What Is RPL?

Have you had relevant work experience in the past that was relevant and helpful for your current discipline? An RPL is a great way to qualify those skills. 

At Gimbal Training, we provide the pathways to get your previous skill sets and experiences validated with an official certificate. But how do you get it done? In the article, we will cover all you need to know about how an RPL works and how you can get started on the process with us. Read on! 

How Does RPL Work?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process used by educational institutions and accrediting bodies to evaluate the skills, knowledge, and experience you’ve gained outside of formal education and training. This can include a minimum of four years of experience from previous work, volunteering, self-taught skills, and any informal learning.

This varies from video evidence of you completing tasks, self-evaluation of your knowledge, a third-party report (signed off by a qualified tradesperson confirming the skills you have), a knowledge quiz, and then a meeting with one of our trainers here at Gimbal. The aim is to recognise and give credit for existing competencies, potentially reducing the time and cost needed to obtain a qualification. 

What Are The Steps In The RPL Process?

Here’s how it works:

Self-Assessment

The self-assessment phase in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire RPL application. This stage involves a detailed examination of your personal and professional experiences to determine how they align with the competencies or learning outcomes of the qualification you’re seeking. 

Obtain a detailed list of the competencies or learning outcomes for the qualification you are interested in. These are usually provided by the educational institution or the accrediting body and describe the skills, knowledge, and abilities that a qualified individual should possess.

Reflect on any and all work experiences, training, volunteering, and other relevant activities. Consider how these experiences have contributed to your skills and knowledge.

For each competency or outcome, document specific examples of how your experiences align. This can involve detailing projects or assignments you’ve completed that showcase your abilities.

Evidence Collection

The evidence-collection phase is a critical part of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, where you compile concrete proof of your competencies, skills, and knowledge. This evidence substantiates your self-assessment claims and demonstrates to the assessing body that you possess the necessary qualifications through your experiences. Here’s what you can add: 

• Work samples or portfolios
• References or testimonials from supervisors or colleagues
• Certificates from short courses, workshops, or seminars
• Records of any in-house training or professional development sessions
• Job descriptions and performance appraisals

Application Submission

The application submission phase in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process is where you formally present your case for receiving credits towards a qualification based on your prior learning and experience. This step requires careful preparation and organisation to ensure that your application is compelling, complete, and clear.

What Evidence Do You Need For RPL?

Here’s what you can add: 

• Work samples or portfolios
• References or testimonials from supervisors or colleagues
• Certificates from short courses, workshops, or seminars
• Records of any in-house training or professional development sessions
• Job descriptions and performance appraisals

How Long Does The RPL Process Take?

The duration of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of your application, the specific requirements of the qualification, and the efficiency of your assessor. 

While it’s challenging to specify an exact timeline due to these variables, a general estimate for the RPL process can range from a few weeks to several months. Some institutions may offer an indicative timeline, but it’s essential to prepare for flexibility.

To expedite the process:

• Be thorough and clear in your initial application to minimise back-and-forth communication.
• Organise your evidence coherently, mapping it directly to the qualification’s competencies.
• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification.

Is It Hard To Get RPL?

Obtaining Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can indeed have its complexities, largely influenced by the nature of the credit being sought and the specifics of the academic or professional background in question. 

Academic courses completed at other universities may be recognised more easily, especially if they’re part of an established credit transfer agreement or listed in a credit register.

Work experience, unless it’s in a highly structured and relevant professional development or training program, tends to qualify more for unspecified credit. This is because it’s more difficult to align direct work experience with the specific learning outcomes of a course unit.

Applying for RPL requires a substantial amount of evidence and documentation for the skill assessment. For specified credit, detailed unit guides and syllabi from prior academic work are essential. For credit based on work experience, a detailed and substantial letter from your employer outlining the nature of your work and its relevance to the degree components is crucial.

The likelihood of success can vary based on how well you can align your previous experiences or studies with the competencies and learning outcomes of the units for which you are seeking credit.

How Do I Start RPL?

Start by getting in touch with Gimbal Training to see how you can get started on your RPL. Fill out this form or give us a call today.