RPL & Skills Recognition

RPL & Skills Recognition

The RPL approach acknowledges that candidates may have gained appropriate knowledge, understanding, and skills during their previous work experience (paid or unpaid), be it in Australia or further afield. It also takes into consideration any competencies the individual will have developed as a result of engaging in learning experiences in Australia or overseas. RTOs take into consideration an individual’s existing skills and knowledge as acquired in a practical, non-formal or formal learning setting as a means of assessing whether that person can demonstrate the required competencies associated with the relevant Australian standards. This process is referred to as recognition of prior learning (RPL).

For example, someone who has spent many years working as a PA within an office setting will have developed many skills that are considered to be part of a qualification in business administration. Previous work experience in a garage may have provided someone with competencies that are relevant to a qualification in mechanics. In some cases, previous work, voluntary and learning experiences may not be sufficient to provide an individual will a full recognition of prior learning. However, the competencies he or she has gained can be used as credit towards units of competency and may reduce the amount of time or the number of modules a student is required to complete a qualification.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)


Do you…

Have overseas qualifications that are NOT recognised in Australia?

Have practical experience that you want recognised?

Want to save time and money in attaining a university bachelor or masters?

Need a qualification upgrade to get that promotion?

With Qualify Me! we help turn your skills and experience in a nationally recognised qualification.

Do You Qualify for Recognition of  your Prior Learning?


If you have experience and knowledge in your field of work, then you may be eligible or at least very close to attain a related qualification via RPL. Think about it, do you have more knowledge and experience than that kid that just graduated from TAFE?


Probably yes!

That’s where Qualify Me! comes in. We recognise your experience and overseas qualification with a nationally recognised qualification, and fill in any gaps you have with our easy & fast RPL and simple gap training programs.

An Overview of Recognition of Prior Learning Process

Candidates often commence courses and modules with existing knowledge, skills, and experience that are relevant to their field of study. These attributes may have been gained in educational or practical settings (paid or voluntary) both in Australia or overseas. Recognising a candidates’ prior learning involves giving them credit towards a vocational qualification for the formal and informal learning experiences they have previously completed. For example, if you have previously worked in an office, you may have gained some skills that can be used as credit toward a business administration qualification. Likewise, if you have spent time helping out at a tuition centre for underpriviledged children, you may have some experience that is relevance to a teaching certification.

Essentially, RPL may mean that you do not have to complete all the modules, maybe none of them, in a given course of study to attain the full qualification.

What does RPL involve?

There are three main areas that are considered during an RPL process. These are:

  1. Existing work experience. The practical work experience you have gained to date may have provided you with solid skills and knowledge that are of relevance to a course of study. Work experience may be informal, formal, full time, part time, voluntary, or paid.
  2. Existing qualifications. You may have completed educational courses that have provided you with knowledge and understanding that is of relevance to the course of study. For example, if you have another TAFE course or unit, this may count as credit toward a different qualification.
  3. Life skills and experience. Your general life experiences and the skills you have developed over time may also count toward the qualification you wish to complete.

Why is RPL Important?

RPL is important in many ways:

  • It means that your previous work experience, knowledge and skills are formally recognised
  • It prevents you having to undergo training or instruction in areas that you are already familiar with or competent in
  • It can reduce the amount of time it takes you to secure a full qualification

The RPL Process

Before commencing the RPL process, you may find it useful to complete our free skill assessment. This will guide you as to which of the courses that are currently available are aligned with your existing skills and experience.

During the RPL process, an RPL assessor will compare your skills with the industry standards for the course of study or qualification you are interested in completing or will match them against the qualifications that are currently available.

Who Can Apply for the RPL Process?

Anyone who has previous knowledge, experience, or skills that are relevant to the course of study that they want to complete can apply for RPL, regardless of whether your training or experience was in Australia or abroad. To be successful, you need to be able to provide evidence of the skills and knowledge you have gained.

How it works


Free skills assessment

We discuss what your goals are and help you choose the right qualification that matches your skills and show you what you need to do to achieve your goals.


Evidence Portfolio

Gather evidence such as: current resumé, reference letters, work examples/samples, photos/videos, certificates and transcripts and overseas qualifications.


Skills Check

Once our assessors have gone through your portfolio, they will call you in for a competency conversation and a practical observation if required.



All certificates are Nationally Recognised and issued by a Qualify Me! partner college. Now you can grab that licence or promotion.

  Let’s get started. What Qualification Am I Eligible For?

Not what you’re after? See all our qualifications: www.qualifyme.edu.au/qualification


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