Recognition of Prior Learning
Have your existing skills and experience formally recognised
Recognition of Prior Learning, also known as RPL, is an assessment pathway that considers skills, knowledge and experience you have already gained through work, previous study, volunteering, informal learning or life experience.
RPL is not automatic. Your evidence must be assessed against the requirements of the relevant nationally recognised unit of competency or qualification.
RPL may be suitable if you have:
- Current or recent industry experience
- Relevant workplace skills gained on the job
- Previous formal or informal training
- Volunteer or community sector experience
- Evidence that demonstrates your current competence
What is RPL?
Recognition for skills and knowledge you already hold
RPL is a formal assessment process. It involves gathering evidence and making an assessment judgement about whether your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a training product.
This may reduce the need to repeat training where competency has already been demonstrated. However, RPL can only be granted where sufficient evidence supports the assessment decision.
Important to know
RPL is assessed in the same way as other assessment pathways. If the evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, you may be asked to provide further evidence, complete additional assessment, or undertake gap training.
Recognition pathways
RPL, Credit Transfer and Assessment Only
Depending on your background, one recognition pathway may be more suitable than another.
Recognition of Prior Learning
RPL assesses skills and knowledge gained through work, life experience, volunteering, previous study or informal learning.
Credit Transfer
Credit Transfer may apply where you have already completed the same or equivalent nationally recognised unit with another Registered Training Organisation.
Assessment Only
For selected short courses, an Assessment Only pathway may be available where significant prior competence can be demonstrated during enrolment.
RPL process
How the Horizon2 RPL process works
Horizon2 provides information about RPL before enrolment and supports students to understand whether RPL may be an appropriate pathway.
Initial enquiry
Contact Horizon2 and let us know which qualification or units you are seeking recognition for.
Optional self-assessment
You may be invited to complete a self-assessment to help determine whether RPL is likely to be suitable.
RPL planning interview
An assessor discusses your experience, possible evidence, relevant units and available pathway options.
Evidence submission
You compile and submit evidence that supports your RPL application against the relevant units.
Assessment review
A qualified assessor reviews your evidence and may request further evidence, questioning or practical assessment.
Written outcome
You receive written feedback about the assessment outcome and information about appeal options where applicable.
Planning interview
What is discussed before assessment?
The RPL planning interview helps you make an informed decision about whether RPL is the right pathway. It also helps identify the type of evidence that may be required.
- Which units may be suitable for RPL
- Whether Credit Transfer may apply instead
- Whether another pathway may be more appropriate
- What evidence you may need to provide
- How the RPL assessment process works
- Your rights and obligations during assessment
Evidence requirements
Your evidence needs to support a sound assessment decision
Horizon2 applies the Rules of Evidence when reviewing RPL evidence.
Sufficient
Enough evidence is provided to support the assessment judgement.
Valid
The evidence relates directly to the skills and knowledge being assessed.
Authentic
The evidence can be confirmed as your own work or experience.
Current
The evidence demonstrates skills and knowledge that are still current.
Evidence examples
What evidence may be used?
Evidence requirements vary depending on the qualification, units of competency and your individual experience. In many cases, a combination of evidence will be required.
Your assessor may also ask you to complete a competency conversation, practical demonstration or additional assessment activity to confirm your current competence.
- Resume or employment history
- Position descriptions or duty statements
- Work records or workplace documents
- Examples of work products
- Records of workplace training
- Previous assessment or training records
- Performance appraisals
- Third-party reports from supervisors or managers
- Evidence of relevant unpaid or volunteer experience
- Workplace observation by an assessor, where suitable
Further evidence
What happens if more evidence is needed?
If your evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, your assessor may discuss other options with you.
Further evidence
You may be asked to provide additional work samples, documents, records or supporting information.
Further assessment
You may need to complete questions, a competency conversation, practical task or observation.
Gap training
Where competency cannot be demonstrated through RPL, training may be required for the remaining areas.
Our commitment
Fair, transparent and evidence-based assessment
Horizon2 conducts RPL assessments in accordance with its assessment system, the Principles of Assessment and the Rules of Evidence. Assessment decisions are made by qualified assessors and must be supported by appropriate evidence.
Common questions
Recognition of Prior Learning FAQs
Is RPL guaranteed?
No. RPL cannot be guaranteed before assessment. An outcome can only be determined after evidence has been reviewed against the relevant training product requirements.
Can I apply for RPL before I enrol?
Yes. Students are encouraged to discuss RPL before commencing training so that suitable pathways can be considered early.
Can RPL be granted for part of a unit?
RPL is awarded for whole units of competency. If only part of a unit can be demonstrated, further evidence, assessment or training may be required.
What is the difference between RPL and Credit Transfer?
RPL assesses prior skills and knowledge gained through experience. Credit Transfer recognises equivalent nationally recognised units that have already been successfully completed.
What happens if I disagree with the RPL outcome?
If you are not satisfied with an RPL assessment outcome, you may access Horizon2’s appeals process. Information about appeal options will be provided with the assessment outcome.
Will RPL shorten my course?
It may reduce the amount of training or assessment required, depending on the units recognised. This cannot be confirmed until assessment has occurred.
Recognition of Prior Learning outcomes are determined following assessment of evidence against the requirements of the relevant training product. RPL cannot be guaranteed prior to assessment. Where RPL is granted, outcomes are recorded in accordance with Horizon2’s assessment and certification processes.
Ready to discuss your experience?
Speak with Horizon2 about RPL
Tell us about your background and the qualification you are interested in, and we can help you understand whether RPL, Credit Transfer or another pathway may be suitable.