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Recognition of Prior Learning 

Relevant standard: Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025

Obelisk Training is entitled to provide students with the opportunity to apply to have prior learning recognised toward a qualification or units of competency for which they are enrolled. 

Definitions 

Assessment 

The process of gathering evidence and making judgements on whether competency has been achieved to confirm that an individual can perform to the standard expected in the workplace, as specified in a training package or a vocational education and training accredited course.

Assessment only pathway

Student will be assessed using the normal assessment methods usually involving a form of knowledge assessment and observation assessment of the student performing the tasks required by the unit of competency. Assessment only pathway implies that the student demonstrated their prior competency as part of the enrolment process and therefore was approved not to participate in training but to move directly to undertaking the assessment.  

Training package

The nationally endorsed document that records the competencies required by different occupations and industries and describe how these competencies may be packaged into nationally recognised and portable qualifications that comply with the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Training product

AQF qualification, skill set, unit of competency, accredited short course and module.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The assessment of previously unrecognised skills and knowledge an individual has achieved outside the formal education and training system. RPL assesses this unrecognised learning against the requirements of a unit of competency, in respect of both entry requirements and outcomes to be achieved. By removing the need for duplication of learning, RPL encourages an individual to continue upgrading their skills and knowledge through structured education and training towards formal qualifications and improved employment outcomes. This has benefits for the individual and industry. Most importantly, it should be noted that RPL is just another form of assessment and requires the same application of policy and procedures outlined in the Assessment Policy and Procedure. 

RPL guidelines 

The following guidelines are to be followed when an application for RPL is received: 
  • Any student is entitled to apply for RPL in a course or qualification in which they are currently enrolled. 
  • Students may not apply for RPL for units of competency or qualification which are not included in Obelisk Training’s scope of registration. 
  • Whilst students may apply for RPL at any time, they are encouraged to apply before commencing a training program. This will reduce unnecessary training and guide the student down a more efficient path to competence. 
  • Students who are currently enrolled in a training program are eligible to apply for RPL in that program at no additional charge. 
  • Assessment via RPL is to apply the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence. 
  • RPL may only be awarded for whole units of competency.  

Forms of evidence 

RPL acknowledges that workplace skills and knowledge may be gained through a variety of ways including both formal and informal learning or through work-based or life experience.

In evaluating assessment evidence, we apply the following rules of evidence:
  • Sufficient,
  • Valid,
  • Authentic, and
  • Current.

Like assessment, RPL is a process whereby evidence is collected, and a judgement is made by an assessor or assessment team. The judgement is made on evidence provided by students of the skills and knowledge that they have previously learnt through work, study, life and other experiences, and that they are currently using. It also includes evidence to confirm a student’s ability to adapt prior learning or current competence to the context of the intended workplace or industry. 
Forms of evidence toward RPL may include: 
  • Work records
  • Records of workplace training
  • Assessments of current skills
  • Third party reports from current and previous supervisors or managers
  • Evidence of relevant unpaid or volunteer experience
  • Examples of work products
  • Observation by an assessor in the workplace
  • Performance appraisa
  • Duty statements
Many of these forms of evidence would not be sufficient evidence on their own. When combined together with a number of evidence items, the student will start to provide a strong case for competence. We reserve the right to require students to undertake practical assessment activities of skills and knowledge to satisfy ourselves of a student’s current competence. 

Short Courses 

For particularly short, low-cost courses, the process of conducting recognition of prior learning process will generally require the student to undertake more time and effort to prepare the recognition of prior learning evidence rather than simply attend a face to face assessment which only may require attendance for a few hours. For these short, low-cost courses, Obelisk Training will offer an assessment only pathway for those students who can demonstrate significant prior on the job experience or previous competency during the enrolment process. Students will be invited to attend assessment only activities usually at the same time as a group course is being delivered and the student will simply join in with the group and undertake assessment with the group.

This opportunity will be communicated to students in pre-enrolment information. 
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