Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a great process that allows you to receive certifications for the job you already do or the skills and experience you already have. It’s an excellent alternative to going back to study and a valuable way to use your previous hard work to earn certification.

To give you the full lowdown we’ve pulled together 9 things you might not know about RPL.

1. You don’t need to take time off work

Instead of cutting back on work to enrol in a course, RPL lets you get the same certification without all the extra time spent studying. Instead, you use the experience you have and your existing skills to address the learning outcomes of your course. Once you have enough evidence you’ll receive the same certification as those who do the course.

2. You don’t need to have existing qualifications to do it

While it’s great if you have existing qualifications that can be used as evidence of learning, you definitely don’t need them to be eligible for RPL. You’ll need to be able to provide proof of your skills and experience but there is a wide range of ways you can do this. Keep reading to find out what you can use!

3. It’s a great option for migrants with existing certifications

On the topic of qualifications…if you’re a migrant living in Australia and your existing qualifications aren’t recognised by the relevant Australian industry, your international qualifications can be used as evidence of prior learning. While it can certainly be frustrating to pay for certifications you already have, RPL is usually the fastest and most cost-effective way of becoming certified to work in your field in Australia.

4. It can be cheaper and quicker than doing courses

To get RPL you need to be able to gather and put together your evidence. And yes, this can definitely be a time-consuming process. HOWEVER – for the vast majority of people it’s a lot quicker and more cost-effective than enrolling to study.

5. Your certification comes from a Registered Training Organisation

Skills Certified Australia partners with some of Australia’s leading Registered Training Organisations to facilitate your RPL process. What does this mean for you? It means your certification comes from an Australian training body and your certification will meet all national standards and be nationally recognised.

6. There are a wide range of things you can use as evidence

The one thing people get worried about is how exactly to prove you’ve got the experience and skills to gain certification. The great news is there are plenty of things you can use as evidence – and it doesn’t need to be formal documentation. Some things you can use include:

  • Your resume
  • References
  • Job descriptions
  • Videos of you doing your job or demonstrating a skill
  • Photos of your work or completing tasks
  • Examples of work you’ve completed
  • You can complete answers to specific questions provided by the RTO

7. You can get a whole range of diplomas and certificates

There’s a common misconception that RPL is just for certificates in trades or hospitality. This couldn’t be further from the truth! RPL can be used in almost every industry from engineering to nursing, beauty, marketing, business administration, retail, accounting, logistics and much, much more. You can also find RPL for Certificates and Diplomas at a range of skill and seniority level to help guide you through your career, no matter what field or industry you’re in.

Want to find out if RPL can help you get certified? Call our team on 13 17 75 or contact us here to talk to our friendly consultants.