Doc Summary
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the fastest way to have your overseas skills and experience recognised against Australian qualifications. If you have studied or worked overseas and want an Australian certificate or statement of attainment without repeating what you already know, RPL can help. This guide explains what RPL is, who it’s for, and exactly how to apply in Australia.
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? #
RPL is a formal assessment process used by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to evaluate your existing skills, knowledge, and experience against the competencies in Australian qualifications aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). If you meet the requirements, you can receive a nationally recognised qualification or units without additional study.
RPL is different from migration skills assessments. For certain visas, you may need a skills assessment by an authorised assessing authority (for example, VETASSESS or Engineers Australia). Some assessing authorities also accept evidence similar to RPL. For training and employment purposes within Australia, RPL is conducted by RTOs and leads to AQF outcomes.
Who should apply for RPL? #
- Skilled migrants with overseas work experience seeking an Australian qualification
- International graduates with substantial practical experience
- Tradespeople and technicians wanting a Certificate III/IV or Diploma
- Professionals needing recognition for compliance, licensing, or employment
Quick answer: How to apply for RPL in Australia #
- Choose the right qualification and a reputable RTO.
- Complete a pre-assessment to confirm suitability.
- Collect evidence (CV, references, overseas certificates, work samples).
- Submit an RPL application and evidence portfolio.
- Complete competency conversations and practical assessments.
- Undertake any gap training if required.
- Receive your Australian qualification or statement of attainment.
Step-by-step: The RPL application process #
1) Identify the correct qualification #
Match your skills to an Australian qualification on the AQF (e.g., Certificate III/IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma). Review units and elements of competency to ensure a good fit with your experience. See the AQF for level descriptions: https://www.aqf.edu.au/.
2) Select a compliant RTO #
Apply only with an Australian RTO that issues nationally recognised training. Reputable RTOs follow the standards set by ASQA. Learn more about RPL from ASQA: https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/faqs/what-recognition-prior-learning.
3) Pre-assessment #
Most RTOs or consultants will review your CV and goals and advise the best qualification, likely evidence, costs, and timelines. This reduces the risk of mismatched applications.
4) Gather evidence #
Prepare a structured portfolio demonstrating that you meet each unit’s performance criteria. Typical evidence includes:
- Current CV and job descriptions
- Overseas qualifications, transcripts, syllabi
- Employment references and employer verification
- Work samples, reports, videos/photos of practical work (where permitted)
- Professional licences, memberships, CPD certificates
- Logbooks, project records, SOPs, risk assessments
5) Competency conversations and assessments #
The assessor may conduct interviews, challenge tests, and practical observations (live or video) to verify your competence. Expect targeted questions mapped to each unit of competency.
6) Gap training (if required) #
If evidence is insufficient for any unit, the RTO provides training or tasks to close the gap. Completing these leads to full competency.
7) Outcome and issuance #
When all units are met, the RTO issues your nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment. Keep digital and hard copies for employers and licensing bodies.
Documents you will need #
- Identification: Passport, visa, or Australian ID
- Education: Overseas certificates, transcripts, course outlines
- Employment: Contracts, reference letters, payslips, tax records (if available)
- Portfolio: Work samples, photos/videos, project summaries
- Licences & memberships: Trade licences, professional registrations
- English translations by a certified translator if not in English
Costs, timelines, and outcomes #
- Costs: Fees vary by qualification and RTO. As a guide, many RPL fees range from AUD $900 to $3,500+ for Certificate/Diploma levels. Complex qualifications may be higher.
- Timeframes: 2–8 weeks is common for well-prepared portfolios; complex cases may take longer.
- Outcomes: Full qualification or partial (statement of attainment) if only some units are met.
RPL vs migration skills assessment #
For employment and training, RPL through an RTO leads to AQF-recognised outcomes. For migration, you may need a separate skills assessment from an authorised body. Check your occupation’s assessing authority and criteria with the Department of Home Affairs: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment. Example assessing authority: VETASSESS (https://www.vetassess.com.au/).
Common mistakes to avoid #
- Choosing the wrong qualification level or units
- Insufficient or unverified evidence
- Missing translations for non-English documents
- Not aligning evidence to each unit’s performance criteria
- Confusing RPL with migration skills assessment requirements
How Skills Campus can help #
Skills Campus connects you with compliant RTOs, maps your experience to the right qualification, curates your evidence against unit requirements, and prepares you for competency conversations. This saves time, reduces costs, and maximises your chance of a successful outcome. Visit https://skillscampus.com.au/ to learn more.
FAQs #
Do I need Australian work experience? No. Strong overseas evidence can be sufficient if it clearly maps to unit requirements.
Can I get RPL if I’m on a temporary visa? Yes, RPL is available regardless of visa status, but check any work or licensing conditions.
Will RPL help with licensing? It may. Many licensing bodies require AQF qualifications; confirm specific licensing requirements in your state or territory.
Useful resources #
- ASQA – What is RPL: https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/faqs/what-recognition-prior-learning
- Australian Qualifications Framework: https://www.aqf.edu.au/
- Home Affairs – Skills Assessment: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment
Ready to have your skills recognised? Speak with Skills Campus for a tailored RPL pathway and a no-obligation pre-assessment: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
