Doc Summary
Recognition of Prior Learning explained #
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment pathway that converts your existing skills and experience into nationally recognised Australian qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Instead of re-studying what you already know, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) assesses evidence of your competency and, if you meet the requirements, issues a certificate or statement of attainment.
In simple terms: if you can prove you can do the job to the required standard, you can get qualified faster.
Who benefits from RPL? #
RPL is ideal for experienced tradespeople, supervisors, technicians, and professionals who have learned on the job, gained overseas qualifications, or completed informal training. Common industries that use RPL include:
- Building and construction (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, tiling)
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Community services and aged care
- Hospitality and cookery
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Business, leadership and management
How RPL works: step-by-step #
Here is the typical RPL process for skilled workers in Australia:
- Free eligibility check: You discuss your goals and background with an advisor (e.g., Skills Campus). We identify the most suitable AQF qualification and confirm your likelihood of success.
- Evidence collection: You build a portfolio showing your competence. Evidence might include resumes, position descriptions, references, photos/videos of work, job cards, invoices, payslips, logbooks, licenses, existing qualifications, and third-party reports.
- Competency mapping: Your evidence is mapped against relevant units of competency. Any gaps are identified.
- Gap training (if required): If you’re close but not quite there, you complete targeted training or assessments to meet any missing requirements.
- RTO assessment: A qualified assessor from a compliant RTO reviews your portfolio, may conduct interviews or workplace observations, and determines competence in line with the AQF standards.
- Outcome and certification: If successful, you receive a nationally recognised qualification or statement(s) of attainment from the RTO.
- Next steps: Your new qualification can support licensing applications, career progression, or migration pathways (where relevant).
What evidence can you use? #
Use recent, verifiable, and relevant evidence. Quality beats quantity. Common examples include:
- Employer references and third-party reports
- Current resume, position descriptions, and employment contracts
- Payslips, ABN records, tax summaries, or invoices
- Photos or videos of completed projects (with dates and descriptions)
- Work orders, job cards, quotes, plans, and specifications
- Licences, tickets, permits, and prior certificates (Australian or overseas)
- CPD records, toolbox talks, safety inductions, and training logs
For regulatory context, see guidance from the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) on RPL and credit transfer: ASQA RPL factsheet.
Timeframes, costs, and outcomes #
- Timeframes: Many experienced workers complete RPL in 2–8 weeks, depending on evidence readiness, industry, and assessor availability.
- Costs: Fees vary by qualification, evidence complexity, and whether gap training is needed. RPL is typically faster and more cost-effective than full study.
- Outcomes: You may receive a full qualification (e.g., Certificate III in Carpentry) or partial completion with statements of attainment for specific units.
To verify RTO scope and qualification details, refer to training.gov.au (the national register) or My Skills.
RPL and skilled migration #
For certain skilled visas, you may need a formal skills assessment by a designated assessing authority. RPL can help you gain the AQF qualification that some assessing authorities accept as part of their criteria. Check the official guidance for your occupation:
- Department of Home Affairs: Skills assessment for migration
Note: Each assessing authority sets its own requirements. RPL alone may not satisfy all migration or licensing criteria; always confirm specifics for your occupation and state or territory.
Benefits of RPL for skilled workers #
- Save time: Avoid re-learning what you already do daily.
- Save money: RPL often costs less than full qualifications.
- Advance your career: Meet employer, licensing, or project requirements.
- Boost migration prospects: Support skills assessments where accepted.
- Recognise overseas experience: Convert international skills to Australian standards.
Common misconceptions #
- “RPL is just paying for a certificate.” False. RPL is a competency-based assessment aligned to national standards and audited by regulators.
- “Any experience counts.” Evidence must be recent, relevant, and verifiable against specific units of competency.
- “RPL guarantees migration or a licence.” Not always. It can support applications, but you must meet all authority-specific requirements.
How Skills Campus supports your RPL #
Skills Campus helps you choose the right qualification, prepare strong evidence, and work with reputable RTOs for compliant assessments. We streamline your journey with an eligibility check, evidence coaching, and gap-training solutions to help you achieve outcomes sooner.
Get started today #
Ready to turn experience into an Australian qualification? Speak with Skills Campus for an eligibility check and tailored advice.
Visit Skills Campus or contact us to begin.
