Recognition (RPL) is a process that allows the competencies you already possess to be recognised, regardless of how you obtained them. These might include skills you picked up on the job or from other life experiences that do not necessarily include formal training.

Recognition suits people who have industry relevant:

• work skills or knowledge
• paid or unpaid work experience
• life experience
• community work experience

Recognition could provide you with a full or part qualification, and avoid duplication of training. It could be used to identify what training you may need to complete a qualification, or could provide a pathway to higher qualifications for people who may not have access to further training.

Your College Australia Recognition Consultant can discuss evidence you will need to supply with your application if you wish to have your experience recognised. In many cases, RPL will only give the off-the-job component of the unit. You may still need to meet the on-the-job component.

Do you have relevant work experience?

If you have been working in an occupation that is equivalent to the qualification, you probably have developed skills and knowledge that can be assessed for Recognition in the course. If you have completed on-the-job training this can also be assessed. Work experience in other occupations – not directly related to the qualification you are seeking - may be considered. This takes into consideration paid or unpaid work including part time, full time or casual work both in Australia and overseas.

Do you have relevant life experience?

This covers a multitude of areas. Many people learn things by working for a community or voluntary organisation such as: church, school, sporting club, kindergarten, bush fire brigade, surf life-saving club or a fund raising organisation. You also learn valuable skills through hobbies, sport, leisure activities etc.

Life experience gained through these different areas may be recognised as meeting the assessment requirement.

Do you have a relevant qualification?

Credit Transfer is the Recognition of specified learning where the same or equivalent module has been successfully completed in previous studies. Speak with a College Australia Recognition Consultant about the relevance of your qualification.

Do you have qualifications from other Training Organisation?

Qualifications from other Registered Training Organisations (RTO) such as schools, colleges,
Universities, Adult & Community Centres are considered and recognised towards your course. On-the-job training programs could also be relevant.

 Do you have overseas skills and qualifications?

If you hold qualifications gained overseas, College Australia will carefully consider them so that you may use them for gaining Recognition. This means that you may not have to repeat study you have already done in another country. Advice can be sought from a College Australia Recognition Consultant or at College Australia Brisbane Campus. Your documents and qualifications will need to be certified and must be in English or translated into English.

What are the benefits of Recognition?

•You will be recognised for what you already know, and complete training in a shorter period of time

• You don’t have to undertake training where you can prove you already have the skills and knowledge to do the job

• Applying for 100% Recognition if you already have the skills and knowledge that an entire course would teach you

• Qualifications gained through Recognition have the same value as those gained through course work

• The ability to update your qualification to obtain a recognised current level of competency