Doc Summary
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you turn your skills, knowledge, and work experience into a nationally recognised qualification through an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO). If you’ve been doing the job but never got the certificate, RPL can save you time and money while advancing your career.
Quick steps to apply for RPL #
- Confirm the qualification and units you need.
- Choose an ASQA-registered RTO.
- Complete a free pre-assessment with Skills Campus.
- Gather evidence of your experience and training.
- Map your evidence to units of competency.
- Submit your RPL application and evidence portfolio.
- Complete assessor interviews, practicals, or challenge tasks.
- Receive your outcome: full RPL, partial RPL with gap training, or credit transfer.
What RPL is and why it matters #
RPL is a formal assessment pathway that recognises learning you’ve already achieved—on the job, through informal training, or previous study. Done through an ASQA-regulated RTO, RPL can help you:
- Fast-track a nationally recognised qualification
- Reduce study time and cost
- Meet licensing, compliance, or employment requirements
- Boost career mobility in Australia
Step 1: Confirm the right qualification #
Start by identifying the qualification and units that match your experience. Use training.gov.au to review the qualification packaging rules, core/elective units, and evidence requirements. If you’re unsure, Skills Campus will align your background with the most suitable qualification and RTO.
Step 2: Choose a compliant RTO #
Only Registered Training Organisations can issue nationally recognised qualifications. Verify your chosen provider is ASQA-registered via ASQA. Skills Campus partners with reputable RTOs and manages the process end-to-end so you don’t lose time on paperwork.
Step 3: Free pre-assessment with Skills Campus #
We run a quick, obligation-free pre-assessment to check your eligibility. You’ll share a CV, position descriptions, and a summary of your experience. We’ll advise the best qualification, likely gaps, timelines, and fees before you commit.
Step 4: Gather strong evidence #
Quality evidence is the key to a smooth RPL. Typical items include:
- Current CV and detailed job descriptions
- Reference letters or third-party reports from supervisors
- Work samples, portfolios, photos/videos of tasks performed
- Logbooks, job cards, project plans, SOPs, risk assessments
- Payslips, ABN/ASIC records (for contractors), licences and tickets
- Training certificates, statements of attainment, or transcripts
- Policies, procedures, and compliance records you created or used
We provide an evidence checklist tailored to your qualification so you know exactly what to collect.
Step 5: Map evidence to units of competency #
Every qualification contains units with performance criteria and knowledge evidence. We help you map your documents to each unit—making it easy for the assessor to verify your competence against the standards on training.gov.au.
Step 6: Submit your application #
You’ll complete the RTO’s RPL kit and submit your portfolio. Fees vary by qualification and provider. Your assessor will review your evidence and may request more detail to ensure it’s valid, sufficient, authentic, and current.
Step 7: Assessor conversations and practical validation #
Expect a competency conversation, workplace observation (in-person or video), and/or challenge tasks or knowledge questions. These activities confirm you can perform the tasks to industry standard and understand the underpinning knowledge.
Step 8: Outcome and next steps #
- Full RPL: All units satisfied; the RTO issues your qualification.
- Partial RPL + gap training: You complete short training or assessments for any gaps.
- Credit transfer (CT): If you already hold the exact same units from another provider, you may receive CT without further assessment.
How long does RPL take? #
Timeframes depend on your evidence quality, qualification level, and assessor availability. Many candidates complete RPL within weeks once their portfolio is ready. We’ll give you a realistic timeline during pre-assessment.
What does RPL cost? #
Costs vary by qualification and RTO, and may be lower than full study. Some employers contribute, and limited funding may apply in certain states and programs. Skills Campus will outline fees upfront so you can budget with confidence.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them) #
- Insufficient evidence: Use our checklist and provide multiple proof types.
- Outdated documents: Ensure evidence reflects current practice and standards.
- Misaligned qualification: We validate your target qualification before you apply.
- Unverified skills: Obtain third-party reports from supervisors or clients.
Industries where RPL is popular #
Construction and trades, community services, aged care, childcare, hospitality, business and leadership, WHS, project management, IT support, logistics, and more. If a qualification exists on training.gov.au, RPL is generally an available pathway.
Why apply through Skills Campus #
- Free, expert pre-assessment and qualification matching
- Tailored evidence checklist and portfolio support
- We liaise with quality RTOs to streamline your application
- Transparent timelines and fees—no surprises
- Compliant, nationally recognised outcomes
Helpful official resources #
- Regulator: Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
- Units and qualifications database: training.gov.au
- Career planning: Your Career (Australian Government)
Get started today #
Turn your experience into a nationally recognised qualification with a fast, stress-free RPL process. Begin with a free pre-assessment and evidence checklist from Skills Campus.
Visit Skills Campus or book your free pre-assessment now: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
