Many people arrive in Australia with years of work experience but without an Australian qualification to show for it. Recognition of prior learning, usually called RPL, is one way of turning that experience into formal recognition.

This guide explains the idea in general terms. Every provider runs its own process, so always confirm the details with the provider you are considering.

What RPL is

RPL is an assessment of what you already know and can do, measured against the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. If you can show that you already meet some or all of those requirements, you may be granted those parts of the qualification without having to complete the training for them.

RPL is mainly used in vocational education and training (VET), the system that includes TAFEs and other registered training organisations (RTOs). Universities have similar processes, usually called credit or advanced standing.

RPL is not the same as other kinds of recognition

People often confuse three separate things:

  • RPL or credit towards an Australian qualification, decided by the training provider or university.
  • Skills assessment for migration, carried out by an assessing authority for a particular occupation. This is a separate process with its own rules.
  • Professional registration or licensing, needed for some occupations (for example many health professions and trades), decided by the registration or licensing body for that profession.

Success in one does not automatically give you the others. If your goal is to work in a regulated occupation, start by finding the body that registers or licenses it.

What the process usually looks like

  1. Talk to a provider. Ask whether they offer RPL for the qualification you want, and what it involves.
  2. Self-assessment. You are usually asked to compare your experience with the units in the qualification.
  3. Gather evidence. This can include certificates, transcripts, references from employers, position descriptions, examples of your work, and photos or videos of you working.
  4. Assessment. An assessor reviews your evidence and often talks to you, asks questions, or watches you demonstrate a task.
  5. Outcome. You may be granted some units, all of them, or be told which gaps you need to fill with training.

Tips for gathering evidence

  • Ask former employers for a reference that describes what you did, not just your job title and dates.
  • Keep originals safe and provide certified copies where asked.
  • If documents are not in English, ask the provider what kind of translation they accept before you pay for one.
  • Do not be discouraged by gaps. Partial recognition can still shorten the time and cost of a qualification.

Where to check

  • training.gov.au is the national register of VET qualifications, units and registered training organisations. You can check that a provider is registered and what it is approved to deliver.
  • The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is the national regulator for most VET providers, and publishes information for students.
  • For a regulated occupation, check the website of the relevant registration or licensing body.

Fees, timeframes and requirements vary between providers and change over time, so ask the provider for them in writing.

If you are not sure where to start, tell us your background and what you are aiming for. We can help you understand the options and introduce you to people who have been through it.