Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) enables us to acknowledge an individual's skills and knowledge, irrespective of how it has been acquired. This includes competencies that may have been gained through:

• previous study, including courses at school, through adult education classes or training programs at work
• work experience, including both work that is paid and unpaid
• life experience, such as leisure pursuits or voluntary work.

When obtaining recognition for prior learning, we need to make sure that the knowledge and skills the student has gained help to meet the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the qualification for which they are seeking credit.

If RPL is granted, it may result in the student being exempt from select competencies or modules, which could shorten the length of their course, saving time and money. It ensures students study at the appropriate level for them, and achieve their learning goals with maximum efficiency.

As an alternative, informal learning pathway, RPL is different from the Credit Transfer pathway which is based on the student's formal, recognised and certified learning. In Credit Transfer, an assessment is made on the extent to which the original course or subject the student undertook is equivalent to subjects, units, modules or competencies or entry requirements in the course they are now undertaking.

Skills Stores

GippsTAFE is the lead agent in a consortium for the Central Gippsland Skills Store. The Skills Store is a pre-assessment centre for Skills Recognition against a qualification. This is a free mobile service. The Skills Store consultant will meet you at a convenient time and place that suits you.

To make a free consultation appointment please phone 1300 733 279.

Assessment of prior learning

Before enrolling you should contact the Central Gippsland Skills Store for a pre-assessment. The Skills Store will provide you with pre-assessment reports and refer you to the Registered Training Organisation who will arrange an interview with the teaching area to discuss your Recognition of Prior Learning Application.

Please bring to this interview copies of suitable evidence to support your application. If your application does not provide enough evidence, your assessor may wish to use one or more of the following methods:

• Challenge testing: a set test that shows what you know
• Assignment: set to determine your level of knowledge and skills
• Interview: to discuss and determine your skills and knowledge
• Portfolio: presented to assessor as evidence of application
• Work report: a suitably qualified person (your supervisor or manger) reports on your skills and knowledge at work.

How to prepare for an assessment

Collect as much documentary evidence as you can, such as written work verification, certificates, work examples etc. If the assessment is in the form of a test (demonstration, written or verbal), practice the techniques or read over the information about the area to be assessed. The more effort you put into providing evidence, the more likely you are to be successful in your application.

Unsuccessful applications

If your application is not successful, you will be provided with the opportunity to provide more evidence to overcome these gaps or a recommendation of attending classes in the relevant area of study.

In the event an applicant is not satisfied with the RPL decision, there is an appeal process, Assessment Review and Appeals (including VET Fee Help) procedure that can be accessed. For further information contact Julie Bartram on (03) 51 204556 or e-mail julieb@gippstafe.vic.edu.au.

Costs

GippsTAFE charges a Recognition of Prior Learning Application Fee of $250.00. This charge can be off set by having a pre-assessment at a Skills Store. The Central Gippsland Skills Store will provide you with a referral letter, pre-assessment report and voucher for $250.00 that can be used towards payment of tuition fees.

Further details in regard to tuition fees for gap training for both Eligible and Ineligible students under Skills Reform can be accessed here.

More information

For further information please contact the relevant teaching department or Julie Bartram on (03) 5120 4556 or e-mail JulieB@gippstafe.vic.edu.au.