Q: What is RPL?
A: RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning. This means that if you have developed skills or knowledge as part of your working life, through volunteer work or through previous informal courses, then you may be able to use this experience to gain qualifications. Your 'life skills' contribute towards the specific criteria required for a formal qualification (a Certificate or a Diploma for example). Whereas you would normally have to attend a course at a TAFE or other training organisation, the RPL process allows you to gain recognition by providing evidence that you are already competent in particular skills, or within particular work role: you can get your formal qualification without having to go back to school!

Q: How do I know if I'm eligible for RPL?
A: Everyone is eligible to apply for RPL. However, the question is have you got the evidence to demonstrate competency? You'll need to satisfy the assessor that you are at the same level as required by the Qualification or unit. It doesn't matter when you developed your skills or developed your knowledge, and it doesn't matter how old you are. And there are a great deal of courses available so your skills will match up to at least one of them. If you can supply proof of your competency, then you are able to apply for formal recognition. Take a look at our SkillSearch feature to see which qualifications your skills may entitle you to.

Q: How much will my application cost?
A: We have set simple pricing for all Certificate levels. We have also created a 15% price beat guarantee. See our simple pricing page for details.

Q: How long does the RPL entering process take - how long do they have to complete it?
It varies depending on the candidates commitments and number of units. It also depends on the quality of their evidence and commitment to spend some block time. 6 weeks is initially allowed to prepare a kit but is easily extendable.

A: How long before it is all approved and lodged with an RTO?
Once RPL Central have formed the view that you have addressed all the criteria of the course and complied with the system requirements to map evidence, and upon your instruction, the kit is transferred over to an RTO for official assessment and certification. The result, it will either come back to us with feedback or the RTO will award you and offer the free enrolment promptly.

Q: What is the AQF?
A: The AQF stands for The Australian Qualifications Framework. It brings together all of Australia's qualifications into one framework which includes all sectors of education and training. It includes the school, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education (university) sectors in Australia. The AQF link their qualifications together into clear 'learning routes' and provide a 'highly visible, quality-assured national system of educational recognition'. The AQF's aim is to promote 'lifelong learning and a seamless and diverse education and training system'. RPL Central® provides you with the tools to acquire an AQF endorsed qualification on the basis of your skills and experience. AQF endorsed qualifications are the 'benchmark' and are recognised by companies and employers throughout Australia. Further information about the Australian Qualifications Framework can be found here. Your skills, experience and prior learning are likely to be acceptable as evidence towards obtaining a formal qualification. Have a look at our SkillSearch tool to see which qualifications match your life experiences.

Q: What does the term ‘Nationally Accredited' mean?
A: Nationally Accredited means that a qualification is endorsed by the AQF (see above). The AQF are the 'benchmark' for Australian qualifications. So if you have a ‘Nationally Accredited' qualification, it is recognised throughout Australia and in many other countries around the world.

Q: How will gaining a nationally recognised qualification help me?
A: When you have a nationally recognised qualification, it is proof that you have undertaken training to be able to perform well at your job. When you are seeking employment, the qualification will be recognised by potential employers and will improve your chances of securing employment in your chosen field. Employers value employees who can show that they are willing to learn and continue to update their skills and qualifications. Through RPL Central® you can use your work and life experience to help you to get a nationally recognised qualification.
Have a look at the SkillSearch tool to match your skills and experience to a qualification.

Q: Why apply for RPL rather than undertaking a course?
A: To gain a qualification you would normally attend a course at a TAFE or other training organisation. This is time-consuming and expensive and - if you already have a skill - then you will be ‘re-learning' it. The RPL process allows you to gain recognition by providing evidence that you are already competent in a particular skill or work role. Once you've decided that RPL is the way to go you will acknowledge certain benefits:

Financial

• None of the ongoing fees and costs associated with attending full-time courses
• No travel costs
• A ‘set fee' for your qualification with no hidden extras