What Is Recognition Of Prior Learning? 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgment of your current skills and knowledge. 

 RPL recognises what you have already learned:
• from other courses,
• from life experience,
• from work experience and
• from any training provided at work,
 and measures it against the requirements of the course you are doing or want to do. 

If what you have learned at work or elsewhere is relevant to and meets the current learning requirements of the course, you may not have to do those parts of the course again.

Recognition can only be granted for a whole module / unit of competency (subject).  To obtain recognition you must satisfy the course requirements for the entire module / unit, not just some parts of it.

Why Apply?
It is important to apply for RPL if you think you have already got some experience that might be relevant to your course.

The advantages of applying for RPL are:
You can work out whether your experience is similar to that required by the course.
If you have already achieved some of the requirements of the course, you might not have to repeat your learning by doing those sections of the course again.
It means that you only do subjects which are new and challenging.  You may not have to do subjects in which you have already gained experience.

When Do I Apply?
The application process takes time, both for you to collect evidence and for the processing and assessment of your  application.
You should apply before classes begin, usually before or at enrolment.
You can apply before a module/unit begins.
You must continue to attend classes until you receive notification that your application is successful.

How Does It Work?
If you decide to apply for RPL you will be asked to record, on an application form, details of your experience which might be relevant. You must also provide evidence to support your application.

1. Complete the Application Form and attach all relevant documentation.
The kind of evidence you might supply includes:
Original result notices
Certificates and diplomas
Job descriptions
References or referees
Examples of your work
Things you have made

2. Lodge the application with the Course Coordinator or Trainer.

3. Recognition might be granted after this process or you may be asked to attend an interview with course  
    trainers / coordinators and RPL experts.  Sometimes you will be asked to provide extra information.

After lodging your application, and an interview if needed, you will be notified of the decision.
If your application is successful, you will not be required to do certain parts of your course. 

What Does It Cost?
Applicants who are enrolled in a full accredited training course and have fully paid their course
fee will not be charged an RPL fee. For partial enrolment, a fee* per unit may be charged.
This fee is not refundable if RPL is not granted.

* Fee may vary according to Unit of Competency hours.

What Do I Do Now?
If you think you might be eligible for RPL, you need to fill in an RPL application form.  Ask for one of these at Diversitat Training reception desk.
 
If you are not sure about whether to apply for RPL, you should see your course coordinator or trainer to discuss  your situation.