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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - Competency

Competency

The term “Competency” is critical when discussing training and assessment in Australia.  When defining competency in the Recognition of Prior Learning context, the following key points must be considered.

It is critical that you:

• provide evidence that demonstrates you consistently and regularly apply your knowledge and skills on the job;

• consistently meet the standard of quality performance required in the workplace, based on industry standards;

• have the ability to transfer and apply skills and knowledge across a range of job roles in your industry;

• can easily and readily adapt to new and changing situations and work environments; and

• can apply skills and knowledge that is relevant to the occupation in which you are currently employed.

Demonstration of Competency

This is the most critical aspect of any skills assessment process. You must be able to demonstrate competency before you will be issued with a Nationally Recognised Qualification. When preparing evidence for RPL, it is important to consider the following points. You MUST be able to show that you have:

• Demonstrated the ability to apply specific industry related knowledge & skills throughout your career;

• Consistently applied your experience and understanding over an extended period of time;

• Worked within your specialist industry in positions with reputable businesses;

• Worked in a sufficient range of work contexts / positions to demonstrate career progression;

• Ability to process simple information in the workplace (Cognitive processes) such as analyzing business information, developing ideas, decision making, problem solving and conflict resolution;

• Employability Skills that relate to those detailed in the relevant Training Packages; and

• Well developed executive level skills for advanced / complex analysis and application of information, systems and processes if working as a Manager or Executive.

Competency verifies that an Applicant has developed an acceptable level of skills, knowledge and understanding in order to meet industry benchmark standards. This would mean that they are able to adequately and successfully perform daily duties and meet responsibilities of a specific role in their industry field of expertise. These benchmarks are defined in the Units of Competency within the Training Package for each Nationally Recognised Qualification.

The Units of Competency for each qualification should be considered carefully during completion of the RPL process.

To achieve competency in RPL, Applicants must have experience (past or present) in industry fields relating directly to Qualification.  For instance, an Applicant seeking a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery must have experience as a cook.  An applicant seeking a Marketing Qualification must have experience working in a business and conducting marketing duties as part of their daily operations.

The competency standards that are applied to training and assessment in Australia are detailed in Training Packages that have been developed through consultation between Federal and State Government training bodies, Industry Skills Councils, Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s), business associations, corporate and industry stakeholders.  This ensures an integrated national approach for any Training Package development and uniformity in Qualifications that are issued in every state and territory of Australia.

Determinations of "Not Yet Competent"

Get Qualified Australia will assist you with professional support at every stage of the RPL process, ensuring you have the best opportunity to achieve the Qualifications you are seeking.

Assessors will ensure that the assessment process is reliable, fair, and flexible.  So if you are able to supply suitable evidence that is valid, current and sufficient, then a professional decision on your competency will generally be a straight forward process.

If Applicants are unable to provide sufficient evidence for an Assessor to determine competency, then the requirement for additional evidence may be fulfilled by completing various forms of "Gap Training".  Additional fees apply when this is required.

If you are unable to complete all Units of Competency successfully, you are still entitled to receive a "Statement of Attainment" listing the Units that you have successfully completed and been deemed "competent".  This can be used for direct credit transfers for any further qualifications that you would like to complete in the future.

If you have any concerns about the Assessment process, there are grounds for review and appeal via the Head Assessor and ASQA.  Throughout the RPL process, our Assessors will regularly conduct honest discussions with you, eliminating any need for this to occur.