Recognition of Prior Learning
(RPL) Kit
Skillbuild Pty Ltd
RTO 70059
Contents
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? ............................................................... 3
What is the RPL process? .............................................................................................. 3
What evidence is required for RPL? ............................................................................. 4
What is a Portfolio of Evidence?................................................................................... 6
Evidence: ‘show and tell’ ....................................................................................... 6
Rules of Evidence ....................................................................................................... 7
RPL Application ........................................................................................................... 10
Student Acknowledgement ..................................................................................... 11
Work and Training History .......................................................................................... 11
Third Party Report ...................................................................................................... 13
Supporting Documentation ........................................................................................ 12
Assessor section.......................................................................................................... 13
Record of Conversation .............................................................................................. 14
Experience and Skills Evidence Matrix ....................................................................... 16
Assessor’s Evidence Summary and Sign off Sheet ...................................................... 17
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is defined as an assessment process that involves assessment of
an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to
determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit.
The following guidelines are to be followed when received student’s requests recognition of prior
learning:
▪ Any student is entitled to apply for recognition in a course or qualification in which they are
currently enrolled.
▪ Students may not apply for recognition for units of competence or a qualification which are
not included in Skillbuild’s scope of registration.
▪ Whilst students may apply for recognition at any time, they are encouraged to apply before
commencing a training program. This will reduce unnecessary training and guide the student
down a more efficient path to competence.
▪ Assessment via recognition is to apply the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence.
▪ Recognition may only be awarded for whole units of competence.
What is the RPL process?
Step 1 Provide sufficient information to prospective learners to inform them of opportunities for
alternative pathways via recognition and the recognition process.
Step 2 Learners who request recognition of their current competence are to be invited to carry out
a self-assessment prior to enrolment to determine their suitability for a recognition application
(using the Recognition Self-Assessment Guide). The student should be provided an electronic
version of the RPL application documents.
Step 3 Undertake a recognition assessment planning interview between the assessor and the
candidate (using the Recognition Assessment Plan). This is to include where possible:
• Helping the candidate to identify appropriate forms of evidence;
• Guiding the candidate on the use of recognition tools; and
• Informing the candidate about the assessment process.
Step 4 Candidates are to compile their recognition submission (using a Recognition Evidence
Report). This form allows candidates to record their particular documentary evidence against each
unit of competency and to attach this evidence as required.
Step 5 The Assessor is then to review the assessment evidence and decide on the need for additional
evidence on perceived gaps. The Assessor may invite the candidate to undertake a recognition
interview to answer verbal questions or a practical assessment. At the end of the evidence gathering
process the Assessor is to provide the candidate with written feedback regarding the assessment
outcomes, including the procedure for the candidate to appeal the assessment outcome.
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Step 6 If the candidate is not satisfied with the outcomes of a recognition application, they may
appeal the outcome like any other assessment decision. Refer the candidate to the appeals process
which can be found on our Skillbuild website.
Step 7 When all assessment and appeal processes have concluded, the assessment outcome is to
be recorded in the recognition register and issue the candidate with written advice of the outcome.
This may include issuing statements of attainment or qualifications awarded through recognition in
accordance with Skillbuild Qualifications Issuance policies and procedures.
What evidence is required for RPL?
Recognition acknowledges that workplace skills and knowledge may be gained through a variety of
ways including both formal and informal learning or through work-based or life experience.
Like assessment, recognition is a process whereby evidence is collected and a judgement is made
by an assessor or assessment team. The judgement is made on evidence provided by candidates of
the skills and knowledge that they have previously learnt through work, study, life and other
experiences, and that they are currently using. It also includes evidence to confirm a candidate’s
ability to adapt prior learning or current competence to the context of the intended workplace or
industry.
Indirect Evidence
Indirect evidence is evidence submitted by you. This could include work produced such as
documents, products, materials and reports. Other examples include certificates, qualifications and
video or audio tapes.
Supplementary Evidence
Supplementary evidence allows the assessor to understand your competency. This evidence is often
obtained through:
▪ Written or oral questioning.
▪ Tests completed off-the-job.
▪ Third party sources; for example, members of your work team or your supervisor/s.
Forms of evidence toward recognition may include:
▪ Work records;
▪ Training Journal;
▪ Resume/CV;
▪ Statements of Attainment, qualifications certificates and/or results of assessments;
▪ Records of workplace training;
▪ Assessments of current skills;
▪ Assessments of current knowledge;
▪ Photos or videos of you undertaking the task;
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
▪ Evidence of relevant unpaid or volunteer experience;
▪ Examples of work products;
▪ Observation by an assessor in the workplace;
▪ Supplementary workplace evidence including Third Party Reports;
▪ Performance appraisal; or
▪ Position Description
Many of these forms of evidence would not be sufficient on their own. When combined together,
with a number of evidence items as a ‘Portfolio of Evidence’, the candidate will start to provide a
strong case for competence. Skillbuild reserves the right to require candidates to undertake
practical assessment activities of skills and knowledge in order to satisfy itself of a candidate’s
current competence.
Please note: Photocopies or scanned copies of Qualifications, Statements of Attainment and
Certificates are required for Credit Transfers. They are to be signed by a justice of the Peace as a
copy of the original, or alternatively the original documents are to be sited by a Skillbuild Staff
Member to validate the authenticity.
If you have other suitable evidence to support your claim for RPL then you are encouraged to discuss
this with your Assessor. If you do not believe that you have any suitable evidence, then you should
discuss your options with your Assessor.
Cost of application
Once Skillbuild have assessed the time required to complete an RPL assessment a quote will be
issued. Please note that we charge our time at $100 per hour plus GST. Once acceptance of the
quote is received we will issue an invoice.
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
What is a Portfolio of Evidence?
A Portfolio of Evidence is the term given to the collection of documents and other evidence that
you compile and submit as proof of your competence.
Evidence: ‘show and tell’
When deciding what evidence to include in your portfolio, consider the ‘show and tell’ approach:
Tell us You tell us…
what you know
what you can do
what you have done
Someone else tells us (verifies) what you know, what you can do, and what
you have done. This is a called a ‘third party report’. Examples of third
party reports include a reference letter, a performance review report, a
questionnaire completed by a workplace supervisor, etc. There is a
template of a ‘third party report’ within this kit.
Show us Documents or other forms of evidence that demonstrate what you can do
and have done.
(workplace
documents,
Choose evidence of both products and processes. For example, when
photos, videos)
compiling evidence of your ability to clean up a spill:
An example of a product as evidence may include:
– a photo of you cleaning up a spill
– copies of workplace forms you have completed after cleaning up a
spill
Examples of processes as evidence may include documents such as
Policies and Procedures on how to clean a spill in your workplace
When compiling your portfolio, you’ll be asked to submit evidence that:
● tells us what you can do and have done (from you and from at least one credible ‘third party’
referee)
● shows us what you can do and have done (i.e. samples of work and other relevant
documents).
Please attach your portfolio of evidence with this kit when submitting it to your Assessor.
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Rules of Evidence
The evidence used to make a decision about competence must be:
1. Valid
Relevant to the unit/(s) of competency you are applying for
2. Sufficient
Enough evidence on which your assessor can make a sound judgment
3. Current
The skills and knowledge are current and relevant given today’s technology, processes,
legislation and work practices
4. Authentic
Your own work
Any experience that has enabled you to develop knowledge and skills that relate to the
assessment criteria should be considered.
If you need further guidance and to have further understanding of what you need to cover you can
search for the Units of Competency you are applying for at www.training.gov.au. Select the
‘National Register of Vet’ option. Enter the Unit of Competency (i.e. AURTTK002) into the ‘Nationally
recognised training’ Search box in the top right-hand corner and press ‘search’.
Each Unit of Competency within training.gov.au outlines the Elements, Performance Criteria,
Performance Evidence, Knowledge Evidence and Assessment Conditions required to successfully
attain the Unit. For example, the table below shows the first Element and Performance Criteria for
‘AURTTK002 Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace’ and how to map
what you will need as evidence.
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Element Performance Criteria Evidence for RPL
Elements describe the Performance criteria describes the Work experience, training and other evidence
essential outcomes of performance needed to demonstrate that meets the element of competency.
a unit of competency. achievement of the element. Where bold
and italicised text is used, further
information is detailed in the range of
conditions section.
1. Select and use tools 1.1 Job requirements are determined from How often do you select and use tools and
and equipment workplace instructions equipment? How can you prove it?
1.2 Tools and equipment are selected to
meet job requirements What PPE do you select and use? How can you
1.3 Tools and equipment are checked for prove it?
serviceability according to manufacturer
and workplace procedures Identify the types of evidence that you will
1.4 Personal protective equipment (PPE) provide. (Refer to each unit’s evidence
suitable for tools or equipment to be used requirements to help you decide the most
is selected and checked for serviceability appropriate and sufficient amount of evidence)
1.5 Tools and equipment, including PPE,
are used according to manufacturer Please Note: that you will have to collect,
procedures and safety requirements prepare, number and assemble this evidence as
part of your submission.
How should I organise my evidence?
So that your Trainer/Assessor can accurately assess your evidence, please ensure you:
• Include a cover sheet matching your evidence to the units of competency for your
qualification.
• Label each piece of evidence clearly
• Provide notes for each piece of evidence, e.g. title, what unit (or units) of competency it
relates to, and a brief description of what it is.
Assessment Timeframe
You have 2 months to submit your completed RPL kit. You will be provided with two opportunities
to submit further evidence if required. Please allow a 28 day turnaround for the final assessment of
your evidence from the date we receive your RPL application (subject to all evidence being provided
and that it is appropriate. I.e. if you have to resubmit evidence, there will be another 28 day
turnaround from receipt of the additional evidence).
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
How will I be assessed?
Your Assessor will review your training and workplace evidence to ensure you have:
• Enough experience in the field/occupation you are apply for RPL
• The range of skills and knowledge required for the Unit/s of Competency and Qualification
• Enough evidence to meet the assessment requirements of the Unit/s of Competency
A ‘Challenge Test’ may be required if the Assessor requires more evidence to make an informed
decision on the RPL outcome. The Challenge Test may be theory or practical based.
After the assessment
After the assessment, your Assessor will advise you of the units of competency you have successfully
completed. You will also be advised whether you have gained the full qualification or if gaps have
been identified during the recognition process. If you do have skill gaps, these may be addressed
through additional training.
Gap training information
RPL is an assessment process designed to show areas of competence and to identify if you have gaps
in skills and knowledge against a whole qualification.
Not everyone will have skill/knowledge gaps. But if you have skills gaps, a pathway to complete
training in the outstanding units can be negotiated to assist you to gain the full qualification.
Appealing a decision
An appeal is an application by a student for reconsideration of an unfavourable assessment decision.
The process of lodging an appeal and the process for handling such an appeal are outlined in the
Complaints Procedure located on the Skillbuild website
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
RPL Application
Candidate Information
Date Submitted
First name
Surname
Phone number
Qualification applying for
UNITS OF COMPETENCY APPLYING FOR
Unit
Y/N Unit Code Unit Name
Type
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Work and Training History
Work History Evidence
Current Resume/CV attached Yes No
Job/Position description attached Yes No
Description of work history and duties attached Yes No
Copies of Certificates, Statements of Attainment and Transcripts attached Yes No
An example work history and duties can be shown as per below:
Period of
Employer/Compa employment Position/s Job / Position Description
ny Name (DD/MM/YYYY) held description of duties
From To
1.
2.
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Supporting Documentation
The documents you have provided within your Portfolio of Evidence are to be numbered t for
easy identification. Place the number of the relevant document against the evidence listed
below. Please attach your portfolio of evidence with this kit when submitting it to your Assessor.
Candidate name:
Document
Documentary evidence submitted
number
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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Assessor section
Please do not proceed. This section is to be completed by your Assessor.
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Record of Conversation
The Assessor will use this template for additional evidence towards your RPL if required.
Candidate’s
name
Assessor’s
name
Date
Unit/s of
competency
Answer / Assessor’s
Questions Yes No
comments
1. ❑ ❑
2. ❑ ❑
3. ❑ ❑
4. ❑ ❑
5. ❑ ❑
6. ❑ ❑
7. ❑ ❑
8. ❑ ❑
9. ❑ ❑
10. ❑ ❑
11. ❑ ❑
12. ❑ ❑
13. ❑ ❑
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Additional notes from conversation
Outcome NYS
Assessor’s S
(Please (Not Yet
signature (Satisfactory)
circle) Satisfactory)
Assessor’s name Date
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Experience and Skills Evidence Matrix
The Assessor will use this template for additional evidence towards your RPL if required.
Note to the Assessor: Please insert the tasks you wish to see more evidence of, discuss how often
the candidate completes the skill/task and what documents they will submit as evidence.
Candidate’s Date
name completed
Unit/s of
competency
I have performed
Evidence to support claim
these tasks
Do
Sometime
Frequentl
Skill /Task Documentation provided
Never
c
(Number and name the document
y
s
No
you are providing for easy reference.)
.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Additional notes
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Outcome NYS
Assessor’s S
(Please (Not Yet
signature (Satisfactory)
circle) Satisfactory)
Assessor’s name Date
Assessor’s Evidence Summary and Sign off Sheet
The Assessor completes this table at the end of the RPL assessment to record the evidence
collected and sign off on the final outcome.
Note to the Assessor: Place a tick in the appropriate evidence collection method column for each
unit of competency. Place a line through those units not examined as part of this RPL assessment.
Candidate’s name
Date
Evidence collected
demonstrated
Competency
Other evidence
Third Party
Questions
Practical
Report
Unit Code Unit Title
Core units
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
Evidence collected
demonstrated
Competency
Other evidence
Third Party
Questions
Practical
Report
Unit Code Unit Title
Elective units
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Yes
❑ No
By signing the below, you are granting RPL for the above selected units of competency.
Assessor’s signature
Assessor’s name
Date
Skillbuild RPL Kit v1.1 1st January 2023
