Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment pathway that allows you to gain a nationally recognised qualification or unit/s of competency from the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through work, life experiences, non-formal and informal learning.

If you’ve worked in a position that’s enabled you to undertake industry relevant tasks, or simply been trained in-house through your organisation you may be eligible to apply for RPL for a unit of competency, skill set or qualification.

Although it is not necessarily a quick or simple process, Aveling aims to provide you with a more flexible way of having your abilities, skills and knowledge assessed against the competencies stipulated in nationally recognised units of competency or qualifications.

What can you RPL for?

You can apply for units of competency or qualifications listed under Aveling’s ‘scope of registration’ (RTO No: 50503), where it is not prevented by the training package, industry regulator or licensing requirements.

Your prior learning may include:

• Industry experience gained through work (for example, developing strong interpersonal skills through several years working in customer service)
• Structured training that doesn’t result in an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (for example in-house professional development programs delivered by an employer)
• The knowledge and skills gained through everyday experience in work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities (for example developing teamwork and leadership skills through several years of playing in a community sports team).

RPL application kit

Each RPL application has a number of steps to complete:

Step 1: RPL application information

• Complete the enrolment form; submit a current resume and details of any qualifications.

Step 2: Self-assessment

• The purpose of completing the self-assessment is to enable you to identify your capacity to perform the tasks described in the unit/s of competency. If you tick ‘Frequently’ to most of the tasks, you may be able to apply for RPL however, if you tick ‘Sometimes or Never’ this may indicate you may not be able to provide sufficient evidence of the unit/s requirements.

Step 3: Performance requirements

• This section will ask you to list your supporting workplace documents which demonstrate your recent experience to meet the requirements in each unit of competency.
• There are also questions to answer to demonstrate you have the required knowledge. These may need to be completed verbally either face-to-face, by phone or via virtual meeting software.

Step 4: Workplace Observation report

• To verify your abilities in the workplace, some additional evidence is captured in a Workplace Observation Report. This is for your manager (or managers) to complete and provide feedback on your specific skills and knowledge.

Step 5: Applicant declaration and consent

• Ensure you read, complete and sign the declaration and consent. Your application will not be considered if the declaration is not completed in full.

How much does it cost?

The fee structure will depend on how many units of competency you want to complete via RPL. The fees are listed in each RPL Application Kit.

Please note, payment is only required after you submit a completed RPL Application Kit with documentary evidence. After your RPL Application Kit has been submitted for assessment, Aveling will contact you for payment details.

How are you assessed?

The Assessor will use the following decision making rules when reviewing your submission of evidence:

• relevant industry Training Package criteria
• the unit of competency or qualification requirements, and
• the rules of evidence, which are:

What should I do next?

At this stage, you need to consider how your skills, abilities and knowledge relate to the unit or units of competency for which you want to apply for RPL. You can access the relevant units of competency or download them from www.training.gov.au

If you believe you have the skills and knowledge required and can provide evidence to support a submission, please contact Aveling on (08) 9379 9999 or email: [email protected].

An Aveling team member will contact you to ask some questions about your current role and responsibilities. If, after the discussion your decision is to proceed you will be sent an RPL Application Kit for the unit or units of competency you wish to apply for. The RPL Application Kit includes a self-assessment, enrolment form, examples of workplace documents to support your application, questions to check your underpinning knowledge, a Workplace Observation Report and declaration sign off.

The Aveling RPL process is outlined below:

1. A candidate requests RPL and Aveling responds.
2. Candidate conducts a self-assessment, contacts Aveling for guidance if required and proceeds with RPL.
3. Candidate collates documents to meet the criteria, submits for assessment and pays the RPL fee.
4. Assessor reviews the submission and conducts a competency conversation.
5. Aveling notifies the candidate of the outcome, provides feedback and if required requests additional evidence.
6. Aveling records the result and if RPL is granted, issues the qualification or statement of attainment.