Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition

Recognition is about identifying what you already know and do. It is another pathway towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification through Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia. It is sometimes called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

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Credit Transfer

A Credit Transfer is a form of national recognition that allows a student to receive credit for study previously undertaken. Students who wish to apply for a Credit Transfer must hold a Certificate or Statement of Attainment that lists one or more units of competency from the same training package that SkillsLink deliver. We will inform you if your application for a Credit Transfer has been granted.

To apply for Credit transfer students will need to complete the SkillsLink Recognition Application form and attach supporting documentation i.e. a verified copy of your Certificate or Statement of Attainment and other supporting documentation etc. Once completed, the application form needs to be submitted to the Training Manager.

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Within the training profession, the combination of skills, knowledge, understanding, problem solving and attitudes is known as The Recognition process may use a combination of methods to determine your competencies. These include:

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• Working out what you already know;

• Asking you some questions about it;

• Observing you doing it (possibly at work, or by video or role play);

• Asking someone familiar with your work, such as a supervisor, to verify your ability to do the task in a real work situation over time. This is often referred to as a Third Party Report.

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It is very much like seeking work. You have to prove that you are competent to do the job. The difference with RPL though is that you can use more than a 20 minute interview to provide evidence regarding your ability, and it is not a competition between people.

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The process involves using a variety of ways or ‘evidence types’ to demonstrate your competency. Evidence might include:

• Your Resumé

• Certified copies of qualifications and/or certificates

• Samples of work

• Third Party Reports

• Photos

• Audio recordings (perhaps an interview with a client)

• Video

• Job descriptions

• Rosters or Timesheets

• Log books

• Minutes of Meetings

• Other evidence relevant to your skills.

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The national assessment guidelines require that the evidence gathered is:

• Valid – it must do what it sets out to do, ie it must be directly related to the requirements set out in the competency standard.

• Current – it should reflect what you know and do now rather than out of date knowledge and skills.

• Authentic – there must be no doubt that the evidence is genuine and refers to you - the person being assessed.

• Sufficient – it should be enough to cover the range of skills and knowledge set out in the competency standards.

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This means that assessors need to look at your evidence to decide if you have met the above rules. If the assessor feels that there is ‘a gap’ you will work together to develop an action plan to fill the gap.

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Download MNCCC's:

Recognition Strategy

Recognition Guide

Recognition Application Form

You should also refer to our Recognition Pathways policy, which can be found on our Policies page here.

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