A simple approach to RPL

Please note: There is an assessment fee of $200 required to be lodged with CSA prior to an RPL application being considered.

If your RPL claim is successful, the $200 assessment fee will be deducted from your course fees, however, if your RPL claim is not successful, the $200 is not refundable and will be considered as assessment fees for the RPL delivery process.

The RPL process can be exhausting, frustrating and stressful for both the Applicants and the RTOs. To get the best out of RPL, both the RTO and the Applicant need to be working towards the same goal:

The Applicant

Wants their skills, knowledge and experience to be recognised and to avoid any unnecessary work for areas they already feel competent in.

The RTO

Wants to ensure they do not breach the compliance requirements placed upon them as doing so could lead to serious consequences such as suspension or cancellation of their RTO status.

The aim of this RPL is to supply a tool that allows the Applicant to put their best case forward, and for RTOs to be confident in the evidence supplied.

What do you need to do?

Briefing Session

• Read the information kit with an assessor
• Fill out the Initial Assessment form to see which competencies you may demonstrate
• Arrange for employer and referee reports
• Fill out any permission forms that are required by the RTO

Collect Evidence

Your assessor will give you a specific list of evidence which may include:

• Supervisor Report
• Letters from employers
• Description of your recent work experience (last 3 years)
• Written work related references
• VIC WorkSafe Authority National Certificate of Competency
• Other licences and tickets
• Proof of ID (100 points) such as a licence, passport, rate notice
• Log books
• Photographic evidence of work you have completed
• Courses you have completed at work
• Originals of qualifications or certificates (which will be copied)

Planning Interview  

Have a conversation with the assessor about your experience, skills and knowledge and agree on an assessment plan

Perform Work Under Observation

Perform critical work activities while the assessor observes you

Assessment Interview

Provide evidence of your knowledge about how to perform in the qualification you are applying for by answering questions

Sufficient Evidence?

The assessor will identify if your skills, knowledge and experience matches all the competencies.  If there are gaps you can arrange for additional observation or interviews or you may need training

Receive Appropriate Certificate III in the field you are applying for

Once there is sufficient evidence you may be issued with a qualification.

Before applying, please understand that CSA will not accept an RPL application unless you have adhered to the following:

VALIDITY

Saying something is simply not enough

Documents like resumes are merely saying something in writing (statements) that need to be backed up by supporting evidence. How will you back up these statements?

HARD EVIDENCE

If it isn’t in writing, it doesn’t count

All evidence needs to be documented, and may included testimonies, reference letters etc, as long as they are recorded and validated. Validation means that they can be verified and proved beyond doubt.

CURRENCY

Everything needs to be current (up to date)

Just because you hold a qualification it doesn’t mean it’s acceptable. Things change and the applicant needs to demonstrate how they have maintained currency. How can you prove you have kept up to date?

OVERSEAS, NON-ACCREDITED, AND UNIVERSITY QUALIFICATIONS

These may not be measurable against Australian VET Qualifications

These qualifications may have different terminology, components, learning outcomes, or elements that we are simply unable to accurately map against the units in a VET course. If we can’t map it, we can’t award it.

YOUR OWN WORK

Your evidence needs to demonstrate your work, experience, knowledge and ability against AQTF requirements.

NON VET RECOGNITION

What your company or another organisation counts may not be enough or correct for RPL under the AQTF.

If we don’t know what it is, or can’t prove it, or can’t measure it against VET standards, it doesn’t count.

Tip to Keep In Mind: If you’re not sure, then you probably don’t do it!

YOU MUST PROVE THAT ALL OF THE ABOVE HAVE BEEN DONE TO MEET THE AQTF

REQUIREMENTS AND THAT THEY MEET TRAINING PACKAGE RULES

Please email us at info@csaa.com.au to request an electronic version of the RPL Application form.