Doc Summary
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows experienced IT professionals to have their existing skills and knowledge formally assessed against Australian qualifications or migration standards—without repeating learning they already possess. If you work in IT and want a nationally recognised qualification or need a skills assessment for migration, the right RPL provider can accelerate your pathway. Below is a concise guide to the main types of organisations that offer RPL assessment services for ICT/IT professionals, along with how to choose the best option for your goals.
Quick answer: Where can IT professionals get RPL assessments? #
- Australian Computer Society (ACS) — the official assessing authority for ICT occupations for skilled migration to Australia. https://www.acs.org.au/msa.html
- TAFE institutes (state-based RTOs) — offer RPL toward nationally recognised ICT qualifications (e.g., Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma of IT).
- Private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) — deliver ICT RPL pathways across Australia.
- Universities — provide credit/RPL toward IT degrees based on prior learning and professional experience.
ACS: The assessing authority for ICT skilled migration #
If your goal is a migration skills assessment for an ICT occupation, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the designated authority. ACS offers an RPL pathway for applicants whose qualifications are not ICT-related or are not closely aligned, allowing you to demonstrate your skills through project reports and evidence of professional practice.
- Learn more: ACS Migration Skills Assessment
- Assessing authorities list (Department of Home Affairs): Home Affairs – Skills assessment
Outcome type: Migration skills assessment (not a qualification). If you need a formal Australian qualification instead, consider an RTO or university RPL/credit pathway.
TAFE institutes offering RPL for ICT qualifications #
State-based TAFEs (which are government-owned Registered Training Organisations) offer RPL for nationally recognised ICT qualifications under the ICT Training Package. This is ideal if you want an AQF qualification (e.g., Certificate IV in IT, Diploma of IT) aligned with workplace standards.
- TAFE NSW – Recognition of Prior Learning
- TAFE Queensland – RPL
- TAFE SA – RPL
- North Metropolitan TAFE (WA) – RPL
Outcome type: Nationally recognised qualification or statements of attainment mapped to your evidence.
Private RTOs providing ICT RPL pathways #
In addition to TAFE, many private RTOs assess IT professionals via RPL and issue AQF qualifications where competency is demonstrated. Examples include:
To verify that an RTO is approved to deliver specific ICT qualifications, use the national register:
- training.gov.au – National Register of VET (search the ICT qualification and confirm the RTO’s scope)
Universities offering credit/RPL for IT degrees #
If your objective is a higher education outcome (e.g., Bachelor or Master of IT), universities offer Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning for previous study, industry certifications, and relevant professional experience.
Outcome type: Credit transfer toward a degree (not a VET qualification), which can shorten time to graduation.
Which option suits your goal? #
- Skilled migration to Australia (ICT occupations): ACS migration skills assessment via the RPL pathway is the correct route.
- Australian VET qualification (Certificate IV/Diploma/Advanced Diploma of IT): Pursue RPL through an RTO (TAFE or private).
- University degree credit: Apply for credit/RPL with your chosen university.
These outcomes are different and not interchangeable. For example, an ACS migration skills assessment is not a qualification, and an RTO-issued qualification is not a migration skills assessment; each serves a distinct purpose.
How to choose a reputable RPL provider #
- Accreditation: For VET qualifications, confirm the RTO is listed on training.gov.au and is approved to deliver the specific ICT qualification.
- Outcome clarity: Decide whether you need a migration assessment, a VET qualification, or university credit—then choose the relevant body.
- Evidence guidance: Prefer providers that offer clear instructions and templates for portfolios, third‑party reports, and project logs.
- Industry alignment: Ensure units or subjects match the technologies and roles you hold (e.g., networking, cybersecurity, cloud, software development).
- Timeframes and fees: Request a written schedule of assessment stages, costs, and any gap training if evidence is partial.
- AQF level alignment: Map your experience to the correct level (e.g., Cert IV vs Diploma). See the Australian Qualifications Framework.
What evidence will you typically need? #
- CV, position descriptions, and detailed employment statements
- Work samples: code repositories, architecture diagrams, runbooks, test plans
- Project reports demonstrating problem-solving and outcomes (essential for ACS RPL)
- Third-party reports or referees validating your role and responsibilities
- Vendor certifications (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA) and prior study transcripts
Get expert help to fast‑track your RPL #
Choosing between ACS, RTOs, and university credit pathways—and assembling a strong evidence portfolio—can be complex. Skills Campus supports IT professionals with tailored advice, provider selection, and documentation prep so you can achieve the right outcome the first time.
Start your RPL journey today. Speak with our team: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
