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Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgement of a person’s skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience. RPL may be used to grant status or credit in or towards a subject, module or unit of competence.

Recognition of Prior learning assessment differs from the planned assessment detailed in delivery and assessment strategies for accredited course or training package qualifications.

The assessment conducted in accordance with a delivery and assessment strategy is designed to assess and collect evidence of the learning that has occurred to ensure that the requirements of the course or qualification have been evidenced

RPL assessment collects evidence of learning that has occurred outside the formal education and training system. The RPL process is a more personal process involving the assessor collecting evidence and aligning the evidence to the requirements of the accredited course or training package qualification.

This aligning process is used to document the way the evidence meets the requirements of the training package or accredited course. The nature of the RPL assessment means that assessors may be presented with a wide range of evidence to consider. It is not sufficient for an assessor to determine that the evidence presented meets the requirements of the qualification or accredited course. It must be clearly documented how that determination was made.

For example, as part of an RPL assessment for a unit of competency the candidate:

• Completed a number of verbal questions
• Completed one practical task
  
• Presented a third party report from their current supervisor
  
• Presented a certificate of completion of a short course that provides further supporting evidence of competence in the required skills and knowledge of that unit.

The assessor then clearly documented how the questioning, practical task, the third party report and the certificate of completion supported competency in the unit concerned. The assessor needed to clearly establish the relationship of the evidence to the unit, or components of the unit, that the evidence supported.

These components may include:

• Critical aspects of assessment
  
• Elements and performance criteria
  
• Essential knowledge and skills
  
• Range statement

The principles of assessment, rules of evidence and retention of assessment records apply equally tp RPL assessments as they do to programmed assessments.

(Alignment of RPL evidence to accredited course or training package requirements, Skills First: Fact Sheet, DETA)

The assessment of RPL may be embedded within MCO assessment tools. RPL may also be applied for as a separate process.

How is RPL assessed?

If you believe you might be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning, MCO is pleased to offer you this facility.

RPL is available to all prospective students. The trainer is responsible for the application and assessment of RPL. Students/participants may apply for recognition of their learning and skills by supplying evidence of:

• Previous recognised training undertaken
• Work and life experience
• Non-formally recognised training undertaken

Recognition of Qualifications and Statements Issued by Other RTOs

MCO will recognise qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) upon production and verification of the qualification or Statement of Attainment. MCO assessment tools include the opportunity for students/participants to include Statements of Attainment already held, which have been issued by other RTOs.

Students/participants seeking credit for qualifications issued by other RTOs may also apply using the Application for Recognition of Statements of Attainment from Other RTOs proforma (included as an attachment to the MCO student handbook).

More information about Vocational Education and Training and the regulatory requirements can be found at www.deta.qld.gov.au and www.training.com.au