Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is a form of assessment that acknowledges skills and knowledge gained through:
- formal training conducted by industry or education
- work experience
- life experience
The main principle of RPL focuses on the outcomes rather than how, when or where the learning occurred.
For example, if you are a hospitality or library studies student, and you have already worked in that field, you will know some of the content of the course. RPL is a way of gaining credit for this learning, which may reduce the amount of time you spend studying.
RPL gives you credit for your life skills – skills and knowledge you have acquired at home or through clubs, hobbies and other activities.
What are the advantages of RPL?
RPL:
- allows you to complete formal education more quickly and more at less cost
- means that you do not have to repeat or waste time learning what you already know
- increases your career and education options through recognised skills and knowledge
- allows for fairer access to studies that you wish to undertake.
Is RPL for me?
Anyone can apply but not everyone will get credit for their skills and knowledge. A typical successful applicant is someone who has a reasonable amount of experience in the area their course covers. Life skills can earn credits but these must be shown to be relevant to the course.
If you are continuing from secondary school or you have limited work or life experience, you should consider your claim for RPL carefully before applying. If you are a mature age student with relevant experience, your skills are likely to have some value for credit through RPL.
If you have qualifications or skills from another institute or training provider, you may gain credits.
How much does it cost to apply for RPL?
If you are already enrolled in a government-funded Box Hill Institute course, there is no application fee.
If you are not enrolled in a Box Hill Institute course government funded, the application cost is $55.
Note: These fees apply to individual applicants in recurrently-funded courses; they do not apply to enterprise/organisations for assessment consultancies.
The RPL coordinator in your course area will be able to provide you with more detailed information regarding RPL costs.
How do I apply for RPL?
Obtain the RPL application form from the ‘Teaching Centre’ to which you want to apply.
What sort of evidence do I need to support my RPL claim?
If you are considering RPL, you will already have a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate that you have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills.
These may include:
- your résumé
- certified copies of certificates of completed courses and qualifications
- awards
- references from employers outlining your responsibilities (originals, not copies)
- letters from clients
- evaluations from supervisors
- job descriptions.
Use all relevant evidence to support your application.
How is my application for RPL assessed?
The process includes an assessment of your skills and knowledge against the elements and performance criteria of the relevant unit. Your application will be assessed against the following six criteria.
Authenticity: Do you have evidence of your skills and knowledge? (You can include formal qualifications, position descriptions, references and other material to support the application. The evidence must be authenticated by the appropriate authority.)
Currency: Are the skills and knowledge used in the workforce now?
Quality: Are the skills and knowledge at a standard appropriate for current requirements?
Relevance: Are the skills and knowledge relevant to the particular profession?
Transferability: Are the skills and knowledge gained elsewhere relevant to the particular profession?
Validity: Can you demonstrate a skill required for the course? (This may be necessary for practical units.)
What happens then?
The outcome is forwarded to Student Administration, who will then send you an official notification.