When they come to Australia to pursue career opportunities or higher education, there is potential for you to turn those working years into proof for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). By applying for an RPL, you could turn your overseas experience into a recognised certificate that will help you find work right here in Australia. For example, if you have had previous experience in another country at a restaurant, depending on how many years of experience you have and how much formal training you’ve received, you may be eligible for a formal qualification in the hospitality industry.

And RPL is not just relevant for those who received their qualifications overseas. If you have worked in Australia without a formal qualification, your years in the workforce could actually get you a certification. A successful RPL assessment gives you a nationally accepted qualification in your field of specialisation. This may help you find work and enrol in higher certificates that require experience or have prerequisites.

Read more about how RPL works and why it is important for you.

What is an RPL?

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a process that assesses an individual’s formal and informal learning to determine the extent of their expertise. This helps you assess if you need any further training or education to meet the requirements of the chosen qualification.

RPL is widely used in Australia as a way for people to gain qualifications without having to complete full-time studies. It is a flexible and affordable option as you won’t need to take time off work.

RPL Assessment

An RPL assessment is a process that measures your skills and experience against the requirements of a particular qualification

How do I get an RPL assessment?

In order to get an RPL assessment, you’ll need to provide evidence of your skills and experience. This could include things like resumes, references, work samples, and training certificates.

Steps to getting your RPL assessment with the help of Skills Certified: 

Step 1: The applicant creates a portfolio of past experience and sends it to Skills Certified.

Step 2: Skills Certified’sfacilitator helps the applicant throughout to assemble a portfolio of qualifications and experiences (they may ask for further information or proof here). If all the information is sufficient, you application is assessed by Skills Certified’s partner RTO.

Step 3: If the RTOs assessor identifies any gaps, they can assist with further training in these areas.

How to prepare for an RPL assessment:

If you have been asked to provide a portfolio of evidence, start gathering any relevant documentation that you can find, such as previous qualifications, training courses completed, professional development activities, work samples, professional references, an updated CV etc. If you are unsure what types of evidence will be accepted, contact the Skills Certified team for clarification.

If you are being interviewed as part of the assessment process, it is important to be prepared to discuss your prior learning and experience in detail. Again, if you are unsure what types of questions you may be asked, ask Skills Certified for more information.

Do I need an RPL as an international worker?

An RPL assessment is an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have the required skills and knowledge for a particular qualification, based on your prior learning and experience. By preparing in advance and providing relevant evidence, you increase your chances of having a successful outcome.

Can I get an RPL certificate through industry experience in Australia?

The answer is yes, you can! If you have at least three years of relevant industry experience, you may be eligible for an RPL.

Here’s how getting an RPL in Australia works:

An RPL assessor will review your experience and compare it to the national standards for your chosen field. If they determine that your experience is equivalent to the required level of knowledge and skills, they will issue you an RPL certificate or diploma.

Do I need training to get an RPL ?

If you require training, Skill Certified is happy to connect you to our pool of RTO’s to help you fill in the gaps. The training helps with improving your skills and securing the highest certificate with your existing experience.

What are the benefits of recognised prior learning?

1. Show Your Commitment to Your Career

Earning your RPL credential demonstrates to potential employers that you’re serious about your career. Pursuing and obtaining an RPL is a significant time and financial investment, and employers will take notice of candidates who have made that commitment.

2. Boosts Your Earning Potential

By earning an RPL, you are able to take advantage of more opportunities in your field. This also means that you can charge a better rate as you have proof of previous qualifications. For example, According to the 2020PMI Salary Survey, project managers with an RPL earn a median salary of $108,000 per year. That’s nearly $20,000 more than the median salary for project managers without an RPL!

3. Opens Up New Career Opportunities

Once you have completed your RPL, you might get opportunities that would have otherwise been for more qualified professionals. But thanks to your RPL certificate, you will be able to apply for jobs and further education that help you develop your career.

Where can I get an RPL?

At Skills Certified, we help you put those skills to use.  Our partner RTOs offer over a 100+ RPL assessments in the following areas:

How much does RPL cost?

The cost depends on a number of factors like:

  • The qualification you are applying for
  • The level of qualification you are applying for
  • The payment option you select

The RPL process is flexible and can be tailored to your individual needs. You can choose to complete the entire process yourself or you can engage the services of an RPL provider, such as Skills Certified, to assist you. If you have any questions or want to get a free consultation, get in touch today!