INFORMATION SHEET 3.

1-1
Recognition of Prior Learning Assessment
Learning Objectives:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, you should be able to:

• Discuss the Recognition of Prior Learning Assessment

RPL assessment

The process includes an assessment of skills and knowledge against the elements and
performance criteria of the relevant unit.

Trainee's competence will be assessed against the following six criteria.

• Authenticity- Does the trainee have evidence of his skills and knowledge? (Include
formal qualifications, position descriptions, references and any other material to
support the claim. The evidence must be authenticated by the appropriate authority.)
• Currency- Are the skills and knowledge used in the work force now?
• Quality- Are the skills and knowledge at a standard appropriate for current
requirements as per Competency Standards?
• Relevance- Are the skills and knowledge relevant to the particular qualification?
• Transferability- Are the skills and knowledge gained elsewhere relevant to the
particular qualification?
• Validity- Can the applicant demonstrates a skill required for the course? (This may be
necessary or practical units)

The perceived benefits of RPL for participants;

• formal recognition of work and life skills

• elimination of redundant learning
• reduction in time spent in college
• boosted self-esteem
• more rapid access to higher paid and higher status jobs

The perceived benefits for the Training Institution:

• avoid wasting resources on retraining students who already

• possess relevant skills and experience
• maximising places for those people who need training
• in the longer term, closer liaison with industry
The perceived benefits for employer:

• speedier training of employees

• continuity of staff
• more effective and efficient use of skills in the industry resulting in a balance between
labour supply and demand
• employees' study leave requirements and time away from the workplace being kept to
a minimum

SELF-CHECK 3.1-1
Matching Type:

Column A Column B

• Does the trainee have evidence of his

skills and knowledge?(Include formal qualifications,
position descriptions, references and any other
material to support the claim. The evidence must be
authenticated by the appropriate authority.)
a.Validity
• Are the skills and knowledge used in the work force now?
b. Quality
• Are the skills and knowledge at a standard
appropriate for current requirements as per Competency Standards? c. Transferability
• Are the skills and knowledge relevant to
the particular qualification? d. Currency

• Are the skills and knowledge gained elsewhere e. Authenticity

relevant to the particular qualification?
f. Relevance
• Can the applicant demonstrates a skill required
for the course? (This may be necessary or practical units)

ANSWER KEY 3.1-1