What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
Turn your Experience into a Recognised Qualification
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an Australian Government-endorsed assessment process that allows you to convert your existing skills, knowledge and work experience into a Nationally Recognised Qualification – without needing to re-study what you already know.
Whether your expertise comes from formal study, on-the-job training, or hands-on industry experience, RPL helps determine how your existing competencies align with nationally accredited qualifications within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.
RPL acknowledges that learning happens everywhere – not just in classrooms. Through a structured assessment process, your experience is matched against the units of competency within a qualification. If your skills meet the required standards, you can receive full or partial credit toward that qualification.
This means you can gain your certificate or diploma faster, save money and move forward in your career with credentials that employers trust.
Understanding RPL in Australia
Types of Learning Recognised in RPL
-
1. Formal Learning
Learning achieved through structured education – such as school, university, TAFE, or registered training programs that lead to qualifications or statements of attainment (e.g., Certificate IV, Diploma, or Bachelor degree).
-
2. Non-Formal Learning
Learning from organised training that may not result in a formal qualification – such as internal company programs, professional development workshops, or industry seminars.
-
3. Informal Learning
Learning gained through life and work experience – for example, managing projects or teams, supervising staff or apprentices, customer service or sales skills and trade work, administration, or leadership experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
You may be eligible for RPL if you:
Have at least 6 months or more of relevant industry experience
Can provide evidence of your skills (such as references, photos, portfolios, or work samples)
Want to gain a nationally recognised qualification in your field
Are working or have worked in an industry related to your chosen qualification
Our RPL assessors will review your background to confirm your eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
-
To qualify for RPL, your experience should be directly relevant to the qualification you’re seeking, current, showing that you still apply those skills and demonstrable through tangible evidence (references, work samples, photos, payslips, or training records).
Our team helps you map your experience to the official Units of Competency, making it easy to prove what you already know.
-
The cost of RPL depends on the qualification level (from Certificate II to Graduate Diploma), the industry or trade you’re applying for and the amount of evidence and assessment required.
Because every applicant is different, we provide personalised pricing after your free skills assessment.
The RPL Process – Step by Step
-
1. Free Skills Assessment
We review your work experience and identify the right qualification
-
2. Evidence Collection
You provide supporting documents, such as photos, references and portfolios.
-
3. Review & Assessment
Your portfolio is reviewed by our partner Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
-
4. Certification Issued
Once approved, you’ll receive your Nationally Recognised Qualification.
