Doc Summary
Congratulations on your successful Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment. To make your achievement count, you need to formalise it into nationally recognised credentials and update your records across official systems, employers, and professional profiles. This guide explains exactly how to update your qualifications after RPL in Australia and how to leverage your outcome for work, further study, licensing and migration.
Quick answer: steps to update your qualifications after RPL #
- Request your AQF certification (testamur, record of results, or Statement of Attainment) from your registered training organisation (RTO).
- Verify your details match your Unique Student Identifier (USI) and ask your RTO when they will report your results.
- Check your USI Transcript once reported to confirm your updated qualification/units appear.
- Secure digital copies and confirm the correct code/title from training.gov.au.
- Update your resume, LinkedIn, and digital badges; notify your employer and any licensing body.
- Use your outcome for credit transfer or advanced standing in further study and, where relevant, migration skills assessment.
What your successful RPL outcome gives you #
RPL recognises skills and knowledge you already hold against the requirements of a nationally endorsed qualification or unit(s) of competency. A successful RPL can result in either:
- An AQF qualification (testamur) with a record of results; or
- A Statement of Attainment for the specific units you achieved via RPL.
In Australia, only a registered training organisation (RTO) can assess RPL and issue nationally recognised VET credentials. You can confirm your RTO’s scope and registration at training.gov.au, and review RPL guidance from the national regulator ASQA: ASQA – Recognition of Prior Learning.
Step-by-step: updating your records after RPL #
1) Ask your RTO to issue your certificate #
Contact your assessor or student administration and request issuance. Ensure you receive:
- Testamur and record of results (for full qualification), or
- Statement of Attainment (for partial completion/units).
Confirm your legal name, date of birth, and USI are correct. Keep high-resolution scans and store them securely.
2) Confirm the correct code and title #
Qualifications and units change over time. Verify the exact code/title on training.gov.au to avoid mislabelling on resumes and profiles (e.g., superseded vs current versions).
3) Ensure your USI is updated #
Your RTO must report your nationally recognised results to the National VET Data Collection. After reporting, your results appear in your USI Transcript. Timing varies (often days to weeks). Log in at usi.gov.au to check your transcript and download it as evidence when available.
4) Verify certification authenticity #
Legitimate AQF certification includes RTO name/code, qualification or unit code/title, authorised signatory, issuance date, and the Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) logo where applicable. If unsure, contact the RTO listed on the certificate to verify.
5) Update your professional branding #
- Resume: Add the exact qualification/units, code, RTO name/code, and issuance year.
- LinkedIn: Enter the official title and issuing RTO; attach files if permitted.
- Digital badges: If your RTO uses a badging platform, accept and display your badge.
6) Inform employers, industry bodies and licensing authorities #
Provide certified copies of your new credential to HR, tender/contractor compliance teams, and any relevant regulator. For licensed trades or regulated roles, check authority requirements before commencing work in a new scope. Evidence needs vary by jurisdiction.
7) Leverage your RPL for further study #
Use your record of results/Statement of Attainment to request credit transfer or advanced standing with future providers. Always provide certified copies and unit mapping where requested. Providers make final decisions according to their policies and scope.
8) If migrating or seeking skills assessment #
Some applicants use Australian RPL outcomes to support migration skills assessments. Requirements differ by assessing authority (for example, VETASSESS or Trades Recognition Australia). Review the authority’s current guidelines and evidence lists carefully. RPL alone may not satisfy all criteria; employment evidence and qualifications are commonly required.
Making your RPL qualification work for your career #
- Meet role prerequisites: Tick mandatory qualification boxes for job descriptions and contractor panels.
- Progression and pay: Provide HR with updated evidence to support promotions or classification changes.
- Tendering and compliance: Supply up-to-date records for client audits and WHS compliance.
- Pathways: Use your RPL to bridge into higher-level VET or, where applicable, higher education pathways.
Common questions #
How long until my USI Transcript updates? #
It depends on when your RTO reports to the National VET Data Collection. Many providers report at completion or periodically. Expect a delay from days to several weeks. Your certificate remains valid regardless of transcript lag.
Do I receive a full certificate for RPL? #
Yes—if you demonstrated competency across all units in a qualification. Otherwise, you will receive a Statement of Attainment for the units granted via RPL.
My name changed—what should I do? #
Ask your RTO about their process to reissue certification under your new legal name. Update your USI profile at usi.gov.au to ensure future training matches.
Can employers verify my RPL? #
Yes. Employers can contact the issuing RTO (listed on your certificate) to confirm authenticity. Your USI Transcript (once updated) is another reliable verification source.
Useful links #
- ASQA: Recognition of Prior Learning
- training.gov.au: Check qualification/unit codes and RTO scope
- Unique Student Identifier (USI) – create, update, and view transcripts
- VETASSESS – Skills assessment information
- Trades Recognition Australia
Need help updating your qualifications after RPL? #
Skills Campus can coordinate with RTOs, ensure your certification is issued correctly, help you update USI records, and advise on employer, licensing, study and migration next steps. Speak with a Skills Campus advisor: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact. Learn more about us at https://skillscampus.com.au/.
This information is general in nature. Always confirm requirements with your RTO, regulator, licensing authority or assessing body.
