RPL, or Recognition of Prior Learning, is a process for getting formal recognition for the skills and knowledge you’ve already picked up in your past, like:
- Life experiences
- Previous formal learning
- Employment
- Recreational or personal interests
If you’ve already gained substantial knowledge and skills, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits, potentially covering some or all of your planned studies.
Steps in the RPL Process
Compliance with government regulations is essential, and we’re here to guide you through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process step by step.
- Expressing Interest
When enrolling, you must notify us if you wish to apply for RPL. This must be done at the time of enrolment—requests made later cannot be accommodated. - Providing Evidence
If you hold any relevant qualifications or competencies, ensure you submit copies of your certificates during enrolment. These will be assessed as part of the RPL process. - RPL Assessment Requirements
Our team will provide a list of the required evidence and the full curriculum. This will help you identify what you need to learn and what you want assessed under RPL. - Submitting Evidence
You will have two weeks prior to the start of your course to gather the necessary documentation for RPL assessment. Submit this evidence, along with the RPL Application Form (ZHST-RTO-0085), to Zero Harm Safety & Training’s Principal Consultant. - Assessment of Experience and Qualifications
The Principal Consultant and Training Consultant will evaluate your experience and qualifications against the course’s learning outcomes and competencies.- If your evidence meets the learning outcomes, full recognition will be granted.
- If further evidence is required, we will contact you to provide additional documentation. You may also be asked to attend an interview to elaborate on your experience, with a two-week deadline to supply the additional information.
- Outcome Notification
- If your application is successful, recognition will be granted.
- If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a letter detailing the decision. Should you wish to appeal, you must notify Zero Harm Safety & Training in writing within one week of receiving the decision.
- Appeals Process
You may request a review by a Subject Matter Expert. The costs for this process will be shared equally between you and Zero Harm Safety & Training.- You will receive a letter detailing the associated costs. Payment of your share must be received within one week of the request.
- The Subject Matter Expert will then review your application and provide a recommendation.
- A final decision will be communicated within two weeks of payment, and this decision is binding.
- Record Keeping
The completed RPL Application Form, along with all supporting documentation, will be securely filed. Details of your application will also be recorded in the RPL Assessment Register (ZHST-RTO-0086).