How to Get Your Trade Certificate Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If you’ve been working on the tools for years but don’t have the paperwork to match, you’re not alone. Plenty of skilled tradies across Australia are missing out on better-paying jobs simply because they don’t have a formal qualification.
That’s where Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) comes in. It’s the fast-track way to get your trade certificate without going back to TAFE or sitting in a classroom.
What is RPL?
Recognised Prior Learning (also known as RPL) is a formal assessment process where your existing skills, knowledge, and experience are assessed and converted into a nationally recognised qualification. If you can do the job, RPL proves it on paper.
Whether you’re a chippy, sparkie, mechanic, or tiler — if you’ve been doing the work, there’s a good chance you already meet the criteria for a trade qualification.
How Does RPL Work?
The RPL process involves providing evidence of your on-the-job experience, previous training, and existing skills. This can include references, work samples, photos, videos, and more.
A registered training organisation (RTO) will assess this evidence as part of your RPL assessment to determine if it meets the national requirements. If it does, you’ll receive a formal qualification without needing to repeat training you already know.
Who is RPL For?
Recognition of Prior Learning is ideal for:
- Experienced tradies with no formal qualification
- Migrants with overseas trade experience
- Former apprentices who never completed their training
- Anyone working in a trade-related role for years
If you’ve been learning on the job, RPL provides a recognised pathway to get qualified without downtime.
Why Get Your Trade Qualification?
Having a trade certificate can unlock new opportunities, higher pay, It’s also essential if you want to apply for licences in your trade.
Popular qualifications earned through Recognised Prior Learning include:
- Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620)
- Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31320)
- Certificate III in Cabinet Making (MSF30322)
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (MEM30219)
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM31922)
Is RPL Recognised in Australia?
Yes. RPL is part of the Australian Qualifications Framework and is recognised across all states and territories. Once your RPL assessment is complete, you’ll receive a nationally recognised qualification from a registered training organisation.
How Gimbal Group Can Help
At Gimbal Group, we make it simple to get your trade certificate through Recognised Prior Learning. We help skilled workers across Australia turn real-world experience into formal qualifications — no classroom, no fluff, just results.
👉 Learn more about Recognition of Prior Learning
👉 Explore our RPL Assessment Process
👉 Contact us to find out if you’re eligible