Doc Summary
Waiting on a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) decision can feel stressful—especially if you need the outcome for licensing, migration, or employment. Here is the fastest, most reliable way to check your RPL application status in Australia and keep your assessment moving.
Quick answer #
To check the status of your RPL application, locate your application or invoice number and:
- Check your confirmation email (and spam/junk) for status updates or portal access.
- Log in to your Registered Training Organisation’s (RTO) online portal if available.
- Email your assessor/case manager, quoting your full name, DOB, and application/reference number.
- Call the RTO’s student support line during business hours for a live update.
- If your provider is unresponsive beyond reasonable timeframes, follow their complaints process or see ASQA’s complaints guidance.
What you need before you check #
Have the following ready to speed up any request for a status update:
- Application/reference number (often on your acknowledgement email or invoice)
- Full name and date of birth (as per your application)
- Qualification(s) and units you applied for
- Date you submitted your evidence pack
- Contact details you used (email and mobile)
If you applied through an education agent or consultant, ask them for your reference number and the name of the assigned assessor.
Where to check your RPL status #
1) Your email inbox and SMS #
Most RTOs send immediate acknowledgement and next-step instructions. Search your inbox for the RTO’s name and “RPL,” and check spam/junk. If you use Gmail, check Promotions and Updates tabs. Many providers also SMS scheduling links for competency conversations.
2) RTO online portal #
Some RTOs provide a portal to track milestones such as “received,” “in assessment,” “evidence requested,” “interview scheduled,” and “outcome ready.” If you can’t find the portal link, contact the RTO or your agent for access. You can verify your RTO’s details via the national register at Training.gov.au.
3) Email your assessor or support team #
Send a concise email that includes your reference number and any time-sensitive needs (e.g., employer start date, visa application window). Ask for the current stage, any pending evidence, and an estimated timeframe to decision. For general industry context on RPL, see ASQA.
4) Phone the RTO #
Calling during business hours can produce faster results, especially if your case manager is available. Keep notes of the call: who you spoke with, date/time, and any promised actions or dates.
5) Through your agent or consultant #
If you applied through a third party (such as Skills Campus), they can often obtain real-time updates and escalate where necessary.
Typical RPL processing timelines in Australia #
Exact timeframes vary by RTO, industry, and the completeness of your evidence, but as a guide:
- Acknowledgement of application: 1–3 business days
- Pre-assessment check (completeness): 3–7 business days
- Evidence review and mapping: 2–4 weeks
- Competency conversation/practical verification (if required): 1–2 weeks to schedule
- Final decision and outcome letter: 1–2 weeks after final evidence
- Issuance of Statement of Attainment/Qualification: 5–10 business days post-approval
Delays usually occur when evidence is incomplete, verifications are pending with employers/referees, or peak periods increase assessor workload.
If you haven’t heard back #
- Re-check spam/junk for any evidence requests or portal links.
- Verify the email address you used and that your phone can receive unknown numbers.
- Send a polite follow-up after 5–7 business days, attaching your original evidence list.
- Ask for a clear next milestone and timeframe (e.g., “When will my evidence be mapped?”).
- Escalate internally via the RTO’s complaints/feedback process if timeframes repeatedly slip.
- If you receive no response to reasonable enquiries and formal complaints, see ASQA’s complaints process.
Tips to keep your application moving #
- Provide complete, clearly labelled evidence (CV, position descriptions, work samples, logbooks, licences, photos/videos where permitted).
- Respond quickly to evidence requests—partial responses can cause rework and new queues.
- Offer alternative referees if your supervisor is unavailable.
- Be available for competency conversations and practical verifications.
- If your job role has changed, update your assessor; new duties may satisfy additional units.
How Skills Campus can help #
Skills Campus works with reputable Australian RTOs to streamline RPL. We help you select the right qualification, prepare audit-ready evidence, and monitor your application so you receive timely updates and outcomes. If your assessment is stalling, we can identify gaps, liaise with assessors, and escalate appropriately.
Need a status check now or want to accelerate your RPL? Contact Skills Campus and our team will assist you promptly.
