RPL takes into account that people learn in different ways. These may include education and training as well as through work and life experience. A learner may apply for RPL to gain credit for a course of study taking into account their prior knowledge, skills and work experience.

To apply for RPL see student services on level 4 to obtain an application form, or download an application.

For Australian Students

For International Students

The application form will guide you through the evidence you are required to submit for application which relates to the tasks you have undertaken for the given course.

An RPL application should be initiated before the course commences. The length of time to complete and submit the application is dependant on the amount of evidence attached

• Student completes enrolment/application form for certificate or module that they wish to have RPL. (student services)
• Appointment made to see DOS who appoints case manager to oversee completion of paperwork.
• Paperwork completed and case manager recommends RPL or study.
• DOS explains recommendation to student and forwards student to student service to complete enrolment.

If application is successful

• Appointment made to meet with case manager. The case manager will begin the process by explaining what evidence or reassessment will be needed and will provide the student with a study plan
  • Begins interview process
  • Compares all supporting evidence against each unit of competency
  • May ask for more evidence or to clarify some points
  • Makes a judgment and informs student services
• The study plan will detail dates that evidence/reassessments must be done as well as nature of any evidence/reassessment that is needed.
• Where an applicant needs to go into a class the times and dates will be supplied along with any extra costs that may be incurred.


If application is unsuccessful

• Admissions will counsel student as what other alternatives are available.

Please attach with your application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL supporting evidence, which you believe will assist your application; for example

copies of any statements, references or articles about your employment, evidence of education and training that you feel is relevant, a detailed Curriculum Vitae, letters references from previous employers/clients.

Also include:

Relevant work samples, such as contracts, completed work projects, a port folio of examples of previous work which indicates (photos) Any other information that you feel might aid your assessment (work experience, life experience, on-going training).

How much evidence do I need?
Assessors usually look for at least two types of evidence to support any RPL claim. Physical evidence such as a demonstration of skill can’t be disputed and will be seen as strongly supporting your application. In almost all cases the credit being sought will involve both skill and knowledge so an interview or knowledge test should be expected.

Some examples of evidence
Let’s take the example of Hand and Power Tools. Evidence could include:

• A short demonstration of skill in a workshop along with a brief interview.
• Several examples of you work and an explanation of how you produced them.
• A statement from a past employer and brief challenge test.

Any of these might be successful if the evidence genuinely displays your skill and knowledge at the level of the module.

In the case of cabling installation your evidence might be cable plans, a phone call to your employer and a challenge test on the theory aspects.

The assessors can only give you credit if they judge that your skill and knowledge is equal to, or greater than, the skill and knowledge required to pass the module or achieve the competency unit. The assessor can only judge you on the evidence you give them so that evidence must show the required skill and knowledge.