One of the key objectives of the AQF Council is to facilitate pathways to formal qualifications that are based on, or include, prior learning that has occurred outside formal education and training.
In June 2004, a set of National Principles and Operational Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) was endorsed. These guidelines are also in the 4th edition of the AQF Implementation Handbook (p91-97).
In May 2009, the AQF Council endorsed a draft AQF National Policy and Guidelines on Credit Arrangements and is also undertaking research on pathways for students between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors. Details about these projects is available here.
RPL allows a person to receive recognition and credit for the knowledge and skills they have, no matter how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- previous study (including courses at school or TAFE, through adult education classes or training programs at work)
- work experience (including work that is paid or unpaid), and
- life experience, such as leisure pursuits or voluntary work.
What matters in obtaining RPL is that the knowledge and skills you have gained help to meet the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the qualification for which you are seeking credit. In the VET sector, RPL assessment can result in a full qualification or a Statement of Attainment for partial completion.
To obtain further information about RPL, approach the educational or training provider with which you wish to study and seek an RPL assessment. The Skills Recognition website provides information about the RPL process and encourages people to have their existing skills formally recognised with a qualification.
This information will help potential RPL candidates to understand the basics of RPL and be well prepared when they engage with a Registered Training Organisation for a recognition assessment. In the VET sector, there are assessment-only Registered Training Organisations, which are listed on the National Training Information Service.