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When enrolling in Vocational Education and Training (VET), you can get credit for previous study or work experience.

Credit transfer

If your course contains a unit you’ve already completed through VET or higher education, you can transfer credit. 

You’ll need to show formal evidence, such as a qualification certificate, and if granted, you won’t have to repeat the unit.

To receive credit transfer, you must provide formal evidence such as:

Once credit is granted, you won’t need to repeat training or assessment for that unit. 

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

RPL recognises the skills you’ve gained through previous training, work, or life experience and provides a robust framework to have ensure people can have their skills recognised.

You’ll need to provide evidence, for example:

  • work samples

  • training records

  • employer references.

Evidence is compared with course requirements. A qualified assessor compares your skills and knowledge against the course requirements and if acceptable, you might get full or partial credit. If it doesn’t meet requirements, the provider may offer extra training.

You should expect them to demonstrate how they have undertaken that assessment and mapping, and you can challenge RPL decisions you think are unfair.

Don’t settle for shortcuts and be alert to poor practices, such as inadequate assessment, and unethical or misleading marketing for recognition of prior learning and outsourcing assessment to unregulated third parties. 

ASQA has the power to cancel a student’s qualification if there is evidence that it was issued without the proper training and assessment. 

On this page

 

What to expect when seeking RPL  

You should expect significant engagement with your RTO when you have applied for RPL.  

Here’s what to expect during a quality RPL process:

  • Clear – you should be given information upfront about how RPL works and what is required
  • Fair – your individual circumstances must be considered
  • Flexible – different types of evidence can be accepted
  • Valid and reliable – judgements must be based on course requirements and applied consistently. 

Evidence you may be asked to provide

To show your competency, some examples of evidence you may need to submit:

  • work samples or portfolios
  • training records or certificates
  • employer declarations or references.

If evidence supplied is insufficient  

If your evidence does not fully meet the requirements, your provider may offer additional training or support to complete the remaining units. 

Your rights

As a student, you have the right to:

  • be informed about the RPL process
  • receive support throughout your assessment
  • ask questions and seek clarification
  • challenge the outcome if you believe it is unfair.

Training providers must offer credit transfer and RPL

Your training provider must give you the opportunity to apply for credit transfer and RPL, unless course rules or licensing requirements prevent it. 
 

Additional Resources