RPL is short for Recognition of Prior Learning and it means exactly that. Based on your prior learning you will be recognised as an Australian qualified professional in your occupation.
What does “prior learning” mean?
Prior learning takes into account the skills and knowledge that you have gained through previous training, work or life experience. For example: You have worked as a hairdresser but do not have official qualifications to prove that you are a qualified hairdresser. You can undergo an RPL Assessment to receive an official Australian qualification as a hairdresser without having to study for any exams, simply by submitting evidence. More on evidence see below.
What evidence do I need?
The evidence you need to provide can include the following:
- Work samples (videos or photos of your work)
- Resume
- Employment contracts
- Reference letters
- Overseas qualification
- Transcripts/Assessment from any former qualifications
- Apprenticeship papers (if applicable)
Where can I get the RPL qualification from?
The Qualification is used by an RTO which is a Registered Training Organisation in Australia. An assessor assesses your skills and qualifications against the requirements and if satisfied, you will be issued with the official qualification, just as if you had studied the course in a classroom.
There are companies who help you put together your evidence and work together with the RTO on your behalf. One of these is Skilled To Qualified.
How does RPL help me?
An Australian recognised Qualification can help you with
- Finding employment opportunities
- Reducing the duration of further studies (e.g if you wish to pursue a degree)
- Obtaining a license to work in a certain profession
- Strengthening your Australian visa application
RPL for ICT professionals
Professionals in the field of ICT that do not have any or tertiary ICT qualifications, will be assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). A registered migration agent can help you with this process.
How much does it cost?
The cost will vary depending on factors such as:
- Where you get the assessment done
- What qualification/s you wish to obtain
- Previous work experience
Request a free assessment from Skilled to Qualified to get a quote for your individual situation. Generally speaking, an RPL is cheaper than undertaking the same course through classroom based training.
How long does it take?
As a general rule of thumb a soft copy of the certificate is issued between 3 – 4 weeks.
Do I have to be in Australia?
Yes and No. For certain occupations you will have to be in Australia, whereas for others you can be overseas. Please contact Skilled to Qualified for a more exact answer or visit their website to find out more.
Should you have any questions about RPL for Migration Purposes, feel free to give us a call on (02) 4626 1002 or contact us online.
