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Home > Courses & careers > Recognition of skills and experience

Recognition of skills and experience

Recognition of Prior Learning, skills and experience

At Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) we recognise that you may have already obtained skills and knowledge through previous work/life experience or prior study.

There are a number of ways your existing skills, knowledge and previous study can be recognised at BNIT.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of prior learning, also referred to as RPL is the formal recognition of a person's current skills and knowledge, no matter how, when or where the learning occurred.

Even if you have never formally studied or trained in a particular area, you may have gained knowledge and skills through your education, training, work and life experience.

RPL is a recognition process evidenced in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework and could provide you with a full or part qualification, and avoid duplication of training.

It could be used to identify what training you may need to complete a qualification, or provide a pathway to higher qualifications.

Is the Recognition (RPL) pathway for me?

Can you answer yes to any of the below questions?

How much will it cost?

Although you may not be required to complete any classroom activities, there are still costs involved with RPL. The cost will vary between qualifications and depend upon the electives included in your qualification. In most cases the recognition process will cost less than formal training.

Where to now?

Consider what evidence you already have that demonstrates your skills and knowledge. You must be able to show your skills are current and meet industry standards. Examples of evidence could include:

Recognition Process

Step 1
Complete the RPL student application form [ PDF 79 kB] | [ DOC 153 kB] with required information. Scan/email to bnit.rpl@deta.qld.gov.au or phone 3258 5001.
Step 2
The relevant specialist RPL assessor will contact you to arrange an interview and advise how to best match your skills and knowledge to a qualification.
Step 3
Your RPL assessor will provide a comprehensive assessment and training plan for your requested qualification pathway and you will now enrol and pay for the units deemed suitable for Recognition (RPL) and or training if required.
Step 4
You will be asked to provide final information or evidence. This may be via skills testing, through workplace observation, third party references or other relevant validation.
Step 5
Any gap training that may be required is undertaken and completed.
Step 6
Congratulations - You will receive a result of assessment for the units successfully completed and formal recognition with a TAFE Queensland award if you complete a full qualification.

The RPL Process

  1. Application
  2. Interview, questioning and document review
  3. Enrolment
  4. Workplace observation and practical assessment
  5. GAP training (only if required)
  6. Results/qualification issued

Can I organise RPL for my employees?

BNIT can provide Corporate or group RPL assessments in the workplace for your staff.

Please Contact the Recognition Services Unit on 3258 5001.

Want more information?

Contact Us

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This page was last updated at 26-October-2009
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