Credit for previous experience
Recognition of existing skills
Credit transfer
Pre-vocational courses
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of work or training (trade recognition)
Recognition of overseas qualifications
Recognition of existing skills
When commencing or re-commencing a qualification, you may be able to apply for credit for previous service as an apprentice or trainee, or for relevant work experience. Any credit given should reduce the duration of your course.
If you are given credit for previous experience, your training provider will work with you (and if you are an apprentice or a trainee, your employer) to determine your training entry point when preparing your training plan. Previous experience or service may also allow you to receive credit transfer and/or recognition of prior learning for the competencies achieved.
For more information on applying for credit, read the fact sheet on credit for previous service or experience.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer recognises formal learning. Credit may be given for a completed course or subject which is equivalent to the learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards in another qualification.
Pre-vocational courses
If you have completed a pre-vocational course, you may gain credit when you commence a relevant apprenticeship. Credit for pre-vocational courses is usually given as 'time' credit, which reduces the duration of the apprenticeship. You may also not have to complete the training identified for wage level 1 of the apprenticeship. Pre-vocational credits do not apply to traineeships.
A listing of approved pre-vocational courses is available on this site. Information on pre-vocational credits that apply to individual apprenticeships can be accessed through the Queensland Training Information Service by searching a specific apprenticeship.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of prior learning, also referred to as RPL or recognition of current competencies, is the formal recognition of a person's current skills and knowledge, regardless of how, when or where the learning occurred.
For more information on recognition of prior learning, talk to your training provider or telephone the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts on 1800 210 210.
View more information about recognition of prior learning.
Recognition of work or training (trade recognition)
If you have been working in an apprenticeship occupation for a significant period of time (at least six years full-time after you turned 21 years of age), you may be eligible to have your existing skills recognised. This process of recognising existing skills is called 'recognition of work or training' or 'trade recognition'. If you think you may be eligible, this process should be undertaken prior to entering into an apprenticeship.
View more information about trade recognition.
Recognition of overseas qualifications
Recognition of overseas qualifications involves a general academic assessment of a qualification gained overseas compared to Australian educational standards. Applicants in Queensland must be existing Queensland residents.
View more information about recognition of overseas qualifications.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
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