Recognition of Prior Learning

Welcome to JTI Recognition of Prior Learning Page

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

RPL is the formal process by which the skills and knowledge gained through work and life experience and outside formal training arrangements are formally recognised.

This process allows competency to be determined without the student being required to complete formal assessment tasks.  As a result of recognition gained for a unit, that particular unit will not be required to be included in the student’s course of study.

JTI has a process that has been structured to minimize the time and cost to applicants and provides a supportive approach to students wishing to take up this option.

The RPL processes used by JTI focus heavily on verbal verification of the student’s skills and knowledge along with observation of workplace performance (where possible).

JTI has a comprehensive RPL process for all courses and units within its scope of registration.  All students are provided with information on RPL prior to enrolment and offered the opportunity to take up this option during the enrolment process.

RPL can occur at any time during a course; however, it is best to commence the process at the start of a course to ensure appropriate arrangements are made for any training that is required and to avoid repetition.  The RPL process used by JTI is designed to minimize the amount of paper-based evidence required and incorporate ‘competency conversations’ and verification from third parties to form the basis of the evidence used in the RPL process.  This ensures the RPL process is an accessible option for candidates who are appropriately skilled and experienced.

RPL with Us

RPL Process at a Glance

The following steps need to be followed if a student wants to apply for RPL:

  • Step one: The student is to contact a JTI staff member (Trainer, Sales Representative or Office manager) to receive an RPL Application form and Steps for RPL factsheet.
  • Step two: Once the student has decided on the units they want an RPL, they need prepare an outline of the evidence to use to demonstrate their skills and knowledge for each of the units they are applying for RPL.
  • The evidence they provide needs to be verifiable, recent evidence of their work abilities, experience, and previous training as well as life experiences. Evidence may include but is not limited to:
    • Resume;
    • Position Descriptions;
    • Performance Reviews;
    • Job Applications;
    • Samples of work;
    • Photos;
    • Conversations;
    • Third Party Verification Report;
    • Informal training certificates;
    • Statements of participation and attainment for previous training;
    • Letters of support from professional references; and
    • Any other information that may be relevant to demonstrating your competency.
  • Step Three: Once the student has developed a basic evidence plan, they are to return the application form together with the documents collated to the Office Manager.
  • Step Four: The Office Manager will give the documentation to the Course Manager and once she/he verifies that the student qualifies for an RPL, the student will be asked to pay the registration fees. Thereafter an appropriate time will be organised for the student to meet with the assessor for the RPL itself to take place.
  • Step Five: The student will then participate in a number of interviews with a JTI assessor whose goal will be to verify the student’s competency in each of the units they have applied RPL for.  This may include one face-to-face interview with a range of evidentiary documents, or it may be a number of face-to-face interviews and workplace observation sessions.  As part of this process, the assessor will also discuss the student’s competence with at least two professional referees.

The assessor will work with the student to determine a plan for the RPL process that suits their particular needs and situation.

  • Step Six – If there are any areas where the student does not receive RPL for, he/she can participate in training to seal the skills gaps, in order for the student to achieve a full qualification.

Assessing RPL

From the assessor’s standpoint, when deciding whether a student may already have competency in a unit of competency, the following must be considered:

  • Is the student’s prior learning relevant to the course?
  • Are the student’s knowledge and skills current? Some fields of study change rapidly that a skill achieved in the past may no longer be relevant or acceptable.
  • Is it transferable? A skill should be applicable to a number of settings and situations.
  • Is it authentic? The student has to provide evidence, or demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skill.
  • Are their knowledge and skill appropriate to the level of the unit of competency or course?
  • Are the sources of evidence credible and verifiable?

JTI training and assessment staff will guide the student and assist them in identifying whether they have provided sufficient evidence for an RPL.

After the RPL Assessment students are obligated to pay the balance of the RPL tuition fees as specified before they receive their certificate.

Applicants who are unsuccessful in their RPL process have a right to formally appeal any RPL assessment, through the JTI Appeals Process.

Click HERE to contact us and find out how our Trainers and Assessors can assist you with this process.

Do not forget to collect and compile all relevant information about your life, educational and occupational experiences so that it can be used as evidence of your competency.

  • Share/Bookmark