Purpose
This procedure explains the process of applying for and granting Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the requirements of the Standards for RTO’s and National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students
Responsibility
The CEO is responsible for the implementation of this procedure and to ensure that staff and students are aware of its application and that staff implement its requirements
Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning must be structured to minimise the cost and time to applicants whilst retaining the integrity required by the AQF to recognise competencies in accordance with the requirements of Training Packages or Curriculum documents.
Imperial must ensure that any applicant for Recognition of Prior Learning is provided with:
- Information about the competencies and performance criteria relevant to their Recognition of Prior Learning application.
- Adequate information and support to enable them to gather reliable evidence of competency
- Opportunities to obtain feedback on the evidence proposed prior to finalisation of the application
Competencies for which RPL is being requested may have been developed through formal education and training, through work experience or training or through informal learning.
A written statement from an appropriate supervisory person is required to confirm authenticity of any work submitted.
It is accepted that RPL is an assessment of an individual’s current knowledge, skills and attitudes even though the evidence produced in support of the claim for recognition may be drawn from the past. It is up to the RPL assessor to judge whether the evidence produced demonstrates current knowledge, skills and attitudes
Students who are eligible for credit transfer must not be required to undertake a RPL process. Refer to the credit transfer policy and procedure
Definition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) means an assessment process that assesses the competency/s of an individual that may have been acquired through formal, non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual meets the requirements specified in the training package or VET accredited courses.
- formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction and is linked to the attainment of an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (for example, a certificate, diploma or university degree);
- non-formal learning refers to learning that takes place through a structured program of instruction, but does not lead to the attainment of an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (for example, in-house professional development programs conducted by a business); and
- informal learning refers to learning that results through experience of work-related, social, family, hobby or leisure activities (for example the acquisition of interpersonal skills developed through several years as a sales representative).
Procedure
The student completes the RPL Application Form and completed application form along with supporting documents are forwarded to the Admissions Officer together with the required fee.
If required, Imperial will provide RPL applicant’s access to the relevant Units prior to the RPL application being completed.
A copy of the RPL application form and all verified supporting documentation is placed on the student file.
A qualified assessor (appointed by CEO) will review the completed RPL application and arrange a time with the applicant for an initial interview.
The Assessor will give applicant advice on gathering reliable evidence in support of the RPL application.
The bank of questions in of the RPL kit is the next phase in collecting evidence for the RPL process. The questions are designed to enable assessor to have a “competency conversation” with the student to further gain evidence of their past experience.
The assessor will Complete the Record of Conversation sheets during the competency conversation
The assessor will Identify any practical activities required to confirm competency and Observe practical activity
The assessors will Complete Practical Assessment Tasks Observation Sheets
After the completion of RPL process an applicant is issued with an award (if the applicant has met the requirements of all the units of competency of the qualification) or statement of attainment (if the applicant has met the requirements of some of the units of competency of the qualification)
If an applicant has skills gaps, a pathway to complete training in the outstanding units can be negotiated to assist the applicant to gain the full qualification.
RPL application documentation, assessment processes and outcomes are placed in the student file.
Granting of RPL must be recorded as a unit outcome in the students file and student management system.
Students may use the Imperial appeal procedures if dissatisfied with the outcome of their RPL applications.
After RPL is granted a student’s course schedule must be reviewed and any reductions in the course length and the reasons for the reduction recorded and placed on the student’s file.
Any course duration reduction as a result of RPL granted to international students must be indicated on the Confirmation of Enrolment if granted prior to the issue of a visa or on PRISMS if granted after the issue of a visa.
Imperial will charge a fee for the RPL process. The fee will depend upon the unit to be assessed and nominal hours of delivery. Student will be informed about the fee and amount before starting the RPL process.