Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Students may already have skills, knowledge or experience gained through previous learning, training, employment or other experiences. In some circumstances, this may be recognised towards their VET course through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer.

Recognition may be available for:

• units of competency through RPL or Credit Transfer
• mandatory work placement requirements through RPL, where applicable.

Students should discuss RPL or Credit Transfer with their VET Teacher/Trainer or VET Coordinator before applying.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Units of Competency

A student may apply for RPL where they believe their existing skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of one or more units of competency in their VET course.

Students applying for RPL must provide relevant evidence to demonstrate their competency. Evidence may include previous training records, work samples, portfolios, employer references or other evidence relevant to the unit.

RPL applications are assessed against the requirements of the relevant unit of competency in accordance with the SCS RTO assessment process.

Credit Transfer

Credit Transfer may be available where a student has already successfully completed the same or an equivalent unit of competency.

Evidence may include:

• AQF certification documentation, including a qualification certificate and transcript
• a statement of attainment
• an authenticated Unique Student Identifier (USI) VET transcript.

Previous achievement will be verified before credit transfer is granted.

Where Credit Transfer is granted, the student is not required to repeat the training and assessment for the recognised unit of competency.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Mandatory Work Placement

Most VET courses include mandatory work placement requirements.  Where applicable, a student may apply to have relevant employment or previous workplace experience recognised towards their mandatory work placement requirement through RPL.

The employment or workplace experience must be relevant to the VET course and provide appropriate experience in the industry.

Where RPL is granted for work placement, students may receive a partial or full exemption from the required work placement hours. This will depend on:

• the course requirements;
• the number of hours completed;
• the nature and relevance of the work undertaken; and
• whether work placement is a mandatory component of the qualification.

Where RPL is granted for mandatory work placement, the approved hours will be recognised towards the student’s mandatory work placement requirement.  Where work placement is also required by the relevant training product or a unit of competency, any additional workplace or assessment requirements must still be met.

How do Students Apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applications for coursework, units of competency and work placement follow a similar process. Students who wish to apply for RPL should:

1. Discuss the application with their VET Teacher/Trainer and/or VET Coordinator, including the basis for the application and the evidence required.
2. Complete the relevant RPL application form and gather the required supporting evidence:
3. Where the application relates to mandatory work placement, ask the employer to complete the required section of the application or Third Party Report, including details of:
   • the student’s position or job role;
   • the period of employment;
   • the average hours worked per week;
   • the duties and activities undertaken in the workplace.
4. Submit the completed application and all supporting evidence to the VET Teacher.
5. The VET teacher will assess the application in consultation with the VET Coordinator. The school will contact the employer or training provider to verify the information provided.
6. The student will be advised of the outcome of the application.