Recognition of Prior Learning
How RPL Works
Your years of experience are worth something. RPL lets you prove it — and get formally qualified — without going back to study.
Start Your Free Skills CheckWhat is RPL?
Turn Experience Into Qualifications
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge and experience you've gained through work and life — and matches them against the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification.
If you have the required competencies, you receive formal credit or a complete qualification — without sitting in a classroom or taking time off work.
All qualifications issued through the RPL process are identical to those earned through traditional full-time study, and are recognised by employers, licensing authorities and government agencies across Australia.
TradeQualified by the Numbers
The Process
Your Step-by-Step RPL Journey
Getting qualified through RPL is simpler than you think. Here's exactly how it works.
Evidence Requirements
What Evidence Do I Need?
Evidence can take many forms. Your dedicated consultant will guide you through exactly what's needed for your specific qualification — it's often less than people expect.
Photos and videos of your actual work are one of the most powerful forms of evidence. These could be projects you've completed, your worksite, tools you use, or processes you perform.
Letters from current or previous employers confirming your role, responsibilities and duration of employment are highly valued by assessors.
Any formal training or qualifications you've already completed — even partial — can count towards your RPL assessment.
Your resume is a great starting point. It demonstrates your career history, roles, responsibilities and the breadth of your experience.
Samples of work you've produced — drawings, plans, reports, completed projects — can all serve as powerful evidence of your competency.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
RPL is a process that assesses your existing skills, knowledge and experience against a qualification's requirements. If you're competent, you receive the qualification — without full-time study.
Most candidates complete their RPL in 4–12 weeks, depending on the qualification and how quickly evidence is gathered. You continue working throughout.
Yes. Qualifications issued through RPL are issued by accredited RTOs and are identical to those earned through traditional study. They are nationally recognised under the AQF.