Recognition of Prior Learning:
RPL for TAFE courses
The Recognition of Prior Learning process aims to determine whether you have existing skills or knowledge relevant to a qualification.
You don’t want to be taught about something you’ve already learnt, and through RPL you can demonstrate your competence and show us why you don’t need to go over old ground.
It may also be a useful tool if you’re a former Swinburne student who got part of the way through an undergraduate degree but never graduated.
Need more info?
Before you start
Prior to starting the process you should ask yourself the following questions:
- What informal or on-the-job training have I done that might be relevant?
- What activities have I done at work or in social or community based tasks?
- How recently did I learn my skills - can I still recall how to do them?
- How can I prove I can perform these skills or possess this knowledge?
The process - step by step
Pre-Assessment
Before you formally apply for RPL we’ll ask you to participate in a Self Assessment process or a Competency Conversation with the Recognition Access Point. These pre-assessment options will give you an idea of what your course requires and whether you have the experience to demonstrate relevant prior learning.
The Self Assessment tool is available from our Recognition Access Point.
What’s the Recognition Access Point?
The Recognition Access Point (RAP) is a "one-stop-shop" for RPL applicants. The objective of the RAP is to make the process clearer and ensure RPL assessments are processed in a timely manner.
You can contact the RAP on 9726 1519 or:
What if I’m already a Swinburne student?
If you’re already enrolled in a TAFE course at Swinburne and want to know if RPL will benefit you, you should talk to your school’s RPL Coordinator.
Interview and Enrolment
Planning Interview
The next step is the planning interview, which you’ll undertake with an RPL Assessor.
Based on the findings of the Self Assessment or Competency Conversation, the RPL Assessor will discuss what types of evidence you will need to successfully gain RPL for the unit or units you’re applying for.
A plan and timeline will be developed and you’ll be given an evidence guide to assist you in the next stage of the process.
Enrolment
Enrolment into the course you have chosen will occur at this stage.
Step 3 - Evidence Collection
Once you collect and organise your evidence, you’ll need to arrange a meeting with your RPL Assessor. This will give your assessor the chance to review your portfolio of evidence prior to the next stage of the process - the assessment interview.
Step 4 - Assessment Interview and Results
Assessment Interview
During this interview your assessor will provide feedback on your portfolio and ask questions to validate your evidence and check your knowledge and skills.
It’s at this point that you’ll find out whether or not you have demonstrated competence for the unit or units you’re applying for.
This interview may take place in your workplace if it provides the opportunity to better describe and demonstrate relevant job functions.
Gap Training
While in many cases your evidence will be enough to demonstrate your full competence, in some cases your assessor may determine there is a gap between what you know and what is covered in a unit or qualification.
In this case, you may have an opportunity to undertake training to ensure that your RPL application is successful. This is called gap training.
If gap training is required, your RPL Assessor will assist you to identify what it might involve.
Results
When competence is confirmed, you’ll be notified via My.Swinburne and receive a Statement of Attainment.You won’t be required to attend class or submit work for the units in which you’ve received recognition.
Costs for 2012
Achieving a qualification through RPL is a cost-effective process.
The fee schedule is based on course categories defined as below:
| What sort of student are you? | RPL Charges Guide |
Government subsidised place To be eligible for a Government subsidised place you may need to satisfy both citizenship and prior qualification criteria. This is dependant on your age as at 1 January, 2012. Am I eligible for a Government subsidised place? |
$0 |
Not eligible for a Government Subsidised Place? You may be able to enrol as a Full Fee Paying Student at the low cost of $3 per hour for each unit. |
$3 per unit hour |
I'm at Swinburne as part of an industry contract. |
The charges for RPL are determined as part of the contract negotiation with client. |
Enquiries
Application Information
If you have any questions about Recognition of Prior Learning, you can complete our online enquiry form:
Alternatively, you can contact the Recognition Access Point on 9726 1519 or:
Your feedback
If you have any feedback with regards to Recognition of Prior Learning or the process, you can complete our online feedback form:
Alternatively, you can contact the Recognition Access Point on 9726 1519 or:
