Recognition of Prior Learning

1. Recognition of Prior Learning An AQTF auditor’s perspective By Sam McCurdy

2. Standard 8.2 – RTO assessments • The RTO must ensure RPL is offered to all applicant on enrolment • The RTO must have an RPL process that: • Is structured to minimise the time and cost of the application • Provides adequate information, support and opportunities for participants to engage in the RPL process

3. Examples of evidence required • Brochures, website information and other marketing materials, which include RPL information • Documented RPL policy and procedure • Evidence of effective RPL process implementation • Examples of evidence collected and decisions made • Letters to clients informing them of the outcomes of RPL assessment • Summary of evidence options to ensure the RPL assessment meets national standards for assessment

4. Examples of problems encountered by auditors • No information on RPL, included in the Student Information Handbooks or course marketing materials • No RPL policy and procedure documented • Insufficient guidance provided to students on the type of evidence required to enable valid assessment to be made • Information included, but no evidence of an RPL process being implemented • RPL decisions being deemed subjective due to an inadequate process being used • Insufficient evidence retained on file to justify certain RPL decisions • RPL and national recognition (Formerly mutual recognition) mixed together

5. RPL and National Recognition • RPL involves an assessment, which is based on a comparison of competencies gained in different ways. • It is like comparing “apples and oranges” and involves assessment against specified criteria to determine if they are sufficiently alike to allow an exemption to be given for the unit/module • National recognition involves comparing like with like and involves no assessment: • If the unit/module has the same code and title then an immediate credit can be awarded

6. Evidence of RPL required at an AQTF Audit • A clear RPL policy and procedure should be documented • Comprehensive information on RPL should be included in the Student Information Handbooks or course marketing materials • The application form and process to be used by student should be presented • Sample evidence of effective implementation of the RPL process should be available • Sufficient evidence should be made available to confirm that the RPL decision on each application. are based on assessments made by at least two qualified assessors • Accurate records should be maintained of all RPL assessment decisions and any appeals • RPL and national recognition processes should be clearly separated

7. Special RPL requirements for Government Funded Training Programs (GFTP) • RPL must be offered to all individuals on enrolment and prior to commencement of formal training • RTOs need to demonstrate that they encourage the uptake and streamline the delivery of RPL • RPL credits must be recorded on the student’s training plan and in the GFTP database • Evidence of the actual time taken to conduct the RPL process must be retailed for all applications • RPL assessments will be funded under GFTP up to a maximum of the nominal hours allocated to the unit/module • The RTO must be capable of substantiating the time taken to determine the RPL outcome

8. Special RPL requirements for TAA04 Training and Assessment qualifications • A special RPL procedure must be documented for applicants for RPL into the Certificate IV and Diploma of Training and Assessment • The procedure should build on the existing RPL procedure, but should refer to TAA04 supporting materials such as: • The VETWAYS RPL site at http://tls.vu.edu.au/cf/taa/rpl/haveCert.cfm • The mapping of current competencies using the self-assessment guide available from Innovations and business Skills Australia (IBSA) www.ibsa.org.au

9. Special RPL requirements for overseas students under CRICOS • Overseas students must be advised of and be able to access the RPL process, as it may affect the duration of their visa • A record of the student’s RPL must be signed by the student and a copy placed on their file • If RPL is granted before the grant of a visa, the RTO must indicate the actual net duration of the course on the eCoE issued for that student for that course • IF RPL is granted after the issue of the visa, the RTO must report the change in duration to DIAC via PRISMS • The RTO must ensure that the student maintains a full study load of at least 20 hours per week

10. Common non-compliance problems with CRICOS registered providers • Poor information on the RPL process • Inadequate records maintained of the RPL asessments • Record of the student’s RPL not being signed by the student and a copy placed on their file • RTOs not reporting the change in duration of a course due to RPL credits, to DIAC via PRISMS • RTO’s not adjusting the student’s study load to ensure that he/she maintains a full study load of at least 20 hours per week

11. AQTF2007 requirements for RPL • Standard 1.5 states that: “Assessment including RPL: • Meets the requirements of the relevant Training Package or accredited course • Is conducted in accordance with the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence, and • Meets workplace and, where relevant, regulatory requirements” • This means no real change to the existing requirements

12. National Code 2007 requirements for RPL • The main change to the requirements for overseas students under National Code 2007, which is to be implemented on 1 July, is the removal of the requirement for a minimum attendance of 20 hours per week • This has been replaced by a requirement that the student who is granted RPL credit is expected to complete the course in the reduced period of study, as reported through the eCoE or PRISMS

13. Questions Do you have any questions at this point?

14. Conclusion Thank you for your interest ?