How to Get Your Overseas Qualifications Recognised Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Australia

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that maps the skills and knowledge you have gained overseas—through work, training, or study—against Australian qualification standards. When successful, you can earn a nationally recognised qualification without repeating what you already know. This guide explains how RPL works in Australia, what documents you need, how long it takes, key pitfalls to avoid, and where to get help.

Quick answer: Steps to get your overseas qualifications recognised via RPL #

1. Define your goal (employment, licensing, career change, or migration).
2. Identify the closest Australian qualification on training.gov.au.
3. Select a suitable Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with that qualification on scope.
4. Compile evidence (qualifications, work history, portfolios) and certified translations if needed.
5. Complete the RPL assessment (interview, competency conversations, challenge tasks).
6. Undertake any “gap training” to cover missing units.
7. Receive your nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment.

What RPL does—and does not—do #

RPL awards nationally recognised VET qualifications issued by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It is a competency-based assessment that recognises prior learning and experience. See ASQA’s explainer: ASQA – Recognition of Prior Learning.

RPL is distinct from:

• Migration skills assessment for visas, which is handled by specific assessing authorities (e.g., TRA, Engineers Australia). See Home Affairs – Assessing Authorities.
• Occupational licensing/registration (e.g., electrical, plumbing, nursing), which may require state regulators or professional bodies such as AHPRA in health, or state licensing authorities in the trades.
• Academic credit in higher education degrees, which is assessed by universities rather than RTOs.

Match your goal to the right Australian qualification #

Start by identifying the qualification that best aligns with your experience. Use the national register at training.gov.au to search for qualifications, units of competency, and packaging rules. Consider:

• AQF level (e.g., Certificate III, IV, Diploma): choose a level that reflects the complexity of your work.
• Industry alignment: review qualification descriptions, core units, and electives that match your role.
• Employment outcomes: confirm with employers or job ads that the chosen qualification is recognised for your target role in Australia.

Choose a reputable Registered Training Organisation (RTO) #

Select an RTO that has your target qualification on its scope of registration and offers robust RPL pathways. Verify scope and details via training.gov.au. Good indicators include:

• Clear RPL process with pre-enrolment advice and mapping to units
• Industry-experienced assessors
• Transparent fees, timeframes, and gap training options
• Support for international documentation and translations

Evidence you will typically need #

RPL is evidence-based. Prepare a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates competence against each unit of competency. Common documents include:

• Overseas qualification certificates and transcripts
• Detailed CV and job descriptions outlining duties and responsibilities
• Employment references (on letterhead), payslips, contracts, or tax records
• Work samples (reports, plans, code, menus, designs), photos/videos of your work, logs, or checklists
• Professional development/training records, licenses or registrations
• Safety, quality, or compliance documentation you followed or produced
• Certified translations by NAATI-certified translators if documents are not in English: NAATI

The assessment process, timeframes and costs #

While each RTO differs, most RPL processes follow similar steps:

1. Pre-assessment: You provide your CV and goals; the RTO checks suitability and potential gaps.
2. Evidence mapping: Your documents are mapped to each unit of competency.
3. Competency conversations: Assessor interviews to validate depth and currency of skills.
4. Challenge tasks or observation: Practical demonstrations, projects or tests as required.
5. Gap training: Short training to close any remaining gaps.
6. Outcome: Full qualification or a statement of attainment for completed units.

Timeframes typically range from 2–8 weeks depending on evidence quality, assessor availability and qualification level. Costs vary by RTO and qualification complexity; many RTOs offer payment plans. Ask for an itemised quote upfront.

Migration, licensing and professional registration #

If your goal involves skilled migration, you may also need a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., Trades Recognition Australia for many trades, or the authority listed by Home Affairs). For regulated professions such as nursing or allied health, check the requirements of AHPRA. Some states also provide general guidance via Overseas Qualifications Units (for example, Victoria’s OQU: VIC OQU).

Common pitfalls to avoid #

• Choosing the wrong qualification level that does not match your role or experience
• Insufficient, outdated, or unsupported evidence (ensure documents are recent and verifiable)
• Assuming RPL equals a migration skills assessment or a licence—often separate processes
• Not budgeting time for gap training where required
• Using translations that are not NAATI-certified

How Skills Campus supports your RPL journey #

Skills Campus helps you translate overseas experience into Australian credentials. Our team can:

• Clarify career goals and confirm the most suitable Australian qualification and AQF level
• Connect you with reputable RTOs that have your qualification on scope
• Audit your evidence and assemble a strong, assessor-ready portfolio
• Coordinate RPL assessments and any gap training with trusted providers
• Guide you on parallel pathways such as migration skills assessments or licensing where relevant

Start with a free, no-obligation discussion. Visit skillscampus.com.au or contact us directly at skillscampus.com.au/contact.

Key takeaways #

• RPL can convert your overseas learning and experience into an Australian, nationally recognised qualification.
• Choose the right qualification on training.gov.au, select a reputable RTO, and present strong, current evidence.
• For migration and licensing, check the relevant assessing authorities and regulators.
• Skills Campus can streamline every step and improve your outcome.

Ready to have your overseas qualifications recognised? Speak to Skills Campus today: skillscampus.com.au/contact.