Introduction

Exemptions are more commonly known as "Recognition of Prior Learning" or RPL at Challenger.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - YOUR FIRST STEP

WHAT IS RPL FOR?

Learning at school, a training institute or university isn’t the only way people gain skills and knowledge. Many highly skilled people have gained and developed their skills through different pathways such as paid employment, community work, volunteering and taking part in informal training.

Skills developed this way are very valuable to employers and communities. The people who have them have usually spent many years training in the workplace.

In times of changing employment, it can often be important to show skills to your next employer. That can be difficult when you do not have qualifications to show them. Having your skills formally recognised in a nationally accredited system can really boost your resume and open doors for new job opportunities. You can also use recognised skills as a way of getting into further training – perhaps in an entirely different career.

To have skills formally recognised assessors must make sure you have the skill to the industry standard. This means that you will need to provide evidence. You and the assessor will work together to identify what evidence you have, and to identify whether it meets the industry standard. You may find that you do have all the skills for a qualification, or the assessor might recommend some further training to help you to get one.

Recognition of skills does take time and money. It is an investment in yourself and could be your pathway to a better job.

STEPS IN RECOGNITION

Make contact with MPA Skills
Contact us on 9471 6600 to find out how the skills recognition process works. You may be provided with a self-assessment checklist for the qualification you are seeking recognition for.

Talk with an assessor about your skills and knowledge.

When you’ve had a chance to consider the self assessment, contact MPA Skills and we will set up an appointment between yourself and an assessor. This talk will be the first step in showing the assessor what skills and knowledge you have relevant to the qualification. Bring along any documentary evidence you may have to support your claim for recognition. For example: job descriptions, records of employment, references from employers and any other evidence that is relevant to the work that you do. You can bring someone with you if you feel they can help to support you in showing your skills.

What other evidence is required?

After evaluating your evidence, the assessor will make a judgment about what further evidence you might need to provide. This may involve observing you in the workplace or in a similar environment. It may also involve an assessor contacting employers/referees to confirm what you have told them. The assessor will only contact employers/referees with your approval.

Assessment is finalised

Once all of the evidence is gathered, the assessor will let you know which skills have been recognised. You may receive recognition for a full or part qualification. If you get recognition for part of a qualification, you will also find out what other training you require to get one in full.

TIPS AND HINTS TO HELP YOU SHOW YOUR SKILLS FOR RECOGNITION

In order to have skills formally recognised an assessor must make sure you have the skill to the industry standard. You will be involved in a careful and comprehensive process that covers the content of the qualification you are seeking recognition for.

Come prepared to talk about your job roles and your work history. If you have a current resume or position descriptions, bring them along. If you do not, you could jot down a few points about where you have worked, either paid or unpaid, and what you did there. The assessor will ask questions to help you talk about the right aspects.

Consider the possibilities of a workplace visit. Are you in a workplace that is supporting your goals to get qualified? Would you feel comfortable to have the assessor visit your workplace so you can show your skill first hand?

Think about who can confirm your skill level. Think about current or recent supervisors who have seen you work and will be able to confirm your skills. We may need to contact them or have them available during a workplace visit. You may have community contacts or even clients who can confirm your skills.

Collect any certificates from in-house training or other training you have completed. These can help to show how you have learned and demonstrated the skills.

Think about how you keep up with changes in the industry you are working in. Perhaps you have read industry magazines at lunchtime or attended information sessions. These can help show how you keep up with changes in your industry.

Think about anything else that helps to confirm your skill. These could be letters from employers or clients, workplace documents, photos, or other relevant documents. If you think it will help to show your skills then bring it along.

LIKE TO KNOW MORE?

For further information contact:
MPA Skills
106 Caledonian Avenue, Maylands WA 6051
Ph: (08) 9471 6600 STD (Freecall): 1800 623 733
Email: mail@mpaskills.com.au