How RPL services verify your work experience and skills

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows your existing skills and employment history to be assessed against nationally endorsed units of competency under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). To maintain integrity and meet Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) standards, reputable providers follow a transparent, evidence-based process to verify authenticity and determine competency. Here is how Skills Campus supports you through a rigorous, compliant RPL verification—from evidence gathering to assessor sign‑off and issue of an AQF qualification via our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

What assessors look for #

Professional RPL assessors use a competency-based approach. They verify that your evidence is:

• Authentic: It is genuinely yours and truthful.
• Current: Typically within the last 3–5 years, depending on the industry.
• Sufficient: Enough depth and breadth to confirm all performance criteria.
• Valid: Directly maps to the unit(s) of competency on training.gov.au.
• Reliable: Consistent across documents, referees and your role history.

Step-by-step: how verification works #

1) Pre-assessment and eligibility check #

• Brief consultation to understand your job role(s), industry, and target qualification level (e.g., Certificate III/IV, Diploma).
• Preliminary mapping against AQF-aligned units of competency.
• Guidance on the most suitable qualification and evidence list.

2) Evidence collection and portfolio building #

• Collect role descriptions, CV, employment contracts, payslips or invoices, performance reviews, job cards, and work samples.
• Compile training records, licenses, permits, and tickets (e.g., White Card, First Aid).
• Obtain third-party reports from supervisors attesting to tasks performed and level of autonomy.
• Where applicable, include photos/videos with timestamps and brief context notes.

3) Mapping to units of competency #

• Assessors align your evidence with each element and performance criterion for the relevant units listed on training.gov.au.
• Gaps are identified and a targeted plan (gap evidence or short gap training) is recommended.

4) Authenticity and employment verification #

• Employer/referee contact to confirm duties, dates, hours, and responsibilities.
• ABN/ACN checks for self‑employed candidates via ABN Lookup.
• Cross‑checking document consistency (names, dates, roles, company details).
• Verification of licenses/tickets where applicable with issuing bodies.

5) Competency conversations and challenge tasks #

• Structured interview to validate knowledge, problem-solving and safety practices.
• Practical demonstrations, worksite observation, or scenario-based tasks if needed.
• Challenge tests or knowledge questions to confirm understanding of standards and regulations.

6) Credit transfer and recognition #

• Existing statements of attainment or accredited training are verified for direct credit transfer.
• Only nationally recognised training can be credited; international training may require mapping.

7) Quality assurance and issuance #

• All assessment decisions are moderated under the RTO’s quality framework in line with ASQA standards and the AQF.
• Once competent, the partnering RTO issues the AQF qualification or statement(s) of attainment.

Acceptable evidence for employment and skills #

• Employment contracts, position descriptions, and letters of service on company letterhead.
• Payslips, PAYG summaries, tax statements, and rosters or timesheets.
• For contractors/self‑employed: ABN registration, invoices, quotes, purchase orders, client testimonials and project briefs.
• Work samples: reports, job cards, SWMS, SOPs, project plans, code/config snippets, menus, design files, photographs/videos of completed work.
• Licenses, permits and tickets (e.g., White Card, High Risk Work Licence, First Aid).
• CPD records, toolbox talks, and internal training certificates.
• Referee/third‑party reports from supervisors or clients detailing tasks and autonomy.
• USI evidence where relevant: Unique Student Identifier.

How authenticity is checked #

• Contacting employers or referees to validate role scope and dates.
• ABN/ACN validation for businesses and sole traders: ABN Lookup.
• Cross-referencing documents for internal consistency and metadata checks for digital files.
• Matching evidence to official units and performance criteria on training.gov.au.
• Requesting statutory declarations where appropriate in line with Australian practice: learn more.
• Privacy-first handling of your data in accordance with Australian privacy principles: OAIC.

Timeframes and what affects speed #

• Typical end‑to‑end RPL can range from a few weeks to a couple of months.
• Faster outcomes occur when evidence is complete, referees respond quickly, and duties clearly align to units.
• Complex occupations, overseas evidence translation, or gap training requirements can extend timelines.
• Trade pathways assessed via external authorities (e.g., Trades Recognition Australia) may have additional steps and timeframes.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them) #

• Mismatched dates or job titles across documents — ensure your CV, payslips and letters align.
• Description of duties that do not match the unit requirements — tailor your third‑party reports to the competency criteria.
• Insufficient proof for self‑employment — provide ABN details, invoices, client letters and project evidence.
• Unavailable referees — nominate two current contacts who can speak to your recent work.
• Out‑of‑date tickets — renew any expired licenses that are core to your job role.

Who issues the qualification? #

RPL assessments are made and AQF qualifications are issued by Registered Training Organisations regulated by ASQA. Skills Campus guides your application, evidence collation and mapping, and partners with compliant RTOs to streamline your journey while maintaining quality and integrity.

Quick answers #

• Do employers need to be contacted? Often yes—assessors seek independent confirmation of duties and dates.
• Can I use overseas experience? Yes, if it is well‑evidenced and mapped to Australian units; extra verification may be required.
• What if I do not have payslips? Provide letters of service, contracts, rosters, tax summaries, invoices, or statutory declarations.
• Will assessors visit my workplace? Sometimes; virtual observations or practical demonstrations may also be used.
• Does RPL help with migration? RPL is for AQF qualifications. Separate skills assessments for migration are handled by relevant assessing authorities; see Trades Recognition Australia and your occupation’s authority.

Start your RPL with Skills Campus #

Ready to have your experience formally recognised? Skills Campus will help you identify the right qualification, build a strong evidence portfolio, and navigate verification with our partner RTOs. Visit skillscampus.com.au or speak with our team today: skillscampus.com.au/contact.