Frequently asked questions about recognition of prior learning
Who is a suitable candidate to have prior learning recognised?
Is recognition of prior learning the same as recognition of current competencies?
Is recognition of prior learning the same as credit transfer?
What kinds of skills and knowledge can count in recognition of prior learning?
How can I demonstrate my skills and knowledge?
Will recognition of prior learning save me money?
Can I receive recognition of prior learning for an entire qualification?
What if I don't receive recognition for an entire qualification?
I have completed some study either at TAFE or a private registered training organisation or university. Does this count?
I have done some in-house training for work, but did not get a certificate. Could this count for recognition of prior learning?
I am currently unemployed. Am I eligible for recognition of prior learning?
Who is a suitable candidate to have prior learning recognised?
The recognition of prior learning process suits anyone who is skilled and wants to gain formal recognition of their abilities with a nationally recognised qualification. The process could suit someone who has:
- work skills and knowledge
- paid or unpaid work experience
- life experience
- community work experience.
Is recognition of prior learning the same as recognition of current competencies?
Yes. Your prior learning can only be recognised in formal vocational qualifications if your skills and knowledge are current and meet today's industry standards. You must be able to demonstrate your skills and have them verified.
Is recognition of prior learning the same as credit transfer?
No. Credit transfer assesses the course or subject that the individual is using to claim credit for a unit in which they have enrolled. Credit transfer is about looking at the course and determining its equivalence to the studies that the individual has already completed. Some older courses and qualifications have already been mapped to the most current qualifications. See the Department of Education, Training and the Arts mapping guides.
Recognition of prior learning is an assessment process that assesses the individual's skills to determine whether they are already competent in the course or subject.
What kinds of skills and knowledge can count in recognition of prior learning?
- work and skills knowledge
- paid or unpaid work experience
- life experience
- community work experience.
How can I demonstrate my skills and knowledge?
Depending on the skills and knowledge required in each qualification, you may be able to provide evidence with:
- work samples
- practical demonstrations in the workplace
- assessment interviews
- references and support from your supervisors or others in your community
- a variety of materials:
- training certificates
- photos of work examples
- resumes
- performance reviews.
Will recognition of prior learning save me money?
Recognition of prior learning can cost less than training, and will save you time and help you to get to your career goals faster. There will be a cost involved for the skills assessment that the registered training organisation undertakes. This may vary from case to case. Talk to your chosen registered training organisation about the costs involved.
If you are in the building and construction industry, contact Construction Skills Queensland on 1800 798 488 or go to www.beconstructive.com.au to find out how you can be assessed and recognised for your skills.
Skilling Solutions Queensland offers eligible Queenslanders a subsidy towards the cost of recognition of prior learning through a network of public and private training organisations throughout the state. For an interview at one of the 16 centres across the state, call 1300 654 687 to locate your local SSQ centre or visit the website: http://www.skillingsolutions.qld.gov.au/
Can I receive recognition of prior learning for an entire qualification?
Yes. If your assessor believes that you have demonstrated competence in all units, you may be able to receive recognition for an entire qualification.
What if I don't receive recognition for an entire qualification?
If you do not receive recognition for an entire qualification, you will receive a statement of attainment for part of the qualification stating the competencies you have achieved.
If you desire, you can undertake training to complete the remaining requirements to gain the full qualification. Training options will vary between registered training organisations, and may involve flexible, workplace-based or classroom-based training, or a combination of these.
I have completed some study either at TAFE or a private registered training organisation or university. Does this count?
If you have completed some study and it is in a field similar to the area in which you are seeking recognition, you may receive credit transfer. If credit transfer is not possible because the courses are not equivalent, your course may be able to be used as part of recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide documentary evidence of your studies and details about the course and assessment.
I have done some in-house training for work, but did not get a certificate. Could this count for recognition of prior learning?
Yes. Relevant in-house training can be part of your evidence for assessment. If you have any documents related to the in-house training, you may bring these to the assessment. Your assessor may ask you or your employer some questions about the training and/or ask you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that you learnt during the training.
I am currently unemployed. Am I eligible for recognition of prior learning?
Yes. Recognition of prior learning is the formal recognition of a person's current skills and knowledge, no matter how, when or where the learning occurred. You will need to be able to demonstrate that your skills are up to date. Think about who can verify your claims for currently held skills.
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