Studying is a major commitment – thus why we want to help students get credit where and when it’s due. Here at Careerline, we acknowledge that many of our students may already have the skills and knowledge, gained through working, volunteering, or prior study, which could be directly relevant to the course. This is called “recognition”.
By applying for recognition, one could reduce the amount of time needed to study and acquire the qualification faster. Obtaining recognition also means building new skills, rather than repeating old ones.
How to Apply for Recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – recognizes the skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of the formal education and training system and how they may meet the requirements of your qualification. Your documents and qualifications will need to be certified, and if it is written in another language, you should provide certified translations of your qualification documents.
To apply for RPL, contact Careerline for an application form at info@careerlinecourses.com. Complete the form and submit it together with the scanned/photocopied documentation (processing fees may apply).
RPL towards a Higher Education Qualification
Skills, knowledge and experience may be assessed as equivalent to your course requirements. Depending on your circumstances and your submitted documents, you may be eligible for:
- Block credit – Credit for a whole year, a stage of a university or other higher education qualifications;
- Specified credit – Credit for having completed a course, including specified units of competency which match particular parts of the university qualification; or
- Unspecified credit – Credit towards some elective components of a university degree. These may equate to a whole year of study, but usually not the whole first year.
Do I Also Get TAFE/ AQTF/ USI credits?
All RTO’s within the Australian AQTF system are obliged to recognise any prior education, training and experience you have at the time of application for RPL with that RTO, however conditions may apply and RPL application procedures will need to be followed. Careerline’s courses are eligible to be submitted for RPL.
What if No Credit Transfer Agreement is Listed for My Course?
You may still approach any Australian university to negotiate your own credit arrangement. All education providers must meet the pathways requirements stated in the AQTF Pathways Policy, so ask them directly to Be Recognised!
Your supporting evidence will assist the assessor to map it to the unit(s) of competency (it is the quality of evidence that counts, not quantity), so please include any academic transcript copies verified by the original provider, or original or certified copies of other documentary evidence. You may also be required to undertake an interview, practical assessment or challenge tasks to demonstrate that your skills are current.
Supporting documents may include (list non-exhaustive):
- Portfolio or collection of assembled evidence that proves that you already have the skills and knowledge in the units or course for which you are seeking RPL. Information should include your job description, performance management report or annual reviews, minutes of meetings attended or conducted, work examples (reports, articles or samples of work), publications (if any), email or memo communication with clients or colleagues.
- Media – images, video or audio, which demonstrates communication, customer service or work skills.
- Certificates or course transcripts
- Life experience – Community group involvement, Hobbies, Leisure pursuits, Membership of a committee.
- Letters and references – Letters of validation from your employers, clients, community groups or tutor you have worked with.
- Resume or work history – Documented along with supporting examples and contact details, as some references may require a follow-up phone call.