Recognition of Prior Learning. Guide. RPL Guide Version 1 Approved by: CEO Date: Review: Sep2011 Page1 of 6

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1 Recognition of Prior Learning Guide Date: Review: Sep2011 Page1 of 6

2 Recognition of Prior Learning: This generally refers to previous formal training that may have been undertaken and how it relates to the training program where the credit is being applied for. For example, if you have previously done a IV in Business, then you may use that for RPL on the equivalent Units of Competency or the whole course. Recognition of Current Competency: This generally refers to assessment of current skills either on or off the job. This pathway is suitable for candidates who have no formal training or previous courses but do have extensive workplace skills and experience. This learning includes specific knowledge and skills that may have been acquired by: Previous study (including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work); Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work). Candidates with prior learning and/or industry skills can apply for RPL. They can move straight to the assessment tasks in all units or present a portfolio of evidence. Candidates are interviewed prior to acceptance into the RPL process. RPL and the AQTF2007 Standard 1.5 states on Assessment, including Recognition of Prior Learning: a) meets the requirements of the Training Package or Accredited Course b) is conducted in accordance with the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence c) meets workplace and, where relevant, regulatory requirements. Gathering Evidence A candidate must provide appropriate evidence to demonstrate that they are currently competent against the performance criteria and critical aspects of evidence. The more recent evidence, the more value it has as an indication of current competence. Evidence must be in English and must be signed and dated by a third party who can authenticate the original documents. Evidence could consist of: qualifications or formal statements of results documents which you have produced as a result of your work activities reports which you have prepared or to which you have had substantial input minutes of meetings (which contain information on your participation and performance in specific activities) performance appraisal reports letters of appreciation from clients/consumers references from current or previous employers workplace awards position descriptions reflective statements which you will prepare to describe your work activities and practices, processes which you follow and situations which you have encountered. Gathered evidence will be checked by an assessor to ensure that it: meets the performance requirements and critical aspects of evidence of the unit of competency is sufficient to show that you have the knowledge and skills required is current is authentic (that you have prepared the documentation which you are submitting as evidence). Date: Review: Sep2011 Page2 of 6

3 The assessor may contact the candidate if further evidence is required to support the application. If a candidate has completed previous studies and obtained an equivalent to any of the required UOC, they will need to supply certified copies of their results. The RPL Process 1. Pre-enrolment application is provided containing explanation what recognition is, how it is available to potential candidate, the likely costs, the process and support available, timelines and initial qualification-related information. 2. Applicant to complete the Application for RPL and provide evidence. All documents are mailed to City Institute, PO BOX xxxxx, Sydney NSW Australia. 3. Course Coordinator/Assessor maps the evidence to the appropriate UOC. Assessor and applicant discuss the evidence and the assessor determines whether or not the applicant demonstrates that evidence provided and discussion leads to competence in all aspects of each UOC. Assessor makes appropriate notes on evidence and conversation. If further evidence or practical assessment is required (gaps are identified) arrangements are made with the applicant. 4. Assessor identifies further evidence, identifies training requirements and develops a training plan if required. Assessor finalises assessment of evidence, notifies the applicant and provides feedback. 5. Assessor and candidate complete sign off and the application form for RPL is then attached to the Candidate s file. What can be granted through RPL? RPL can be granted for individual Units of Competence or for a whole Qualification / Course. RPL Fees Advise the applicant clearly about charges for the RPL. The current fees are: $200 Application fee plus $100 per Unit of Competency to be assessed. There may be extra charges for additional specific requirements. Assessment of Evidence The RPL process involves providing valid evidence that demonstrates conclusively that the applicant does possess the necessary skills and knowledge to be deemed competent against all mandatory requirements of a Unit of Competency (UOC). Evidence is information gathered and matched against all requirements of the Unit of Competency which, provides proof of competency. Evidence can take many forms and be gathered from a number of sources. Once the applicant has provided the evidence, the assessor will assess the application. As with any other assessment of competency, RPL must meet all requirements of the Training Package and the AQTF. It must be conducted in accordance with the Principles of Assessment: (valid, reliable, flexible, fair) and meet the Rules of Evidence (valid, sufficient, current and authentic) and meet other workplace and / or regulatory requirements. Sign Off The Record of Evidence is a legal document and must be signed, dated and stored according to the requirements of City Institute and the AQTF. Each unit of the RPL application must be signed by the applicant and assessor as evidence of both participation and assessment. A copy of any actual evidence provided by the applicant is stored on the applicant s file. Note: 1. RPL will be only granted for an entire UOC and only where sufficient evidence is provided 2. A candidate has a right to appeal against a decision. See our Appeal Policy. 3. Any RPL given to overseas students will result in reduction of duration of a course which will be reported to DIAC via PRISMS. Where RPL is granted to Date: Review: Sep2011 Page3 of 6

4 an overseas student, the course will be reviewed so the student has a fulltime load. Explanation of Frequently Asked Questions 1. You can get 100% of a qualification through recognition 2. You can get recognition based on your documentary evidence, skills and knowledge. 3. Recognition is as difficult as undertaking a course. 4. Qualifications achieved through recognition are nationally recognised and have the same value as any other assessment process. 5. The process of recognition is flexible and its length depends on evidence provided, skills and knowledge of the candidate. Definitions Assessment meant the process of collecting evidence and making judgements on whether competency has been achieved, to confirm that an individual can perform to the standard expected in the workplace, as expressed in the relevant endorsed industry/enterprise competency standards or the learning outcomes of an accredited course. Recognition is a form of assessment. Assessment methods - particular techniques used to gather different types of evidence. This may include questioning, direct observation, structured activities, third party feedback, portfolios and review of products. Assessment process - overall planning document for the assessment process and includes a range of information to guide assessors which may include purpose, context, personnel, competency standards/assessment benchmarks, assessment methods and tools, the evidence plan, organisational arrangements including physical and material resources and equipment and other relevant information. Assessment tools - Contain both the instruments and the procedures for gathering and interpreting evidence: Instruments the specific questions or activities developed from the selected assessment methods to be used for the assessment. (A profile of acceptable performance and the decision making rules for the assessor may also be included). Procedures the information/instructions given to the candidate and/or the assessor regarding conditions under which the assessment should be conducted and recorded. Recognition - is a term that includes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) and Skills Recognition. All terms refer to recognition of competencies currently held, regardless of how, when or where the learning occurred. Under the Australian Quality Training Framework, competencies may be attained in a number of ways. This includes any combination of formal or informal training and education, work experience or general life experience. In order to grant recognition of prior learning/current competency the assessor must be confident that the candidate is currently competent against the endorsed industry or enterprise competency standards or outcomes specified in Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) accredited courses. The evidence may take a variety of forms and could include certification, references from past employers, testimonials from clients and work samples. The assessor must ensure that the evidence is authentic, valid, reliable, current and sufficient. Date: Review: Sep2011 Page4 of 6

5 RPL Flow chart Pre enrolment information provided Applicant obtains RPL Guide and RPL Application Form from City Institute (download from web pages available). Applicant completes RPL Application Form and sends it together with evidence to C.I. Assessor maps evidence across to the appropriate UOC. Assessor and Applicant discuss the evidence and Applicant s competence in all aspects of each UOC. Assessor determines Applicant s competence for each UOC. Applicant is competent in all elements of each UOC. Further evidence or practical assessment is required (gaps are identified) arrangements are made with the applicant. Applicant is competent only partially or evidence provided is not satisfactory. Assessor identifies training requirements and develops a training plan if required. Applicant is assessed as NYC in all elements of each UOC. RPL is granted for individual UOC or whole Qualification. Assessor provides feedback. Applicant is provided with an option to undertake studies in other course. Date: Review: Sep2011 Page5 of 6

6 Validity: Sufficiency: Currency: Authenticity: AQF LEVEL AQF 1 1 AQF 2 2 AQF 3 3 AQF 4 4 AQF5 Diploma AQF6 Advanced Diploma The evidence collected must cover all elements and performance criteria, dimensions of competency, the range statement, all the critical evidence and essential skills and knowledge listed in the evidence guide. A candidate must provide enough evidence to ensure that you can make a judgement across all components of the competency standard. Use a combination of different assessment methods. Does the evidence show competency over time? Can the applicant apply the competency in different contexts? Assessor should ensure that the applicant is up-to-date in knowledge and skills. Assessor must be certain that the evidence gathered is the applicant s own work. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF QUALITIFACTION LEVELS These features provide a guide as to what is the expected level of competence required at each AQF level. Demonstrate knowledge by recall in a narrow range of areas Demonstrate basic practical skills Perform a sequence of routine tasks given clear directions Receive and pass on messages/information Demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas Apply a defined range of skills Apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems Perform a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required Assess and record information from varied sources Take limited responsibility for own outputs in work and learning Demonstrate some relevant theoretical knowledge Apply a range of well developed skills Apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems Perform processes that require a range of well-developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required Interpret available information using discretion and judgement Take responsibility for own outputs in work and learning Take limited responsibility for the output of others. Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems. Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts with depth in some areas. Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of situations Evaluate information using it to forecast for planning or research purposes Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad quantity and quality parameters Take limited responsibility for the achievement of group outcomes Demonstrate understanding of specialised knowledge with depth in some areas Analyse, diagnose, design and execute judgements across a broad range of technical or management problems Demonstrate a command of wide ranging, highly specialised technical, creative or conceptual skills Generate ideas through the analysis of information and concepts at an abstract level Demonstrate accountability for personal outputs within broad parameters Demonstrate accountability for group outcomes with broad parameters Date: Review: Sep2011 Page6 of 6