Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

RPL assesses your current skills and knowledge against the learning outcomes of a course or units, regardless of how and where the learning occurred. Competencies may have been attained through: " Study " Work experience " General life experience including voluntary work, domestic or social activities

Why apply and what's in it for you?

It is important to apply for RPL if you think your previous study and/or experiences might be relevant to the unit(s) in which you are enrolling.

The advantages of a successful application are:
   -     You won't have to undertake courses in which your competencies have been recognised
   -     You may complete your program more quickly

How do you apply for RPL?

1. Enrol in the course, including the units you are applying for RPL in.
2. Contact the relevant School to obtain unit information and advice regarding the type of evidence required.
   (The School RPL Officer may schedule an interview or an information session to discuss the process for collecting evidence.)
3. Once you have decided to apply for RPL, request an RPL application form.
4. Collect all the evidence to support your application.
   (Remember you will need to show that you have the skills and knowledge to cover all the elements and performance criteria for the unit(s) you are seeking RPL in. It is your responsibility to collect the evidence and arrange it in a logical sequence for the assessor.)
5. Complete the RPL Application Form and attach relevant supporting documentation and evidence.
6. Submit your application to the relevant School RPL Officer.
   (Evidence will be evaluated by an assessor and you will be advised of the outcome.)

Fees:

You must enrol in the units/modules you are seeking RPL for and pay the enrolment fee, student services and amenities fee. Material fees may also be payable.

If RPL is not granted you may choose to re-enrol and complete the unit/module by undertaking further study. You will be required to pay an additional enrolment fee, student services and amenities fee.

Types of Assessment:

The means of assessment will vary depending on the skills/competencies involved, but will generally comprise one or more of the following:

Examples of evidence:

The School will provide details on the evidence required to support your RPL application. The following is a guide to the type of evidence you may be required to present:

   -     Resume/curriculum vitae
   -     Position descriptions
   -     Other qualifications or parts thereof.
   -     Training journals
   -     Work journals
   -     Diary entries
   -     References/referees
   -     Portfolios
   -     Industry certificates
   -     Minutes of meetings
   -     Project reports
   -     Self Assessment
   -     Third party assessment
   -     Photos/videos
   -     Certificates from short courses or professional development

What is Credit Transfer?

A Credit Transfer is where evidence is provided that you have been assessed as competent in the same or equivalent unit/module of competency with another registered training organisation or in another course at the University of Ballarat.

Credit Transfer:

How do you apply for Credit Transfer?

1. Enrol in the relevant units of the course for the current year but not in the unit/module that credit transfer is being claimed for.
2. Complete an "Application for Credit Transfer".
3. Submit your application along with a verified copy of your original transcript or statement of results to the School RPL Officer.
   (Your application will then be assessed and you will be advised of the outcome.)

Fees:

No fees apply to Credit Transfers, however, if you are enrolled in a unit and are later granted a Credit Transfer for that unit you maybe entitled to a refund.

Result Codes:

The results for RPL and Credit Transfers will show on your Statement of Results with the following codes:

CY - Recognition of Prior Learning - granted
NG - Recognition or Prior Learning - not granted
CR - Credit Transfer - granted

Please note:

The granting of RPL or Credit Transfer may effect:
   -     VISA requirements for international students.
         For further information contact International Student Programs:
         Tel: +61 3 5327 9018
         Fax: +61 3 5327 9017
         Email: international@ballarat.edu.au

   -     Study load requirements for Austudy or Abstudy

   -     Professional registration requirements

Students in receipt of Centrelink payments must notify Centrelink of any changes in their study load as a result of a successful RPL or Credit Transfer.

The University is obliged to recognise the AQF qualification and statements of attainment issued by other registered training organisations.


For further information on RPL, please also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Information Guide.