Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) enables us to acknowledge an individual's skills and knowledge, irrespective of how it has been acquired. This includes competencies that may have been gained through:

• previous study, including courses at school, through adult education classes or training programs at work
• work experience, including both work that is paid and unpaid
• life experience, such as leisure pursuits or voluntary work.

When obtaining recognition for prior learning, we need to make sure that the knowledge and skills the student has gained help to meet the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the qualification for which they are seeking credit.

If RPL is granted, it may result in the student being exempt from select competencies or modules, which could shorten the length of their course, saving time and money. It ensures students study at the appropriate level for them, and achieve their learning goals with maximum efficiency.

As an alternative, informal learning pathway, RPL is different from the Credit Transfer pathway which is based on the student's formal, recognised and certified learning. In Credit Transfer, an assessment is made on the extent to which the original course or subject the student undertook is equivalent to subjects, units, modules or competencies or entry requirements in the course they are now undertaking.

Assessment of prior learning

Please bring to your interview with the teaching area copies of suitable evidence to support your application. If your application does not provide enough evidence, your assessor may wish to use one or more of the following methods:

• Challenge testing: a set test that shows what you know
• Assignment: set to determine your level of knowledge and skills
• Interview: to discuss and determine your skills and knowledge
• Portfolio: presented to assessor as evidence of application
• Work report: a suitably qualified person (your supervisor or manger) reports on your skills and knowledge at work.

How to prepare for an assessment

Collect as much documentary evidence as you can, such as written work verification, certificates, work examples etc. If the assessment is in the form of a test (demonstration, written or verbal), practice the techniques or read over the information about the area to be assessed. The more effort you put into providing evidence, the more likely you are to be successful in your application.

Need some assistance?

The GippsTAFE Skills Gateway provides access to a free pre-assessment of your current skills, knowledge and experience, and matches this to the qualification you want. 

This service is available from any GippsTAFE Campus location. It is also available on-site in the workplace. Group sessions can be arranged.


Click here to visit the GippsTAFE Skills Gateway website

Unsuccessful applications

If your application is not successful, you will be provided with the opportunity to provide more evidence to overcome these gaps or a recommendation of attending classes in the relevant area of study.

In the event an applicant is not satisfied with the RPL decision, there is an appeal process, Assessment Review and Appeals (including VET Fee Help) procedure that can be accessed.

Costs

For students who are eligible for a government subsided place:
If you are eligible for Government funding you will pay no Tuition or Student Services and Amenity Fee for units enrolled and assessed via RPL

For ineligible students
If you are not eligible for government funding, you will incur a fee of $2.00 per nominal hour with a maximum fee of $1990.

Just seeking a few units? Ask the department to provide you with an individual costing.

More information

For further information please contact the relevant teaching department or Darren Teller on 1300 733 279 or e-mail darrent@gippstafe.edu.au