7 Star Education Can help you achieve a nationally recognise qualification at a fraction of the cost, time and effort through Recognition of Prior Learning.
RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning, which assesses and evaluates an individual's existing skills, knowledge, and experiences to determine their equivalence to formal qualifications or academic credit.
It acknowledges and values existing skills and knowledge acquired through life, work, training, self-study, volunteering, or other learning avenues, and assesses and recognizes for formal qualifications such as a certificate, diploma, or degree, or credits in education and training. It also provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between a person's current capabilities and her/his future aspirations, making formal qualifications more accessible to people already in the workforce, building their careers.
RPL allows people to get a formal qualification for their already-existing skills, knowledge and experiences. With RPL, one can gain a certificate for her/his skills by relying on her/his industry experience without having to undergo extensive studying. Obtaining certification through RPL, an individual can help improve employability, raise earning potential, advance in career, or continue education. 7Star Education partners with RTOs who can evaluate your experiences and review your experiences and could help you get qualified in your field of work.
RPL involves collecting evidence of individual's prior learning, which could include work experience, training, workshops, or even informal learning. This evidence is then assessed against the learning outcomes of specific units or qualifications one is aiming for. If the evidence demonstrates competency, individuals can receive credit towards a qualification without having to complete the entire course.
Anyone with relevant prior learning can apply for RPL, whether gained through work, volunteering, hobbies, or other experiences. It's commonly used in education, vocational training, and professional certification contexts.
RPL is much beneficial for those seeking to gain qualifications without undergoing full schooling, such as mature-aged learners or professionals with extensive work experience. It is particularly valuable for those seeking to formalize their skills or gain accreditation for skills developed outside traditional education or gain a qualification without starting from scratch.
Before using RPL, an applicant has a few boxes to check. The industry one works in, the sort of qualification one wants, and any relevant formal or informal past learning will all affect the eligibility. Each industry and the relevant certifications have individual eligibility criteria. Applicants can find further information on which industries 7Star Education offers RPL in. Detailed information about eligibility criteria can be found for each certification.
RPL can be applied to a wide range of qualifications, from vocational certificates to higher education degrees. It's important to note that not all qualifications are eligible for RPL, and the scope varies among institutions.
Yes, RPL can lead to a full qualification if the assessed prior learning aligns with the requirements of the qualification. In some cases, individuals might need to complete additional assessments or learning.
Yes, RPL can significantly shorten the time required to complete a qualification. By gaining credit for relevant prior learning, you may be able to skip certain units or modules.
Anyone, whether an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or international student, can apply for RPL if they believe they have relevant skills, self-directed learning, or other forms of informal education and substantial work experience related to a particular qualification.
Working with 7Star Education to have your skills recognised through RPL can have a wide range of benefits for upgrading your qualifications or change career paths without starting from scratch. Achieving a nationally recognised qualification through 7Star Education's partner RTOs can have multiple benefits, including:
Saving you time and money;
Improved career prospects;
Avoiding the repetition of previous training;
Continuous professional development;
Help with immigration and visa requirements;
No face to face classroom-study;
Meeting relevant industry & licensing requirements;
Higher education credit exemptions;
RPL offers a unique way to fast-track your educational and career journey. Whether you've learned through on-the-job experiences, self-study, or other non-traditional means, RPL ensures that your hard-earned skills do not go unnoticed. It saves you time by exempting you from redundant learning and accelerates your progress towards your goals.
There are a number of steps a person seeking RPL must take. The process starts by filling out a free skills check to discuss your goals and to determine the requisite qualifications. You’re then required to build a portfolio with all supporting evidence, which is assessed by one of our partner RTOs.
– Step 1 –
Free Skills Assessment
Speak to 7Star Education about your goals, and allow us to guide you towards the qualification you apply for.
– Step 2 –
Portfolio of Experience
Your dedicated consultant will guide you through the process of putting together a portfolio of evidence. This can contain overseas qualifications, transcripts, certificates, photos and videos, samples or work examples, letters of reference, your current resume, etc.
– Step 3 –
Evidence Review
Once one of our partner registered training organisations (RTOs) has assessed your portfolio, the assessor assigned to your case may be in touch if any additional evidence is required. If you have any weak areas, the RTO may assign a trainer to upskill you at no cost to you.
– Step 4 –
You’re qualified
7Star Education is partnered with Registered Training Organisations whose qualifications are nationally recognised in Australia, and are the same as the qualification you would receive from full time study. Qualifications can also be useful for licensing or immigration purposes.
Applicants are usually required to provide documentation to support their claims of prior learning. Collecting evidence for RPL is a crucial step in the assessment process to determine whether an individual's prior learning and experience can be recognized and credited toward a specific qualification or certification. Here are the steps to follow in collecting evidence for RPL:
1. Understand the RPL Requirements:
Familiarize yourself with the specific RPL requirements and guidelines provided by the institution or organization offering the qualification or certification. Each program may have different criteria and evidence requirements.
2. Identify the Learning Outcomes:
Clearly identify the learning outcomes or competencies associated with the qualification or certification you are seeking. This will help you determine what evidence is relevant.
3. Gather Documentation:
Collect any relevant documentation that demonstrates your prior learning and experience. This may include:
• Certificates, diplomas, and transcripts from previous education and training.
•Work experience records, job descriptions, and references.
•Portfolios of work, projects, or assignments.
•Certificates of attendance at workshops, seminars, or training programs.
•Any other relevant evidence that supports your claim of prior learning.
4. Organize Evidence:
Organize your evidence in a clear and structured manner. Create a portfolio or document that presents your evidence systematically, with clear references to the learning outcomes or competencies.
5. Reflect on Your Learning:
Write a reflective statement or narrative that connects your prior learning and experiences to the specific learning outcomes or competencies. Explain how each piece of evidence demonstrates your competence in these areas.
6. Provide Context:
Include contextual information that helps assessors understand the significance and relevance of your evidence. Explain the circumstances under which you gained the knowledge or skills.
7. Seek Supportive Documentation:
If possible, obtain supporting documentation from supervisors, employers, or mentors who can attest to your skills and competencies. Their letters of recommendation can strengthen your case.
8. Check Formatting and Completeness:
Ensure that your evidence is well-organized, formatted clearly, and complete. Any missing information or poorly presented evidence can hinder the assessment process.
In some cases, applicants may be asked to create a portfolio that showcases their prior learning. A portfolio typically includes examples of work, reflective essays, and other evidence that demonstrates competence in specific areas.
Accepted evidence for RPL assessment can include resumes, certificates, transcripts, references, work samples, and even a portfolio showcasing your achievements. The evidence should demonstrate your knowledge and skills relevant to the qualification.
You are required to demonstrate that you have prior learning relevant to the qualification you are seeking. The skills, knowledge and experience you have must be linked to the Units of Competency in your course. Prior learning can be obtained through formal, non formal and informal learning.
RPL is available for a wide range of qualifications , including professional certificates, diplomas, and degrees across various industries, from vocational education and training (VET) to higher education disciplines. It depends on the institution's policies and the specific qualification's requirements and the relevance of your prior learning.
The assessment process varies by institution but generally involves gathering evidence of an individual's skills and knowledge, such as work samples, certificates, references, and interviews. This evidence is compared to the learning outcomes of a qualification to determine if the individual meets the required standards.
Once we receive your submission of interest, a consultant of ours will be in touch to discuss the process with you. In this, we will determine whether you qualify are suitable and from there, inform you of the evidence needed to prove competence. This can include:
• Evidence of different tasks performed on the job (photographic or video);
• Providing an understanding of your experience and skills;
• Demonstrating your knowledge and skills by completing a range of practical tasks;
• Providing documentation including a resume, legitimate workplace documents, references, and employment job description.
Yes, educational institutions usually charge a fee for the RPL assessment process. The cost varies depending on the qualification, the institution, and the complexity of the assessment.
The duration of the RPL assessment varies. It depends on factors such as the amount of evidence provided, the complexity of the qualification, and the institution's assessment process. It can range from a few weeks to a few months.
Deadlines for RPL applications depend on the institution and the specific course. It's recommended to check with the institution offering the qualification for their application deadlines.
Yes, RPL can be used to demonstrate qualifications and skills for certain visa applications in Australia, such as General Skilled Migration visas. However, RPL alone might not fulfill immigration requirements, so it's essential to consult the relevant immigration authorities for accurate information.
Yes, RPL is widely recognized in Australia across various industries and education institutions. Many vocational education and training providers, as well as universities, offer RPL assessment processes.
Employers can benefit from RPL by recognizing and validating their employees' skills and knowledge. This can aid in professional development, internal promotions, and talent retention.
RPL credits are generally transferable between institutions within the same framework, but it's advisable to confirm with the receiving institution's policies and procedures.
Yes, RPL can sometimes be used to gain recognition for international qualifications in the UK. However, the process may vary depending on the country of origin and the institution's recognition policies.
No, RPL and credit transfer are related but distinct. RPL assesses prior learning and experience to determine if one meets the competency standards for a qualification. Credit transfer, on the other hand, involves transferring credits from a previously completed course to your current course, provided the content is equivalent.
Yes, some universities in Australia accept RPL to grant entry or advanced standing for specific courses. However, policies can differ between universities, so it's important to check with the institution for their specific RPL guidelines.
RPL allows individuals to receive credit for their existing knowledge and skills, reducing the time and cost required to attain formal qualifications. It promotes
lifelong learning and inclusivity by acknowledging diverse learning pathways.
RPL is important as it provides opportunities for them to gain qualifications without duplicating what they already know. This helps in promoting lifelong learning and workforce upskilling.
To apply for RPL, you need to contact 7Star Education first.
7Star will provide guidance on the necessary documentation, assessment methods, and application procedures. The professional RPL experts at 7Star Education will help in selecting a best Registered Training Organization (RTO) or educational institution that offers RPL assessments in the field required, and then guides applicants through the evidence collection and assessment process.
The duration of the RPL assessment process varies. It depends on factors like the complexity of the qualification, the quality of evidence provided, and the efficiency of the assessment process of the chosen training provider.
To start the RPL process, individuals need to contact 7Star Education that will guide applicants through the evidence collection process and assessment requirements. We have dedicated consultants that focus on your particular case to get you your certification in the smoothest and fastest way possible.
At 7Star Education, we support you along the way. Our partner RTOs assess your skills, evaluate your experience, fill the gaps in your skill set, and get you certified. In four easy steps, you can take your career to the next level.
While the principles of RPL are generally consistent across Australia, there might be slight variations in processes and guidelines between different states and territories. It's recommended to refer to the specific guidelines of the state or territory where you are applying for RPL.
If an RPL application is unsuccessful, candidates might have the option to undertake additional training to address the gaps identified during the assessment. Alternatively, they can appeal the decision or explore other pathways to gain the desired qualification.
RPL may have limitations depending on the institution or qualification. It might not be suitable for all types of learning, and the assessment process can be time-consuming. Some institutions may limit the amount of credit awarded through RPL.
It's important to note that the specific procedures and requirements for RPL can vary widely depending on the institution, program, or certifying body involved. Therefore, individuals seeking RPL should consult with RPL experts to understand their specific RPL process and requirements of the relevant organization or educational institution. Additionally, RPL may not be available for all qualifications or courses, and some limitations may apply.
If you didn’t find what you were looking for here, or just need some clarity around your RPL suitability, please get in touch with 7Star Education on 0413 862 886 and our consultants will be happy to help.
RPL is an assessment method that relies on your past experience and education in the industry. Do you have skills, knowledge and experience gained over the course of your career? If you do, you may well be eligible for a qualification. You may have worked in the field for so long that your practical skills exceed that of a fresh graduate from TAFE. Through an extensive partner network of registered training organisations (RTOs) 7Star Education can convert your experience, skills, knowledge or overseas qualifications into a nationally recognised Australian qualification. Additional studies may not be required.