Recognition of prior learning

ASQA is concerned about non-rigorous RPL especially in health, transport and trades-based qualifications which have considerable workplace health and safety impacts if students do not have requisite skills and knowledge currency. Our monitoring activities are focusing on these industries and considering evidence of compliance with practices relating to assessment and credit transfer and applying a range of escalating actions including issuing sanctions in response to non-compliance. 

Scan key points

• Data analysis indicates that some providers have issued RPL qualifications to students who do not possess the appropriate skills and competencies without gap training or assessment. This analysis is backed by reports from trade licencing bodies who hold concerns about the integrity of some qualifications issued by RPL. Licensing bodies have reported that some applicants have not been able to provide evidence to support competency granted through RPL.  
• The industries most vulnerable to abuse of RPL rely on trade-based qualifications which have considerable workplace health and safety dimensions, meaning unskilled workers pose a threat to life and limb. Licencing bodies in these areas have reported that some applicants have presented with qualifications that do not meet training package requirements.