FAQ

RPL is short for Recognition of Prior Learning. It is the process of turning your skills, knowledge and experience into nationally recognised qualifications. Being awarded qualifications through RPL means that you don’t have to study what you already know. Instead, you provide workplace examples that you already have the knowledge and skills that studying the qualification would give you. You may complete a RPL for one or all units of competency.

There are a number of steps to obtain RPL for one or more units of competency.

Suitability Interview

Prior to commencing an RPL pathway, learners will be required to complete a suitability interview to determine whether they are suitable to complete RPL for one or more units.

During the suitability interview, participants will be taken through the RPL process and expectations. At this point the instructor/assessor will ascertain any reasonable adjustments that would be required.

Third-Party Observation

Where a single third-party cannot confirm competency across the entire unit requirements, multiple third-party observations can be provided. Combined, all third-party observations must satisfy all requirements.

Body of Evidence

To validate your prior knowledge and experience through trainer competency mapping and recognition of prior learning it is necessary to provide a body of evidence that addresses the minimum requirements.

You will need to submit at least three pieces of evidence for each competency outcome. Evidence can be used for more than one element. Evidence may include workplace documentation such as emails, resumes, plans, design documents, presentations, sanitised papers, agendas meeting minutes, videos, and photographs.

You will need to provide copies of all the evidence provided. At least 50 per cent of the portfolio of evidence must be within five years of currency.

Do not submit evidence of any document that contains commercially sensitive or classified information. In the case where a candidate’s evidence is classified Cubic Defence Australia will provide reasonable adjustment to enable evidence of experience to be provided verbally one-on-one, which will be assessed as satisfactory or not yet satisfactory.

At least 50 per cent of the evidence must be able to be provided ensuring a maximum of 50 per cent of evidence can be assessed verbally. Where less than 50 per cent of the evidence can be provided physically with the assessment, the candidate may not be eligible for an RPL pathway.

Mapping Matrix

The mapping matrix is used to map competency and prior knowledge and experience to the unit to competency performance criteria, assessment ranges, performance evidence and knowledge evidence as required. To be deemed competent for the unit of competency along with the third-party observation(s) and body of evidence the mapping matrix needs to be thorough and clearly describe and substantiate prior knowledge and performance expertise.

You should be thorough and detailed in your responses providing as much evidence as possible. When providing responses provide a summary overview that demonstrates contextual understanding as well as the prescribed number of examples of practical application.

A micro-credential is a short course that addresses a specific area of study, with a focus on upskilling in a short timeframe.

A micro-credential is a great option if you want to try something new or build knowledge.

They are also a good way to demonstrate to your employer, or a potential employer, that you have skills in a particular area and are motivated to undertake professional development.

A skill set is a collection of abilities and knowledge that enables you to perform practical tasks.

A skill set can comprise one or more units of competency grouped together.

They can be non-accredited resulting in a statement of participation, or accredited resulting in a statement of attainment.

They typically take longer to complete than a micro-credential, and include assessment to demonstrate competence.

If you decidey to undertake a full qualification later you may be able to use the units completed in your skill set as credits towards your course, saving time and money.