Doc Summary
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is fundamental in Australia’s VET sector, enabling learners to convert existing skills and experience into nationally recognised outcomes. For Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and training providers, selecting robust online platforms with fit‑for‑purpose RPL assessment tools can streamline evidence collection, mapping, assessor judgement, and compliance with the Standards for RTOs. Below is an evidence‑based overview of leading platforms and resources that support RPL for vocational courses in Australia.
Quick answer: leading online platforms with RPL assessment capability #
Commonly used platforms and resources that support RPL assessment include:
- Cloud Assess – Australia‑focused digital assessment platform with RPL workflows, evidence capture, and mapping to units of competency.
- aXcelerate – End‑to‑end training management system with online assessment, assessor tools, and RPL functionality integrated with an RTO SMS.
- Moodle – Open‑source LMS; supports competency frameworks, outcomes, rubrics, and third‑party plugins to structure RPL evidence gathering.
- Canvas LMS – Outcomes, rubrics, and e‑portfolio style submissions enable evidence‑based assessment suitable for RPL with custom configurations.
- Catapult eLearning – Australian publisher offering RPL assessment tools/kits mapped to training package units.
- Eduworks Resources – RPL assessment tools and evidence kits tailored to VET units with compliance‑aligned documentation.
- eSkilled – RTO resources and RPL kits with mapping matrices and assessor guides.
- Compliant Learning Resources – RPL assessment kits for popular qualifications with evidence instruments and mapping.
- VETtrak – Student management system used by RTOs; integrates with assessment platforms and supports RPL workflows and records.
- RTO Data Cloud – Cloud‑based SMS with assessment and RPL features/options and integrations.
- RTOManager – RTO SMS with configurable assessment/RPL processes and audit‑friendly records.
What to look for when choosing an RPL platform #
- Compliance alignment: Tools should support the ASQA guidance on RPL and the Standards for RTOs (e.g., valid, sufficient, authentic, current evidence; assessor judgements; audit trails).
- Unit mapping: Clear mapping to the units of competency and assessment requirements listed on training.gov.au, with matrices accessible to auditors.
- Flexible evidence capture: Support for documents, videos, supervisor attestations, workplace logs, third‑party reports, portfolios, and declarations of authenticity.
- Assessor workflow & moderation: Version control, assessor notes, moderation/validation workflows, and activity logs.
- Integrations: Smooth syncing with student management systems (e.g., aXcelerate, VETtrak, RTO Data Cloud) to reduce double handling and improve data integrity.
- User experience: Mobile‑first design, offline options, and intuitive learner/assessor dashboards to reduce friction in evidence submission and review.
- Security & auditability: Role‑based access, data sovereignty, timestamps, and exportable audit reports.
- Support & updates: Local support, training resources, and active product development focused on Australian VET and RPL use cases.
- Pricing & scalability: Transparent pricing model, scalability for cohorts, and total cost considerations (licences, integrations, setup).
Platform categories for RPL: know the differences #
- Digital assessment platforms (e.g., Cloud Assess) are purpose‑built for competency‑based assessment and often have the most mature RPL workflows.
- Training management systems (SMS/TMS) (e.g., aXcelerate, VETtrak, RTO Data Cloud) centralise enrolments, compliance, and reporting; some include or integrate online assessment modules suitable for RPL.
- Learning management systems (LMS) (e.g., Moodle, Canvas) manage content and assessment; with outcomes/rubrics and plugins, they can implement RPL evidence collection and assessor judgements.
- RPL resource libraries (e.g., Catapult, Eduworks, eSkilled, Compliant Learning Resources) provide RPL kits, templates, and mapping that can be deployed within your chosen LMS/assessment tool.
Compliance considerations in the Australian VET context #
RPL processes must be systematic, documented, and evidence‑based. ASQA recommends clear RPL policies, assessor guidance, and tools that support judgement against the unit’s performance criteria and assessment requirements. See ASQA’s overview of RPL here: ASQA: Recognition of prior learning (RPL). Ensure your platform helps you demonstrate:
- Evidence validity, sufficiency, authenticity, and currency (VSAC)
- Transparent mapping to units on training.gov.au
- Assessor competency, moderation/validation records, and audit trails
For sector insights, the NCVER Knowledge Bank provides useful context on RPL: NCVER: Recognition of prior learning.
How to shortlist your RPL solution #
- Define requirements: Compliance objectives, delivery modes, volume of candidates, types of evidence, assessor capacity, and integrations.
- Map your current workflow: Identify bottlenecks in evidence gathering, assessor reviews, and reporting; prioritise features that address these.
- Run vendor demos and pilots: Test real units and RPL kits, confirm mapping visibility, and validate assessor workflows end‑to‑end.
- Evaluate TCO: Consider licences, onboarding, staff training, integrations, and ongoing support.
- Document SOPs: Pair the platform with clear RPL policies, assessor guides, and candidate instructions.
FAQs #
Is an LMS alone enough for RPL? #
Often yes, provided it supports competencies/outcomes, rubrics, portfolio uploads, and assessor notes. Many RTOs extend Moodle or Canvas with plugins and structured RPL tools/kits to meet compliance needs.
Do I need both an SMS and an assessment tool? #
It depends on your scale and compliance requirements. Many RTOs use an integrated SMS (e.g., aXcelerate or VETtrak) plus a dedicated assessment solution (e.g., Cloud Assess) for stronger evidence workflows and audit reporting.
Are off‑the‑shelf RPL kits sufficient? #
RPL kits from reputable publishers can accelerate setup, but they should be contextualised to your learners, industry, and delivery model, and used with an assessment platform that preserves mapping, authenticity checks, and audit trails.
Get expert help to choose and implement RPL tools #
Choosing the right RPL platform mix can save time, reduce compliance risk, and improve learner experience. Skills Campus can help your organisation evaluate options, set up mapping and evidence workflows, integrate with your SMS, and train assessors for consistent, audit‑ready outcomes.
Explore how we support RPL and vocational pathways at skillscampus.com.au. To discuss your requirements or book a consultation, contact us today: skillscampus.com.au/contact.
