Certificate IV Business

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

If you have recently completed studies at University, TAFE, school or with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the application of prior knowledge from studies or work experience as credits to the course you are studying or applying to study. Each module of each course has certain learning outcomes and assessment criteria that need to be achieved in order to be deemed competent in modules. If you believe that you have already achieved the learning outcomes of a particular module then you can apply for RPL. If you have worked in a relevant role for a long time you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning. If you are eligible for RPL you may be able to complete your program faster or in a way that is more efficient. If you think you are eligible for RPL, please refer to Part 5 of the Student Handbook for further information. Allara Learning accepts and recognises Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualifications and statements of attainment issued by any RTO.

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What is a Credit Transfer?

A credit transfer recognises previous learning undertaken at one institution or provider as being equivalent to the learning undertaken at another institution or provider. Credit transfer may be granted for individual modules, subjects and/or units of competence, or in some cases for whole courses or qualifications which are deemed to be equivalent. In general, the outcome of a successful application for credit transfer is advanced standing into your desired course. This means that you will be granted an exemption for a particular module, subject, and/or unit of competence for the course in which you are enrolled. In this way, you will not be required to repeat your previous learning. Credit transfer reduces unnecessary duplication and increases your capacity to maximise your career and employment opportunities. If you think you are eligible for credit transfer please contact Allara Learning who will arrange for you to be issued with an application form.

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How Does This Work?

A vocational qualification is made up of a set number of Units of Competence. A Unit of Competence is a description of some part of the work you do. Each Unit lists what you need to know, and what you need to be able to do, to be competent in that Unit. If you are competent at a task, it means:

• You can carry out the task correctly
• You understand what the task is about and why you do it that way
• You know what to do if something goes wrong while you’re doing it
• You know how to apply what you’ve learned in one situation to another situation

Every Unit of Competence in a qualification has a set of Elements and Performance Criteria that must be achieved before an individual will be deemed competent in that Unit. In broad terms the process of RPL involves matching what you already know and can do, with the Elements of the qualification. If you can show that you have already attained one or more Units you will gain an exemption from doing the Unit and obtain recognition for the skills and knowledge that you already have. In this way, RPL enables an individual to focus on developing skills and knowledge in new areas, rather than re-learning what he or she already knows and can do.

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Possible Benefits of RPL

If you can show you have attained for a Unit of Competence you will gain a credit for that unit. However, if you cannot claim you know or can do everything described in the Elements and Performance Criteria the RPL process can still help by clarifying what relevant skills you do and do not possess – so that a learning program for you could be tailored accordingly. An added benefit of completing the RPL process is that you will assemble evidence of your achievements in the form of a permanent and portable record of your professional development.

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How to Apply for RPL?

To apply for RPL contact Allara head office or speak with your training facilitator.