Want to Get Qualified Without Starting Over?
If you’ve been working in your trade for years but never got around to the paperwork, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the simplest way to change that.
Through RPL, your skills, experience, and on-the-job training can be formally recognised so you can earn your trade qualification — without redoing everything you already know.
The key to getting qualified fast is good evidence. In this blog, we’ll show you exactly what you need to prepare for your RPL assessment.
What Is RPL Evidence?
RPL evidence is the proof of your skills and experience.
Instead of sitting in a classroom or doing tests, you provide documents and examples that show you’ve already mastered the tasks covered in your qualification.
Assessors then review this evidence to confirm your competency.
Examples of RPL Evidence
You don’t need every document listed here — just what best reflects your trade experience.
Common RPL evidence includes:
- Work references from employers, supervisors, or clients
- Photos or videos of you completing work or finished projects
- Payslips or invoices showing your trade employment or contracts
- Job descriptions or position statements from past roles
- Trade licences, tickets, or permits you’ve held
- Apprenticeship records or partial completion statements
- Project files or site logs that show ongoing work
- Training certificates (like safety, WHS, or equipment tickets)
If you’re self-employed, Gimbal Group’s team can help you prepare client references and supporting documentation to verify your experience.
How Gimbal Group Helps You Prepare
The RPL process can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re unsure what counts as evidence. That’s why we guide you through every step.
Here’s what happens when you start your RPL Australia journey with Gimbal Group:
- Free Skills Check – We identify the right qualification based on your trade experience.
- Evidence Review – Our team helps you understand what you already have and what’s missing.
- Portfolio Building – We help you organise your photos, references, and documents.
- Assessment – Your evidence is reviewed by a qualified assessor.
- Qualification Issued – Once approved, you’ll receive your nationally recognised qualification.
The process is simple, quick, and designed to fit around your work schedule.
Qualifications You Can Complete Through RPL
Depending on your trade and experience, Gimbal Group can assess you for qualifications such as:
- CPC30620 – Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
- CPC31320 – Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
- MSF30422 – Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
- MSF30322 – Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
- MEM20105 – Certificate II in Engineering
- MEM30219 – Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
- MEM31922 – Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- MEM31419 – Certificate III in Engineering – Fixed & Mobile Plant Mechanic
Each qualification is nationally recognised and can be achieved through RPL Australia or an apprenticeship pathway.
Tips for Submitting Strong Evidence
To make your RPL assessment as smooth as possible:
- Include clear, detailed photos of your work (before and after shots are great).
- Label each piece of evidence with dates, project names, and your role.
- Ask for written references from supervisors or clients — short and specific is best.
- Keep your files organised and easy to read (digital folders work best).
The more complete your evidence portfolio, the faster your assessor can verify your skills.
Get Qualified Faster with Gimbal Group
You’ve done the hard yards — now let your experience do the talking.
With Gimbal Group’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, you can turn years of hands-on experience into a formal qualification and start 2026 with new opportunities.
👉 Start Your RPL Assessment Today and make 2026 the year you level up your career.
If you have a questions, please contact us.