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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway for me?

Can you answer yes to any of the below questions?

  • Would you like your current skills and experience to contribute towards a qualification?
  • Have you commenced study before and not completed but would like to have a current qualification?
  • Do you have similar skills and knowledge to colleagues with qualifications?
  • Do you work in an industry that now requires you to have a particular skill set, license or qualification?
  • Do you have a qualification in another field but would like a qualification for your current job role?
  • Would your supervisor support you to seek recognition for your work?
  • Would other work colleagues like to update their skills through recognition of prior learning?

How much will it cost?

Although you may not be required to complete any classroom activities, there are still costs involved with RPL. In most cases the RPL process will cost less than formal training.

You may be eligible for a subsidy toward your RPL with BNIT. Contact Skilling Solutions Queensland for further information.

Where to from here?

Consider what evidence you 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:

  • Current resume, position descriptions, completed induction process.
  • Practical demonstrations in the workplace.
  • References and support from your supervisors or others in the community.
  • Materials including training certificates, professional development, photos of work examples, or performance appraisals.

Read the BNIT Program Guide or conduct a course search on our site to assess your qualification options.

Recognition Process

Step 1
Complete the RPL student application form (PDF, 761KB).

Attach your resume.
Email to bnit.rpl@deta.qld.gov.au. Phone 1300 RPL EXPRESS (1300 775 397) for assistance.

Step 2
A relevant 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 suitable for RPL and/or training, if required.

Step 4
You will be asked to provide final information or evidence. This may be via skills testing, workplace observation, third party references or other relevant validation. In most cases RPL assessment is completed within 90 days.

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?

The RPL process at BNIT provides an opportunity to match staff skill sets to training outcomes which support staff retention, retraining or recruitment. We can provide corporate or group RPL assessments in the workplace for your staff with blended gap training options where required.

Please contact the Recognition Services Unit on 1300 RPL EXPRESS (1300 775 397).

Want more information?

Contact Us

Postal address:
BNIT RPL Team
Locked Bag 3
Eagle Farm BC 4009

Email address:
bnit.rpl@deta.qld.gov.au

Telephone:
1300 RPL EXPRESS (1300 775 397)

  • RPL frequently asked questions

    • Would I be eligible for RPL?

      RPL recognises your current skills and knowledge in your current or recent job roles toward a Nationally Recognised Qualification. For example if you volunteer or work as a personal carer in Aged care you could apply for RPL for the Certificate lll in Aged Care. Check the www.bn.tafe.qld.gov.au website for more information on the courses and content or the RPL application process.

      Anyone can apply for RPL prior to enrolment but it is suggested that you have been working in your current industry for at least 12 months full time or 2 years part time as a guide. Your experience may have developed in different roles either paid or volunteer work over a period of time.

      Contact the RPL Unit for further information. Phone (07) 3258 5001.

    • Can I RPL a full qualification?

      Yes. It is possible to gain a whole qualification through an RPL pathway.

    • What if I have completed the same unit already?

      This is known as Credit Transfer and applies where you have successfully completed unit/s from a recognised training provider outside of TAFE Qld. This process requires you to complete a Credit Transfer form, and you do need to be enrolled although there is no charge for the Credit transfer itself. You do not need to complete an RPL application if seeking Credit Transfer on its own.

      RPL applies where there is no simple credit equivalence between the formal units you previously completed and the area you are being assessed against now.

    • Is there a cost for RPL?

      Yes, there is a cost. The same expertise is required from the teachers in determining how your skills and knowledge match and meet all the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification or units. The process of the application and recording of evidence also requires a high quality of administration by the TAFE.

    • How much will it cost?

      Costs will vary for each individual depending on chosen electives and any recognition of previous units completed (a more accurate cost can be provided once the Assessment and Training plan is completed.

      Financial assistance towards the cost of RPL fees may be available to eligible candidates through Skilling Solutions Queensland. Phone 1300 798 488 or visit www.skillingsolutions.qld.gov.au

    • Does a concession or health care card apply to RPL?

      A concession rate applies to RPL fees provided you are a current Health Card holder.

      If you have a scholarship the concession will apply to any fees payable above the scholarship amount.

    • What if my employer offers to pay my RPL fees?

      Please advise the RPL Unit on application if your employer is paying fees on your behalf and an appropriate form will be forwarded to you with your enrolment documentation.

      This form will need to be completed and signed by your employer to enable BNIT to invoice your workplace for the fees.

      You may also be eligible for commonwealth existing worker or government employee funding.

    • How long does the RPL process take?

      The recommended time for RPL at BNIT is three months from the first interview, although it can occur in less time and will depend on you enrolling and your availability and response to evidence requirements.

      To quicken the process, it helps if you are prepared for the interview; bring a current position description; have ready any other relevant documentation or evidence of training with you. Think about the units and how you might apply evidence to them in the workplace.

       

    • Do I have to be employed to undertake RPL?

      If you have current or recent skills and knowledge, but are not employed, you can apply for RPL. Please note the RPL assessor will be flexible but you will in most instances need to provide supporting evidence to support an RPL decision.

      Your assessor may require you to access a practical work environment such as TAFE Hair Salon, kitchen etc - this may occur at BNIT or another suitable location to be negotiated with your RPL assessor. Volunteer work in the relevant industry may also assist in generating evidence to satisfy the RPL process.

    • I have been working for the same organisation for over 10 years. Is this sufficient to gain RPL?

      The length of time you have been working for an organisation is not sufficient evidence in itself to satisfy the RPL process. You must also demonstrate that you have the skills required to meet the standard set by industry. Developing new skills in your workplace is important and regular training should be undertaken.

    • Do I have to live close to BNIT to do my RPL?

      BNIT regularly works with RPL clients via videoconferencing, telephone, post, email etc. across Queensland and interstate.

      If gap training is required for your qualification, BNIT will work with you in providing the best flexible option to suit your requirements.

    • What if I enrol as an RPL student but cannot satisfy the RPL requirements?

      If you cannot satisfy the requirement of the RPL process due to insufficient evidence, you will need to re-enrol and pay any applicable fees to achieve the qualification via an alternative training pathway.

    • Is there an age limit to apply for RPL?

      Although there is no age limit, you will need to demonstrate that you have skills, knowledge and work experience in the area in which you are seeking RPL.

    • Is the qualification I gain through RPL equal to a qualification gained through formal training?

      Yes. The qualification will be the Nationally Recognised Qualification endorsed by a leading training providing as is BNIT.

      Your statement of attainment, Certificate or Diploma does not indicate the qualification was achieved through an RPL process.

    • Will my university qualification give me credit towards a vocational program?

      It is possible to use university qualifications towards a vocational program. However, you will need to supply the course outline, together with an authorised academic history, for the units you are using as evidence. VET qualifications often require the evidence of the application of your skills and knowledge in the workplace.

    • Can I get my overseas qualification recognised in Australia?

      It is possible to get recognition for an overseas qualification.

      You will need to provide the course outline plus an authorised academic history for the units you are using as evidence. If the evidence is not written in English, an authorised translation should accompany the application. Additional evidence may also be required.

      For further information visit - http://training.qld.gov.au/information/skills-recognition/overseas-qualification/index.html

    • I currently live in Australia but have a Visa, can I still apply?

      Yes, you can apply; however, you will need to state on our application form the type of visa that you currently hold. This does affect how much your fees will be for RPL and you will be advised of your fees by the relevant faculty.

    • What if I don’t live in Queensland?

      The government subsidised programs apply to Australian citizens or permanent residents who are also Queensland residents.

      Those who do not fit these criteria or are visa holders may be still eligible for RPL but will be required to pay a fee for service cost. Please contact the RPL Unit.

    • Do I need to have good literacy skills to participate in the RPL process?

      The level of literacy will depend on the competency units you select. If you believe you will require literacy or other support, please talk to your RPL assessor so this can be arranged for you.

    • What is evidence and how much do I need?

      Evidence is what supports the particular industry specialist RPL Assessor to verify the application of your skills and knowledge particularly to match the requirements of the unit/s. The RPL assessor will ask questions, review documents, speak with supervisors or observe you in the workplace for example. You must not only know
      and understand how to do a role, or perform particular tasks you must be able to verify that you do it. The RPL assessor will discuss the particular evidence requirements with you.

      Examples.

      · Current Resume or Work History

      · Position Description

      · Induction process attendance and OHS updates

      · Performance appraisal or manager’s feedback

      · Written feedback from clients

      · Professional development or in house training sessions

      · Copies of other training outside of TAFE

      · Photos, videos of your work

      · Supervisor Report or Workplace Observation

    • I am ready to Apply for RPL– what do I need?
      1. Go to www.bn.tafe.qld.gov.au/courses_and_careers/rpl.html
      2. Complete RPL Application Form and submit with your resume
      3. Your RPL application will be forwarded to the relevant RPL Assessor.
      4. Your assessor will contact you and arrange the initial RPL assessment. This will be occur by phone or at the first meeting. Please note this interview to determine your RPL units can take up to 1.5 hours.
      5. You will need to enrol in the units identified to proceed. Payments may be made through our Customer Service Centres, via cash, or over the phone via debit card or credit card 13 12 48.
      6. Once enrolled, you will need to arrange a time with your RPL assessor to:
               - discuss further evidence required, or 
               - arrange for supporting information from your workplace supervisor or  
               - arrange for a workplace visit for practical observation.
      7. Your assessor will result the units
      8. You will receive a statement of attainment or the Award for full qualification.
This page was last updated 26 June 2011