Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows you to have skills, knowledge and experience you have already gained assessed against the requirements of your qualification. If you can demonstrate competency in the relevant units, you may be granted RPL and reduce the amount of training you need to complete.
What is RPL?
You may have gained your skills through:
Previous study or formal qualifications
Employment or workplace experience
Informal learning
Volunteering
Life experience
Previous training or other relevant experience
Who can apply for RPL?
Current and prospective students can discuss Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with ATC when they have relevant skills, knowledge or experience that may meet the requirements of a nationally recognised training product on ATC's scope of registration.
​
You can raise your interest in RPL before enrolling or at any time during your training. ATC will explain the process, the evidence you may need to provide and any applicable fees or funding conditions.
​
RPL is an assessment process and recognition is granted only where you demonstrate the required competency. Additional eligibility, enrolment and funding requirements may apply to government funded training.
How does RPL work?
ATC will assess your evidence to determine whether it is:
Valid
Relevant to the requirements of the unit of competency
Sufficient
Provides enough information to demonstrate competency
Authentic
Can be verified as evidence of your own skills, knowledge or work
Current
Demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge required at the time of assessment.
Your assessor may request further evidence or assessment activities if needed to make a fair and informed decision. ATC may contact employers, supervisors, referees or issuing organisations to verify evidence submitted as part of an RPL application. ATC assesses your existing skills, knowledge and experience against the requirements of the relevant units of competency. The assessment process is designed to be fair, transparent and consistent and uses the same competency requirements that apply to other assessment pathways.
Important to note
RPL is not automatically granted based on previous employment, experience or qualifications. You must demonstrate that you meet all the requirements of the relevant units of competency before RPL can be awarded.
What evidence can I provide?
Depending on the units you are seeking RPL for, you may be asked to provide evidence such as:
-
Work samples, portfolios or examples of tasks you have completed.
-
Previous qualifications, certificates or records of training.
-
Employment records, position descriptions or workplace documentation.
-
References or confirmation of your skills and experience from an employer or supervisor.
-
Evidence of relevant volunteer work or other practical experience.
​
You may also need to participate in an interview or professional discussion with an ATC trainer, demonstrate practical skills or complete a workplace observation or other assessment activity.
​
The evidence required will depend on the units being assessed and the skills and knowledge you need to demonstrate. ATC may request additional evidence or assessment activities if the information provided is not sufficient to make a confident assessment decision.
Student responsibilities during the RPL process
-
Providing accurate, authentic and complete information and evidence.
-
Supplying any additional evidence requested by ATC within the agreed timeframe.
-
Participating in interviews, professional discussions, practical demonstrations or workplace observations where required.
-
Ensuring that evidence submitted is their own work and relates to their own skills and experience.
-
Obtaining any necessary permission before submitting workplace documents that contain confidential or commercially sensitive information.
-
Advising ATC if they require additional support to participate in the RPL process.
​
How to apply for RPL?
Explore your options
Read ATC's RPL information and policy to understand the process and requirements.
Discuss your experience
Contact ATC to discuss the units you may be eligible for and the evidence you can provide.
Confirm the fees
ATC will explain the applicable assessment fees and any relevant funding conditions before you proceed.
Submit your application
Complete the RPL application form and provide the required supporting evidence.
Participate in the assessment
An ATC assessor will review your evidence and may request further information, a professional discussion or practical assessment.
Receive your outcome
ATC will advise you of the assessment outcome and explain any remaining training or assessment requirements.
How long does RPL take?
ATC aims to finalise most RPL assessments within 30 business days of receiving all required evidence.
The timeframe will depend on the number of units you are seeking RPL for, the evidence provided and whether additional evidence, practical assessment or workplace observation is required.
​
The timeframe begins once ATC has received your completed application and the required supporting evidence. If further information or assessment is needed, your trainer will explain what is required and discuss the next steps with you.
Once your assessment is complete, ATC will notify you of the outcome and explain any further training or assessment requirements, where applicable.
​
ATC will discuss the expected timeframe with you before your RPL assessment commences.
What are the possible RPL outcomes?
After assessing your application and supporting evidence, ATC will advise you of the outcome for each unit of competency included in your application.
There are three possible outcomes for an individual unit:
RPL granted - competency achieved
If your evidence demonstrates that you meet all the requirements of a unit, ATC may grant RPL for that unit. You will not need to complete further training or assessment for that unit, subject to any applicable requirements.
Further evidence or assessment required
If ATC needs more information or evidence before making a decision, we will explain what is required. You may be asked to provide additional documents, clarify information or complete further assessment. No final competency decision will be made until the required assessment has been completed.
RPL not granted - competency not yet demonstrated
If the assessment finds that your evidence does not demonstrate all the requirements of a unit, RPL will not be granted for that unit. ATC will explain the outcome and discuss appropriate next steps, which may include further assessment or training.
What if I apply for RPL for several units?
You may be granted RPL for some units but not others. Each unit is assessed separately and RPL is granted only where you have demonstrated all applicable requirements for that unit. Any outstanding units must be addressed separately.
​
If you disagree with an assessment decision, you may raise your concerns or appeal the decision in accordance with ATC's Complaints and Appeals Policy.
What happens if my RPL application is unsuccessful?
The RPL fee covers the assessment of your evidence, skills and knowledge against the relevant units of competency. The fee is generally payable even if your application is unsuccessful or RPL is granted for only some units.
​
If RPL is not granted for some or all units, ATC will explain the outcome and any further evidence, assessment or training required, including applicable costs before the activity begins.
​
Refunds are assessed in accordance with ATC's refund arrangements, the terms agreed to when you applied and applicable legal and funding requirements. These arrangements do not limit your rights under consumer protection or other applicable legislation.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to:
-
Provide additional evidence of your skills and knowledge
-
Complete further assessment, such as a practical demonstration or discussion
-
Undertake gap training to address competency gaps
-
Complete any outstanding training and assessment
Is there a cost for RPL?
ATC charges fees for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The fee depends on the qualification level and the number of units for which you are seeking recognition.
For example, if you apply for RPL for three Certificate III units, the fee would be $600 (3 units × $200 per unit), as this is greater than the $500 minimum fee.
Before you apply
Gathering evidence takes time, so we encourage you to prepare relevant documents and records before applying.
Before you pay an RPL assessment fee, ATC will discuss your experience and available evidence with you to help determine whether RPL may be suitable. This discussion does not guarantee a successful outcome.
ATC will explain the applicable fee before you proceed. Payment is due after ATC receives your application and confirms the agreed fee.
Unsuccessful RPL applications
The RPL assessment fee remains payable if your application is unsuccessful or only partly successful. This is because the fee covers the assessment process, regardless of the outcome.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel your RPL application, you must notify ATC in writing.
​
A refund of the RPL assessment fee will generally only be available if ATC receives your written cancellation before a trainer commences the assessment process.
​
Once the assessment process has commenced, the RPL assessment fee is generally non-refundable. However, refunds will be considered where required under applicable legislation, consumer protection requirements, government funding arrangements or ATC's applicable policies.
If you have questions about cancelling your application or whether you may be eligible for a refund, please contact ATC.
Government funded training
Different fee and funding arrangements may apply to students undertaking government funded training through NSW Smart and Skilled, Queensland Career Start or the ACT User Choice program. In government funded programs, RPL may affect the student contribution fee, course duration, training plan or other funding requirements. The applicable arrangements will depend on the requirements of the relevant funding contract and ATC will explain these before you proceed with the RPL process.
Where training is subsidised through a government funding program, RPL may affect the student fee, training plan, duration of training or reporting requirements. ATC will explain the implications prior to commencement of the RPL assessment process.
Additional Information and Support
Students who require assistance to access the RPL process due to language, literacy, numeracy, disability or other support needs are encouraged to discuss their requirements with ATC.
Information and evidence submitted as part of an RPL application will be managed in accordance with ATC's Privacy Policy and records management requirements.
A learner may apply for RPL before or after enrolment where permitted by the relevant program requirements.
Participation in the RPL process is voluntary
and learners may choose to undertake the standard training and assessment pathway instead.
Need help deciding if RPL is right for you?
Contact ATC to discuss your experience, the units you may be eligible for and the evidence you can provide. We can explain the RPL process, applicable fees and any funding implications before you apply.
