 4: Gap Training

After an assessment, your assessor may decide you need further training to address the gaps in your knowledge or practical skills and will advise you how to proceed.

Step 5: Assessment Outcome

The assessor creates a report with a recommendation based on the evidence you have provided, outcome of written test and interviews. This is submitted to the Compliance department for approval.

Step 6: Final Approval

You are issued your nationally recognised qualification and provided with the necessary documents.

RPL Enquiry Form

  • The qualifications we offer can only be undertaken through by an employed Apprentice or through the formal trade recognition assessment process (RPL) for those that have been in the industry for a minimum of 4 years