Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) Policy & Process

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1 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) Policy & Process INTENT This procedure compliments and supports implementation of the principles outlined in the Credit Transfer policy & process. This procedure relates to applications for APTI programs and courses on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as a form of assessment of the competence of a person. OBJECTIVE A Learner s RPL application is assessed by an RPL assessor and as such prospective Learners will be provided with information regarding the credit that may be available towards the program for which they are applying. Providing credit is NOT a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process as it is recognised by APTI as a form of assessment of the competence of a person. Credit is recognising the equivalence of studies previously undertaken and completed successfully. Evidence that Learners are offered credit for study they have completed previously must be evidenced by: a. AQF certification documentation issued by any other RTO or AQF authorised issuing organisation, or b. Authenticated VET transcripts by the registrar SCOPE All current enrolled Learners DEFINITIONS AQF: Australian Qualifications Framework Credit: the value assigned for the recognition of equivalence in content and learning outcomes between different types of learning and or qualifications which reduces the amount of learning required to achieve a qualification. Credit may be through credit transfer, articulation, Recognition of Prior Learning or advanced standing. Credit agreement: a formal, negotiated, documented agreement between schools, colleges, universities or between APTI and another tertiary institution. Credit agreements provide for eligible Learners to receive defined amounts of credit towards a qualification. Credit arrangements: formal negotiated arrangements within and between issuing organisations or accrediting authorities and regarding Learner entitlement to credit. They may also be formal arrangements made between issuing organisations and Learners. Document owner: Programs 1

2 Credit outcomes: the results of a process of determining a Learner s application for credit or credit transfer. Credit transfer: a process that provides Learners with agreed and consistent credit outcomes for components of a qualification based on identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched qualifications. Informal learning: is gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experiences. Unlike formal or non-formal learning, informal learning is not organised or externally structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support. Formal learning: takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification. Nationally-recognised programs: programs listed on the national register of vocational education and training programs. The register includes programs based on nationally-generated Training Packages, and state-accredited programs. Non-formal learning: takes place through a structured program of learning but does not lead to an officially accredited qualification. Recognition of Current Competency: recognition that a Learner or member of the public has previously successfully completed the requirements for a unit of competency or module, and has successfully maintained that competency. Recognition of Prior Learning: an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the competence of a person. Document owner: Programs 2

3 POLICY 1. Credit Outcomes A successful application for credit on the basis of recognition of prior learning (RPL) will result in the Learner being awarded credit towards a course or courses Credit on the basis of RPL may be given in the form of specified credit Specified credit is credit granted towards a specific APTI course RPL process requires that the learner has an active enrolment APTI will advise the learner in writing of the outcome of their application for RPL Where a learner s application for RPL is successful, APTI will require the Learner to sign or accept a record of the assessment awarded 2. Applications for credit on the basis of RPL a. For all programs, a pre-training review is conducted with each learner prior to any classes commencing. Any relevant prior learning identified in the review will be assessed for recognition of prior learning. It is a learner s responsibility to demonstrate that credit should be granted on the basis of RPL. A Learner seeking RPL is responsible for: Submitting an application in the prescribed manner Supplying APTI with all evidence required to substantiate their application Complying with the application process b. Evidence submitted to support RPL applications must meet the Principles of Assessment and the Rules of Evidence and also meet the requirements of the relevant Training Package or accredited course. Document owner: Programs 3

4 c. Learner s must provide evidence which the RPL assessor can assess to determine that the Learner has achieved the competency outcomes for the qualification for which the learner is applying for credit. This evidence includes but is not limited to: Resume/curriculum vitae Position descriptions Training journals Work journals Diary entries References/referees Portfolios Industry certificates Minutes of meetings Project reports Photos/videos Certificates from short courses or professional development Live demonstration of competency Tests Interview 3. Application for credit on the basis for Recognition of current competency (RCC) RCC is a process to recognise a person s current competency in a VET qualification RCC is available to current APTI Learners and members of the general public. A person may apply for RCC where they have previously successfully completed the requirements for a unit of competency or module in a VET program, but are required by a professional or licensing body to have this competency reassessed. APTI will assess whether the person is maintaining this competency. 4. Fees Fees are charged for RPL assessment in VET Fees are published on APTI s website No refunds are available for unsuccessful applications 5. REVIEW & APPEAL If a Learner wishes to seek a review of an RPL or RCC decision or to appeal the decision, they must follow the process below. Learners must be mindful that if they wish to seek an appeal, then regardless of the length of time it takes to complete the review process, the appeal must be submitted within 20 working days of the date that the Learner receives the outcome of the original RPL or RCC decision in question. Document owner: Programs 4

5 5.1. Stage one: review If a Learner wishes to appeal an RPL or RCC decision, the Learner must first seek a review of the decision with the School to which the Learner s application was made. The relevant RPL/RCC assessor (and/or Training Manager) will discuss the matter with the Learner and review the decision in question. The RPL/RCC assessor and/or Training Manager may: determine that no error was made and the RPL decision should stand amend the decision; or agree to a reassessment of the application for RPL/RCC to be undertaken by another APTI teaching staff member who has sufficient expertise in the area to be a suitable RPL/RCC assessor Learners should retain all documentation relating to the review in case they need to demonstrate that they have followed the provisions of this policy at a later stage 5.2. Stage two: appeal A Learner may appeal the outcome of an RPL or RCC decision to the Director of Programs where: the Learner has evidence that they sought a review from APTI as specified above; and the Learner has evidence that the following grounds of appeal exist the Learner satisfied all relevant RPL/RCC requirements; and the RPL/RCC application was lodged in the correct manner, and all of the relevant documentation was provided; and the decision was not compliant with the Credit policy or the RPL and RCC procedure; or there is evidence that the outcome was influenced by personal bias Appeals to the Director of Programs must be made no later than 20 working days after the date of being advised of the RPL/RCC decision. Where APTI determines that the Learner has met the requirements of eligibility to lodge an appeal, the Director of Programs will be convened to hear the appeal within 20 working days of receipt of the appeal, unless exceptional circumstances justify a delay. The decision of the Director of Programs in relation to an appeal against an RPL decision is final and cannot be used as the basis for a further appeal.. RECORDS Records regarding applications for RPL, outcomes, applications for review, and review outcomes will be retained for 30 years, after which point such records will be destroyed. This Policy should be read in conjunction with APTI RPL Application Process and Assessment Policy located here Document owner: Programs 5