Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Do you have the skills but not the qualification? Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) could be the pathway for you.
RPL is not the right pathway for everyone. Outcomes depend on the evidence you can provide and assessment by a qualified assessor.
Start with a Free Skills Assessment to find out if RPL may be right for you.
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that gives credit for the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through work experience, training, or life experience.
Instead of repeating training you already know, RPL recognises your existing competency. This can reduce the time and cost to achieve a qualification.
Every RPL application is assessed individually, and outcomes are based on the evidence you provide.
The Asset College Approach to RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that gives credit for the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through work experience, training, or life experience.
Instead of repeating training you already know, RPL recognises your existing competency. This can reduce the time and cost to achieve a qualification.
Every RPL application is assessed individually, and outcomes are based on the evidence you provide.
The Asset College Approach to RPL
At Asset College, our RPL process is:
Supportive
assessor-led, with guidance at every stage.
Compliant
assessors use their industry experience and knowledge of training package requirements to ensure outcomes meet the Standards for RTOs.
Practical
designed for busy professionals who may not have time for traditional study.
Simple
user-friendly RPL Kits written in plain English.
The RPL Process Explained
Free Skills Assessment
obligation-free check to see if RPL is a suitable pathway.
Application & Enrolment
once you decide to proceed, a 50% deposit is payable. You’ll receive your RPL Kit.
Complete Your RPL Kit
the kit is designed to guide you step-by-step and includes:
o Self-Evaluation
o Experience Statement
o Evidence Portfolio
o Competency Conversation Guidance
Submit Evidence
you have up to 90 days to return your kit and supporting evidence.
Assessor Review
our qualified assessors complete the mapping process.
Competency Conversation
usually takes 1–2 hours, longer if required, to confirm your skills and knowledge.
Quality Assurance Review
every completed RPL report is reviewed by our RPL Manager, QA Manager or additional Subject Matter Expert to ensure assessment decisions are consistent and compliant.
Outcome
depending on your evidence, you may be awarded the full qualification, partial recognition, or advised that RPL is not suitable.
Evidence for RPL
- Resumes, position descriptions, duty statements
- Workplace documents (policies, procedures, reports, rosters, logs, meeting minutes)
- Licences, permits, certifications
- Training records, prior qualifications, USI transcript
- References, testimonials, third-party reports
- Photographs, videos, or portfolios of work
- Records of professional development or workshops attended
Credit Transfer
If you’ve previously completed units that are identical or equivalent (as identified on training.gov.au), you may be eligible for a Credit Transfer.
Credit Transfer can be granted based on prior qualifications or via your USI transcript. These will be applied before assessing your RPL evidence.
How Long Does RPL Take?
Once you enrol, you have up to 90 days to complete your RPL Kit and submit evidence.
The overall time to complete RPL depends on how quickly you can provide your evidence. Our assessors can process applications faster if your submission is complete.
Fees for RPL
- 50% deposit is payable when you commence RPL (non-refundable, covers assessor time and report preparation).
- Final 50% is payable on completion, before your certificate is issued.
- Extension fees apply if evidence is not submitted within 90 days (see Student Handbook).
Outcomes of RPL
- Full Qualification Awarded - if sufficient evidence is provided for all units.
- Partial RPL - recognition for some units, with gap training or additional assessment for others.
- Not Eligible for RPL - usually only if no evidence or insufficient evidence is provided.
Completing the Free Skills Assessment increases your chances of receiving full or partial RPL as our assessors can provide you with guidance early in the process. If you are not granted full RPL, fees already paid will be credited towards the cost of studying the units. Please note that the cost of study is usually higher than RPL.
Qualifications with Limited RPL Availability
In these cases, while some recognition may be possible, you will still need to complete certain mandatory assessment tasks
For example:
- In NSW, Security Licensing Courses require mandatory face-to-face assessments.
- In QLD, Firearms Safety Courses require mandatory theory and practical assessments.
Outcomes of RPL
- Full Qualification Awarded - if sufficient evidence is provided for all units.
- Partial RPL - recognition for some units, with gap training or additional assessment for others.
- Not Eligible for RPL - usually only if no evidence or insufficient evidence is provided.
Completing the Free Skills Assessment increases your chances of receiving full or partial RPL as our assessors can provide you with guidance early in the process. If you are not granted full RPL, fees already paid will be credited towards the cost of studying the units. Please note that the cost of study is usually higher than RPL.
International Evidence
- Documents are in English, or provided with a certified translation.
- Evidence can be validated and authenticated.
It is the student’s responsibility to provide translations if required. International evidence can be more difficult to map due to verification challenges, and additional supporting information may be requested.
Support Throughout the RPL Process
Why Choose Asset College for RPL?
Award-winning RTO (Registered Training Organisation)
Assessor-led, supportive approach.
Assessors with extensive industry experience.
User-friendly RPL Kits written in plain English.
Flexible and responsive to student needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RPL?
How do I start the process?
What types of evidence can I provide?
How long does RPL take?
How much does it cost?
What if I don’t have enough evidence?
What support is available?
What if my evidence is confidential or private?
Can I use international evidence?
Yes, provided it is in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Additional information may be required to validate authenticity.
What happens if I don’t get full RPL?
You will receive partial recognition where possible, and any fees paid will be credited towards study options.
Can I partially RPL and partially study?
Yes. Where full recognition is not possible, you may study the remaining units to complete your qualification.
What about credit transfers?
If you have previously completed identical or equivalent units (as listed on training.gov.au), these will be applied as credit transfers before assessing RPL evidence.
I don’t know what qualification I want. Can I still apply?
Yes. If you’re unsure, complete a Free Skills Assessment and our assessors will recommend suitable qualifications.
Get Started with RPL
Ready to take the next step?
Disclaimer
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is subject to evidence and assessment by qualified assessors. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed in advance. Asset College complies with the Standards for RTOs and all assessment decisions are final.
Third-Party RPL Arrangements
Asset College works with trusted partners including 3CIR (supporting Defence and Emergency Services members) and Skills Certified (general applicants). RPL applications via these partners or directly to Asset College are welcome and we are here to support you either way.
Whether you enrol directly with Asset College or via a partner, all final RPL assessment decisions are made by Asset College.