1. Policy Xact recognises how the contribution of an applicant s previous experience could contribute to a qualification.

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1 RPL: Recognition of Prior Learning Policy 1. Policy Xact recognises how the contribution of an applicant s previous experience could contribute to a qualification. Applicants will be accredited with Recognition of Prior Learning where appropriate. 2. Terminology RPL, which is a term used by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and Awarding Bodies, may also be referred to by the following terms which broadly describe the same process: Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA) Accreditation of Prior Learning and Achievement (APLA) 3. Assessors a) Appropriate qualified assessors will carry out RPL activities under the guidance of Lead Verifier. b) Assessors will be trained to ensure they are aware of the importance of RPL and how to conduct RPL activities. 4. Assessment framework For RPL application to be assessed, it is important that a complete process is conducted and maintained. This will include: a) An RPL application from each individual. b) A record of the relevant, accredited learning, qualifications and experience from previous activities. c) An evidence collection plan may include: i) evidence sources for RPL ii) prior learning cross mapped to qualification assessment criteria iii) details of any gaps in learning and evidence iv) further training requirements v) details of resources for assignments and how they will be provided and accessed vi) details of assessment methods or processes d) A continual review of an applicants evidence collection plan 7.1.4: RPL January /5

2 e) Validation of authenticity and currency of evidence f) An audit record of the processes and methodology in a) d) above. 5. Evidence sources Please note that applicants are only required to evidence key areas of qualification assessment criteria: a) Evidence may be obtained by the following methods: Evidence from work place activities e.g. audits, risk assessments Evidence from courses Observation by a line manager and authentication of workplace activities A technical interview Assignment Response to questions Distance learning module Attendance on additional courses b) Technical interviews are used to further explore knowledge, understanding and their application c) Evidence is current e.g. no more than 2.5 years old 6. Evidence suitability The following should be considered when assessing the validity of evidence: 6.1 Previous learning The degree to which content of any previous learning meets qualification assessment criteria against which it is being presented as evidence. 6.2 Relevance of context The degree to which the context of previous learning relates to context of the qualification. If context is different, assessors will need to be satisfied of an applicant s ability to transfer the learning gained to the current setting. 6.3 Currency Applicants are required to demonstrate current knowledge, understanding and application of areas such as legislation, standards, guidance and best practice : RPL January /5

3 6.4 Authenticity This is concerned with verifying that the evidence pertains to applicant concerned. 7. Assessment Centre The assessment centre will ensure that: a) Documentation for the processes is completed. b) RPL assessments are available for external verification. c) This policy is based on Awarding Body guidance. 8. Flow chart Flow chart below illustrates RPL stages from application to qualification : RPL January /5

4 Section 2: RPL Policy Flow chart: Further information 1. Application Applicants complete application form to identify previous experience, such as: a) CV with details of current job role b) Documentation to show relevant courses attended c) Evidence of continued practice in the field to which the qualification refers. Xact may request additional information to support application. 2. Evidence collection plan Based on application, Xact will provide a plan for each delegate to collect evidence for qualification. It may include: a) Identification of evidence from work place activities e.g. audit, risk assessment, building regulations application. Evidence collection guides will be provided for each workplace activity. These guides provide a format for collecting evidence from core areas of assessment. b) Evidence from recent course assessments (within past 2 years) c) Professional interviews are used to further explore areas a) b) Evidence collection plans are periodically reviewed and should be supervised by applicant s manager to co-ordinate activities with Xact. 3. Portfolio submission Portfolio submission by applicant which contains an applicant s evidence identified in evidence collection plan. See 2 above. The portfolio should be submitted to Xact by the date indicated on the collection plan. 4. Portfolio assessment Portfolio evidence will be assessed to core qualification assessment criteria. If portfolio has been assessed and insufficient evidence has been provided, Xact will either: a) request additional evidence, or b) propose additional learning/development by assignment, workbook questions, workplace mentoring, distance learning or course attendance : RPL January /5

5 Section 2: RPL Policy 5. Professional interview When sufficient evidence has been provided to fulfil core qualification assessment criteria, a professional interview is conducted to further explore knowledge, understanding and skills 6. Internal Verification Once a portfolio has been assessed as passed it will be verified via the approved assessment centre internal verification process. 7. Qualification issue On completion of the internal verification process the approved assessment centre will notify awarding body of results. Awarding body issues qualification which with the applicants evidence portfolio is sent to co-ordinator for issue : RPL January /5