Doc Summary
Achieving a qualification via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a major milestone. The next step is ensuring your new Australian qualification is correctly reflected everywhere it matters—your USI transcript, industry licences, professional profiles, and (if applicable) migration skills assessments. Follow this step-by-step guide to update your records quickly and correctly.
Quick answer #
- Obtain your certificate and Record of Results/Statement of Attainment from the issuing RTO.
- Check your USI transcript and personal details and monitor for reporting updates via the USI Student Portal.
- Update any industry licences or registrations with your new qualification.
- Use the qualification for skills assessment (e.g., VETASSESS/TRA) if you are pursuing migration.
- Refresh your resume, LinkedIn, and job profiles.
- Notify your employer/payroll if it affects your role or pay classification.
Confirm what you received from the RTO #
After a successful RPL outcome, your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) should issue official documentation:
- Qualification testamur (for full qualifications)
- Record of Results and/or Statement of Attainment (for completed units)
- Units of competency and codes that match the package on training.gov.au
Check that your legal name and Unique Student Identifier (USI) are correct on all documents. If anything is wrong, ask the RTO to amend it immediately.
Update and verify your USI transcript #
Your USI transcript provides a national record of nationally recognised training. RTOs report completed training to the national VET collection, which then appears in your USI portal. Timing can vary, so allow processing time after issuance.
- Create or log in to your USI: https://www.usi.gov.au/students
- Confirm your identity details match your new certificate.
- Monitor your transcript for the new entries; contact your RTO if they do not appear after the standard reporting window.
Tip: Keep certified copies of your documents in case a regulator or employer needs verification before your USI updates.
Update licences and professional registrations #
Many trades and regulated professions require you to notify your licensing body when your qualifications change. Common examples include building, electrical, and plumbing licences (state-based regulators), as well as industry card schemes. Typical process:
- Check the regulator’s eligibility criteria and document list.
- Provide certified copies of your RTO-issued qualification.
- Submit any forms or fees and track approval timeframes.
Not sure where to start? Use the packaging rules on training.gov.au to confirm units and then review your state/territory regulator’s requirements.
Use your RPL outcome for migration and skills assessments #
If you’re pursuing Australian migration, an Australian qualification gained via RPL can support a skills assessment—depending on your occupation and assessing authority. Common pathways include:
- VETASSESS for many general professional and trade occupations
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) for trade pathways
Each authority has specific evidence requirements (employment history, duties, hours, references). Start early to avoid delays. If you need help selecting the right pathway, Skills Campus can guide you from RPL through to skills assessment and visa strategy.
Update your resume, LinkedIn, and job profiles #
Present your new qualification clearly and consistently across all career platforms:
- Resume/CV: Add the full qualification title, code, RTO name, and completion date.
- LinkedIn: Add the qualification under Education; include the RTO and competencies. Help guide: LinkedIn—Add or edit education.
- Job boards: Update your profile and upload the latest CV; some allow you to tag certificates for search filters.
Where relevant, include key units of competency to surface in recruiter searches.
Notify your employer and payroll #
If your new qualification affects your role, pay grade, allowance, or compliance status, provide HR/payroll with your certificate and Record of Results. Update any internal skills matrices and ensure your new competencies are recorded for rostering and safety.
Maintain compliance and CPD #
Some licences and professional schemes require ongoing CPD or refresher units. Add reminders to renew or complete CPD so your credentials remain current. Keep a portfolio of evidence for future audits or further RPL.
Get expert help #
If you want a streamlined, compliant process—from selecting the right RTO to updating licences and securing skills assessments—Skills Campus can help you plan each step and avoid costly mistakes. Visit https://skillscampus.com.au/ or contact us for tailored support.
Ready to update your qualifications after RPL? Speak with a Skills Campus advisor today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
