Show the knowledge, skills or experience that you already have, and get official recognition from North Metropolitan TAFE.
What is RPL?
RPL is a formal assessment process where we assess your current knowledge and skills against the unit(s) of competency for which you are seeking recognition.
You can apply to get RPL for a unit of competency, or for multiple units, or even for all units that make up one of the qualifications that we offer.
RPL is a non-teaching pathway, which means that the onus is on the candidate to provide sufficient evidence to show they are competent across the knowledge and skills of each unit. The Lecturer and college do not provide any learning or resources to an RPL candidate.
Please note if you are an international student seeking skills recognition please contact InternationalStudy@nmtafe.wa.edu.au.
What is involved?
In order to have a successful RPL outcome you must meet all the skills and knowledge for the unit(s) that you are seeking recognition for. In addition to providing evidence of your skills, you will need to complete the knowledge assessment the same as all students do.
Prior to proceeding to Step 1 of the RPL process, you should ensure you have the relevant skills and knowledge that align to the unit(s) that you are applying for. You can do this by reviewing the information for each unit at training.gov.au and in particular, checking that the Application section of each unit matches your skills and experience.
The RPL process itself can take some time and depends on how quickly you can gather the required evidence. Many candidates often opt to enrol to study the required unit, rather than apply for RPL, as in most cases attending classes is easier than gathering the required evidence.
The RPL process
This is your first opportunity (and not the last) to provide proof of your variety of experience in your chosen industry.
Complete the RPL Self-Assessment (button below) by providing as much information about your previous experience as you can.
Here you can supply examples of your work history which could include:
- Resume / CV outlining your work history
- Qualifications - certificates / Trade Certificates / results of assessment / Statement of Attainment
- Licences e.g. Construction White Card
- Industry-relevant Tickets e.g. forklift, crane, cherry picker, etc.
- Indentures / in-house trade papers
- Job descriptions
- Photographs of work undertaken
- Diaries / task sheets / job sheets / logbooks
- Workplace professional development records
- Details of in-house courses, workshops, seminars, orientation or induction sessions
- Membership of relevant professional associations
- References or letters from previous employers/supervisors
- Any other documentation that may demonstrate your industry experience
- Hobbies / interests / special skills outside work
An assessor will review the information you have provided in the RPL Self-Assessment (usually with you) and begin to match up your skills to the unit(s) in a qualification. At this point, you will have the opportunity to discuss and identify your previous experience with the assessor who will understand your industry experience and conduct a competency conversation with you.
You will be required to answer industry related questions to identify your current knowledge relevant to the unit(s) in the qualification you are seeking to gain recognition for.
Once enrolled, you'll be required to complete the relevant knowledge assessment that covers off all the knowledge requirements of the unit(s) you are seeking.
Each student’s enrolment in RPL is open for 6 to 12 months and must have the RPL process completed and resulted within this period. The students will be supported through this process, by an assigned Assessor. The cost for this process will be half the fees that a student would normally pay. If your RPL outcome is deemed unsuccessful you won't be eligible for a refund.
The Assessor may conduct a practical skills test at your workplace or a suitable simulated work like environment that suits both of you.
This, again, is an opportunity to demonstrate your level of competence.
This assessment will be focused on skills that are required in the unit(s). Your assessor will identify the skills that he/she will want you to demonstrate.
These skills are listed for each unit on training.gov.au(opens in a new tab) . Look for the Elements and Performance Criteria section.
After you have completed the knowledge assessment(s) and the practical assessment, your assessor will provide you with information about the skills that have been recognised (i.e. the units in which you have been successful).
If you do have skill gaps, these may be addressed through further training i.e. enrolling to study the appropriate units.