APPLYING FOR Recognition of Prior Learning

Steps in the RPL Assessment Process

Step 1    Contact Assessor and Trainer Coordinator

Discuss your query, by phone, or email. You will be advised on the process including evidence collection, enrolment and assessment.

Step 2       Complete  Application

The candidate completes the application forms. It is important candidates provide as much Information of their previous experience in the industry. The application includes self-assessment to identify the units for recognition (RPL);

gather your evidence and lodge your application.

Evidence to support an application must include:

·     Detailed resume

·       Certificates/results of assessment from any completed formal training in Educational Institutions

·     Industry Immersion / Related Learning Experience history

·       Results/statements    of    attendance/certificates    –    in-house courses, workshops, seminars

·     Position descriptions

·     References/letters from supervisors / instructors

·     Third party verifications

Further evidence could include the following, or as discussed with the Assessor:

·     Any licenses

·     Academic Records (TOR, Diploma)

·     Endorsed photographs of work undertaken or produced

·     Specific evidence as identified by assessor

·     Diaries/task sheets/job sheets/log books

·     Membership of relevant professional associations

·     Hobbies/interests/special skills outside work

·     Industry awards / certificates/results of assessment

·     photographs of work undertaken

·     Site training records

·     Site competencies held record

The candidate must include any other documentation that may demonstrate industry experience related to units applied for.   Depending on the industry the candidate have worked in, may or may not have documentary evidence available. This should not deter the candidate from seeking RPL as the Assessor will work with during the RPL process to identify skills and experience for the qualification. To have skills formally recognized under the Australian Qualifications Framework, the RPL Coordinator/ Assessor ensures the candidate’s skills meet industry standards.

Candidates also need to provide contact details for two referees who can confirm their Industry skills in context and over time.

Send your application form and application fee of 250AUD to the RPL Coordinator. Each course has its corresponding RPL fee. All fees for RPL qualification depending on the number of units taken must be paid before this process starts unless special arrangements have been made. The RPL Coordinator has a refund policy that does not include any provision of refunds to an applicant after the formal application for a RPL process.

Step 3        Document  Assessment

The RPL Coordinator / assessor checks the submitted information and will advise on RPL, Credit Transfer or Gap Training. The candidate may be asked to provide further information/evidence, attend further interviews (question process), or complete written assessment. The candidate may be required to undertake some or all of the steps depending on the evidence provided based on, the qualification being applied for and responses to the questions.

Step 4      Interview about candidate’s documentary information/ Questions for        theCompetence Conversation

The RPL Coordinator/ Assessor reviews the information provided by the candidate and arrange a time for both of them to discuss and identify previous experience with the assessor. There may be instances where the candidate has little, or no, documentary information of industry experience. This is not a barrier to gaining recognition. This will just require The RPL Coordinator/ Assessor to rely on the questioning, practical assessment and referee validation phases of the RPL process.

The RPL Coordinator / Assessor interview will be conducted, either by phone or in person. The assessor will review the evidence the candidate have provided and will match skills to the units in the qualification. At this point, the candidate will have the opportunity to discuss and identify previous experience with the assessor for inclusion in the RPL assessment. The candidate will be required to answer industry related questions to identify current skills.

The questions are designed to enable the assessor to have a “competence conversation” with the candidate to further gain evidence of their learning experience.

Each question has “key points” to look for in responses. The assessor may use the list of key points to formulate questions. Each question recording sheet indicates relevant content that should be sought. The assessor may also target the assessment to those aspects that present the  greatest risk  in the industry. Questions are aligned  with  the relevant unit/s of competency according to the “industry requirement.”

It is not intended every question for all competencies is asked, only those competencies the initial interview about the candidate’s documentary evidence has failed to fully address.

STEP 5      Practical Assessment of Tasks

The RPL process is streamlined which does not rely solely on practical assessment but uses a combination of questioning and practical to provide evidence of candidate’s competence.

This is the third phase in collecting evidence. A practical skills test is then conducted by The RPL Coordinator at the candidate’s workplace or another suitable venue. Appropriate permission must be sought before entering workplaces. This is a further opportunity for candidate to demonstrate competence. It is expected the practical assessment will comprise only those competencies the candidate is still unable to demonstrate knowledge/experience in after documentary  review  and  questioning  have been applied. These assessments contain the practical skills and application of knowledge for the qualification. A number of holistic practical assessments are included in the RPL kit to assist The RPL Coordinator with tasks suitable for observation on the job. The assessment is a conversation/observation, not an exam, and The RPL Coordinator is encouraged to assist candidates to focus responses toward relevant issues.

Assessing through observation and questioning, particularly on the job, will speed up and streamline the RPL assessment process. Where candidate’s documentation and questions meet the assessment requirement, it is still strongly recommended the candidate undertake one practical assessment so The RPL Coordinator is confident in making a judgement of “competent”. The practical assessment selection should be negotiated between the RPL Coordinator and the candidate.

Recording sheets for candidate information, questioning and the practical assessments have been included in the RPL Kit. The RPL Coordinator may use other recording mechanisms provided these also keep a complete record of assessment and justification of judgement. Candidate responses, observations of skills demonstrated and documents presented as evidence must be noted in enough detail so anyone external to the process (e.g. a fellow assessor, auditor, lawyer, etc) can read the record and retrace your judgement.

The RPL Coordinator / The assessor may wish to conduct practical skills testing, workplace  assessment/observation  at  the  place  of  employment  (if  appropriate)  or  at another suitable venue. This will enable the candidate to demonstrate the level of competence. This assessment will focus on skills that are required to meet the qualification.

RPL is an assessment process designed to show areas of competence and to identify if a candidate has gaps in skills and knowledge against a whole qualification. Not all candidates will have skill/knowledge gaps.   If a candidate has skills gaps, a pathway to complete training in the outstanding units can be negotiated to assist the client to gain the full qualification.

Following the assessment, The RPL Coordinator will provide details of skills and knowledge that have been recognized and whether you have gained the full qualification or identify skill gaps that may be addressed through flexible training.

STEP 6   Gap Training

RPL is an assessment process designed to show areas of competence and to identify if a candidate has gaps in skills and knowledge against a whole qualification. Not all candidates will have skill/knowledge gaps.   If a candidate has skills gaps, a pathway to complete training in the outstanding units can be negotiated to assist the client to gain the full qualification.

Following the assessment, The RPL Coordinator will provide details of skills and knowledge that have been recognized and whether you have gained the full qualification or identify skill gaps that may be addressed through flexible training.

Step 7    Recording and Full Qualification Grant

Your results will be recorded and you will be advised within five days following your final assessment. If you wish to complete the remaining units of your qualification or if you were unsuccessful with your RPL Application, please contact the RPL Coordinator when this training can be undertaken.