Student information
Recognition of Prior Learning and Recognition of Current Competencies
In the Australian TAFE system there’s an opportunity for your current skills, knowledge and attitudes to be recognised, regardless of how, when or where they were obtained.
For example, your current knowledge may be the result of a combination of formal and informal training, together with work experience (paid and unpaid) or even everyday life experiences. This is called RPL/RCC or Recognition of Prior Learning / Recognition of Current Competence.
APTC trainers will conduct full RPL/RCC assessments to evaluate the credit you can receive for your education, training and employment up until now. For example, if you’re a hospitality student and you’ve already worked in that field you will know some of the content of the course. This way you’ll have official recognition for skills you already have and can reduce the number of units you need to complete your qualification. Please select form the topics below for more information.
- What are the advantages of RPL/RCC?
- How to apply for RPL/RCC
- Applying for RPL/RCC assessment without enrolling in a course
What are the advantages of RPL/RCC?
- RPL/RCC may allow you to complete your course in a shorter period of time and at less cost.
- RPL means that you don’t have to repeat or waste time learning what you’ve already learned.
- RPL increases your career and education options through official recognition of your skills and knowledge.
- RPL allows for greater flexibility in which areas of study you wish to pursue.
How to apply for RPL/RCC
The RPL/RCC process requires you to complete the following steps:
- You will recieve a Course Enrolment form once you’ve been selected to study at APTC.
- Complete the Course Enrolment form and place a tick against all units of the course for which you seek recognition. (Seek advice from an APTC representative if necessary.)
- Provide evidence that you already have the relevant skills, knowledge
and attitudes to get recognition for the units that you’ve ticked.
Evidence supporting your claim must be authentic, valid, current and
in sufficient detail to be thoroughly examined by an experienced assessor.
Evidence may include:
- Certified copies of school reports or certificates from courses you’ve taken
- References from colleagues, supervisors or employers
- Proof of employment (e.g. a log book)
- Letters of support from senior industry managers
- Examples or samples of your work.
- Finally, sign and date the enrolment form and follow the instructions on the form for getting it to your APTC representative.
Applying for RPL/RCC assessment without enrolling in a course
Individuals are able to apply for a Certificate of Attainment that lists units of competency as a separate process, without applying to enrol in a course at APTC. The fee for this service is to be made payable to the appropriate school.
Up to 31 December 2008, the fees for the RPL/RCC assessment are:
- Fiji – F$275
- Samoa – WST 460
- Vanuatu – Vt 18,400
- Papua New Guinea – PGK 560