What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning

In accordance with the requirements of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, Hader Institute of Education provides the opportunity for learners to apply to have prior learning recognised toward a qualification or units of competence for which they are enrolled.

What is recognition?

Recognition involves the assessment of previously unrecognised skills and knowledge that an individual has achieved outside the formal education and training system. Recognition assesses this unrecognised learning against the requirements of a unit of competence, in respect of both entry requirements and outcomes to be achieved. By removing the need for duplication of learning, recognition encourages an individual to continue upgrading their skills and knowledge through structured education and training towards formal qualifications and improved employment outcomes. This has benefits for the individual and industry. Most importantly, it should be noted that recognition is just another form of assessment.

Recognition guidelines

The following guidelines are to be followed when an application for recognition is received:

• Any learner is entitled to apply for recognition in a course or qualification in which they are currently enrolled.
• Learners may not apply for recognition for units of competence or a qualification which are not included in Hader Institute of Education scope of registration.
• Whilst learners may apply for recognition at any time, they are encouraged to apply before commencing a training program. This will reduce unnecessary training and guide the learner down a more efficient path to competence.
• Learners who are currently enrolled in a training program are eligible to apply for recognition in that program at no additional charge.
• Assessment via recognition is to apply the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence.
• Recognition may only be awarded for whole units of competence.

Forms of evidence for recognition

Recognition acknowledges that workplace skills and knowledge may be gained through a variety of ways including both formal and informal learning or through work-based or life experience.

Like assessment, recognition is a process whereby evidence is collected and a judgement is made by an assessor or assessment team. The judgement is made on evidence provided by candidates of the skills and knowledge that they have previously learnt through work, study, life and other experiences, and that they are currently using. It also includes evidence to confirm a candidate’s ability to adapt prior learning or current competence to the context of the intended workplace or industry.

Forms of evidence toward recognition may include:

• Work records;
• Records of workplace training;
• Assessments of current skills;
• Assessments of current knowledge;
• Third party reports from current and previous supervisors or managers;
• Evidence of relevant unpaid or volunteer experience;
• Examples of work products;
• Observation by an assessor in the workplace;
• Performance appraisal; or
• Duty statements.

Many of these forms of evidence would not be sufficient on their own. When combined together, with a number of evidence items, the candidate will start to provide a strong case for competence. Hader Institute of Education reserves the right to require candidates to undertake practical assessment activities of skills and knowledge in order to satisfy itself of a candidate’s current competence.

For more information about applying for RPL please contact one of course advisors on (03) 8362 3113 .