Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Guide
Overview One Stop Training formally acknowledges existing skills, knowledge and education using the following types of recognition: Credit Transfer (including National Recognition) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Credit Transfer recognises formal study and training for example, at university, school and/or TAFE. RPL formally recognises current skills and knowledge gained through previous informal learning for example, work experience, life experience and education. What are the benefits of Skills Recognition? Skills Recognition can help students: save time identify gap training requirements complete a qualification gain eligibility for occupational licences, tickets or permits reduce their study load re-enter the workforce gain job promotion change careers gain employment enter further education or training courses. One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 1
Credit Transfer Credit Transfer recognises any completed formal study by a student that is relevant to their proposed training program/qualification. It allows students to avoid studying for units of competency they have already gained. Please note that credit transfers cannot be granted for a whole program of study. A minimum of one competency must be achieved through normal enrolment or RPL. What is formal study? Formal study is organised learning and assessment that is undertaken in educational institutions, including schools, universities, TAFE Queensland and professional organisations recognised for educational and training purposes by national or state governments. If a student is successful in their formal studies, they will be awarded a qualification, Statement of Attainment or Result of Assessment. How can students gain recognition through Credit Transfer? To gain recognition through Credit Transfer, an Assessor compares a student s completed formal studies with the units of competencies required to complete their proposed training program. Documentary evidence, such as an academic transcript, qualification, or result of assessment, must be provided for the Assessor to determine whether the skills and knowledge required in the proposed training program have been covered. For example, students may have successfully completed equivalent units of competency in another accredited program of study at school, TAFE Queensland or university. What are the fees for Credit Transfer? Credit Transfer is free for assessment of previous formal studies that are relevant to the student s proposed training program. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) RPL awards students with full or partial qualifications for their skills gained from informal study or work/life experience without the need to undertake formal training. What is informal study? Informal study is any learning or training completed outside the classroom, college or university. One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 2
The RPL process Each RPL assessment is unique to the skills and knowledge of the student; however, the general process is the same. Step 1: Obtain an RPL application pack Students who believe they may be eligible for RPL should, before enrolling in a training program, contact One Stop Training for a for an RPL application pack. Phone 1300 556 387 Step 2: Complete and submit an application form Students are then required to complete the RPL application pack, include any other supporting evidence and submit to One Stop Training by post or in person. Copies of any official documentation such as licences, certificates or formal qualifications must be certified by a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Declarations. Step 3: Pay application fee An application fee is payable on submission of the students RPL application. This fee is non-refundable, but will be used towards the residual cost of the RPL assessment. The application will not be sent to an assessor until the application fee is paid in full. Step 4: Pre-assessment consultation The assessor will contact the student to discuss their experience and skills. The assessor will determine which subjects the student is eligible for RPL and will develop a Recognition Plan. The student will be provided with a copy of the Recognition Plan which shows the subjects they will be assessed against. Both the student and assessor will sign the Recognition Plan before it s submitted for enrolment. Step 5: Enrolment and final payment The assessor will submit the signed Recognition Plan to be processed. A member of the One Stop Training team will contact the student and advise the final amount due for their RPL assessment. One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 3
Step 6: RPL assessment Once fees have been paid in full, the assessor will contact the student to arrange their assessment. Assessment methods will vary depending on the individual, but may include verbal and/or written questioning, practical demonstration of skills, and contacting any nominated referees to confirm skills and experience. If the assessor requires a practical demonstration, this can be done either at the student s workplace or in a simulated environment. Step 7: Feedback and gap training options After the assessment, the student will be provided with feedback from their assessor regarding their assessment. The assessor will advise the student if they were successful in obtaining a full qualification or if they have to do any further training. If the student does need further training, the assessor will provide details of any required gap training to the Gap Training Coordinator. The coordinator will contact the student and advise of available options. One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 4
Process overview The diagram below provides a quick overview of the RPL process. Complete and Submit Application Pay application fee Attend pre assessment consultation Enrol into units of competency and make final payment Attend assessment interview Attend gap training if required Award issued (Qualifiaction) One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 5
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Guide
Overview One Stop Training formally acknowledges existing skills, knowledge and education using the following types of recognition: Credit Transfer (including National Recognition) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Credit Transfer recognises formal study and training for example, at university, school and/or TAFE. RPL formally recognises current skills and knowledge gained through previous informal learning for example, work experience, life experience and education. What are the benefits of Skills Recognition? Skills Recognition can help students: save time identify gap training requirements complete a qualification gain eligibility for occupational licences, tickets or permits reduce their study load re-enter the workforce gain job promotion change careers gain employment enter further education or training courses. One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 1
Credit Transfer Credit Transfer recognises any completed formal study by a student that is relevant to their proposed training program/qualification. It allows students to avoid studying for units of competency they have already gained. Please note that credit transfers cannot be granted for a whole program of study. A minimum of one competency must be achieved through normal enrolment or RPL. What is formal study? Formal study is organised learning and assessment that is undertaken in educational institutions, including schools, universities, TAFE Queensland and professional organisations recognised for educational and training purposes by national or state governments. If a student is successful in their formal studies, they will be awarded a qualification, Statement of Attainment or Result of Assessment. How can students gain recognition through Credit Transfer? To gain recognition through Credit Transfer, an Assessor compares a student s completed formal studies with the units of competencies required to complete their proposed training program. Documentary evidence, such as an academic transcript, qualification, or result of assessment, must be provided for the Assessor to determine whether the skills and knowledge required in the proposed training program have been covered. For example, students may have successfully completed equivalent units of competency in another accredited program of study at school, TAFE Queensland or university. What are the fees for Credit Transfer? Credit Transfer is free for assessment of previous formal studies that are relevant to the student s proposed training program. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) RPL awards students with full or partial qualifications for their skills gained from informal study or work/life experience without the need to undertake formal training. What is informal study? Informal study is any learning or training completed outside the classroom, college or university. One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 2
The RPL process Each RPL assessment is unique to the skills and knowledge of the student; however, the general process is the same. Step 1: Obtain an RPL application pack Students who believe they may be eligible for RPL should, before enrolling in a training program, contact One Stop Training for a for an RPL application pack. Phone 1300 556 387 Step 2: Complete and submit an application form Students are then required to complete the RPL application pack, include any other supporting evidence and submit to One Stop Training by post or in person. Copies of any official documentation such as licences, certificates or formal qualifications must be certified by a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Declarations. Step 3: Pay application fee An application fee is payable on submission of the students RPL application. This fee is non-refundable, but will be used towards the residual cost of the RPL assessment. The application will not be sent to an assessor until the application fee is paid in full. Step 4: Pre-assessment consultation The assessor will contact the student to discuss their experience and skills. The assessor will determine which subjects the student is eligible for RPL and will develop a Recognition Plan. The student will be provided with a copy of the Recognition Plan which shows the subjects they will be assessed against. Both the student and assessor will sign the Recognition Plan before it s submitted for enrolment. Step 5: Enrolment and final payment The assessor will submit the signed Recognition Plan to be processed. A member of the One Stop Training team will contact the student and advise the final amount due for their RPL assessment. One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 3
Step 6: RPL assessment Once fees have been paid in full, the assessor will contact the student to arrange their assessment. Assessment methods will vary depending on the individual, but may include verbal and/or written questioning, practical demonstration of skills, and contacting any nominated referees to confirm skills and experience. If the assessor requires a practical demonstration, this can be done either at the student s workplace or in a simulated environment. Step 7: Feedback and gap training options After the assessment, the student will be provided with feedback from their assessor regarding their assessment. The assessor will advise the student if they were successful in obtaining a full qualification or if they have to do any further training. If the student does need further training, the assessor will provide details of any required gap training to the Gap Training Coordinator. The coordinator will contact the student and advise of available options. One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 4
Process overview The diagram below provides a quick overview of the RPL process. Complete and Submit Application Pay application fee Attend pre assessment consultation Enrol into units of competency and make final payment Attend assessment interview Attend gap training if required Award issued (Qualifiaction) One Stop Training 2016 Credit Transfer and RPL Guide Page 5